Saénz Peña-Chaco |
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The following is prepared by a life time resident of the province of Chaco. Saenz Peña is the second largest city in the province (state) of Chaco with a population of 80,000. There is a large diversity of races: Europeans, including Czechoslovakians, Germans, Italians, Spaniards and Russians, and the native Indians of the tobas, wichies, and movcovies tribes. The largest portion of cotton and the largest variety, and the best quality of lumber for furniture, comes from this area. Few people own their own house or land, or have access to medical attention. The majority does not even have their basic needs met. 60% are illiterate and Saenz Pena has the highest infant mortality rate in the province and the country (37 deaths to 1000 births). They have a high maternal death rate, alcoholism, many single mothers and children with malnutrition are very common. Unemployment and low incomes result in illiteracy and violence with the spin-off of juvenile delinquency, prostitution, drugs and the exploitation of children. |
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Saenz Peña is situated 168 kilometers from the capital city of Resistencia. There is a hospital with a 200 bed capacity and receives patients from all over the province. Tuberculosis and malnutrition attribute to a good number of deaths each year. |
| Many of the Native Argentine Criollos live and work near here, but they are not the ones driving cars or with good paying jobs. The Criollos can be easily identified by their horse drawn carts called carritos. The Criollos can be seen hauling trash, sweeping the street, and sometimes bringing fresh vegetables to the open-air markets in town. Others find seasonal work at the cotton gin located at the southern edge of town. |
