Fast Facts

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The Peace Corps works alongside partners around the world on locally prioritized projects that address communities’ most pressing challenges.

History

  • Peace Corps officially established: March 1, 1961
  • Americans who have served: More than 240,000
  • Host countries served to date: 143

Stats from 2019

Due to COVID-19, nearly 7,000 Volunteers returned to the United States in March 2020. In March 2022, Peace Corps host communities started receiving Volunteers again. Data below reflects the last time the Peace Corps was at full operations in 2019.


Countries where Volunteers served in 2019:

Percentage of Volunteers serving in 2019 by region
Percentage of Volunteers serving in 2019 by region -- may not total 100% due to rounding.
  • Africa: 45%
  • Central and South America: 19%
  • Eastern Europe and Central Asia: 13%
  • Asia: 12%
  • Caribbean: 5%
  • Pacific Islands: 4%
  • North Africa and Middle East: 4%


Sectors where Volunteers served in 2019:

Percentage of Volunteers serving in 2019 by sector
Percentage of Volunteers serving in 2019 by sector -- may not total 100% due to rounding.
  • Education: 42%
  • Health: 20%
  • Youth in Development: 12%
  • Agriculture: 9%
  • Community Economic Development: 8%
  • Environment: 7%
  • Peace Corps Response: 2%