About Peace Corps

The following information is from the Peace Corps website. 

“As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers work at the grassroots level toward sustainable change that lives on long after their service—at the same time becoming global citizens and serving their country. When they return home, Volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences—and a global outlook—that enriches the lives of those around them.”

The 3 goals of Peace Corps

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served
• To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of American

Fast Facts

History

Peace Corps officially established:

March 1, 1961

Americans who have served:

More than 220,000

Host countries served to date:

140

Volunteers

Current number of Volunteers and Trainees:

6,919

Gender:

63% female, 37% male

Marital Status:

95% single, 5% married

Minorities:

28% of Volunteers*

Average Age:

28

Volunteers over age 50:

7%

Countries and Projects

Current number of countries served:

63 countries

Volunteers by Work Area

Education: 37%

Health: 24%

Environment: 10%

Youth in Development: 10%

Community Economic Development: 9%

Agriculture: 6%

Peace Corps Response: 4%

Where Volunteers Serve

Africa: 45%

Latin America: 22%

Eastern Europe/Central Asia: 10%

Asia: 12%

The Caribbean: 4%

North Africa/Middle East: 3%

Pacific Islands: 3%

Budget

Fiscal year 2013 budget:

$356.25 million

Fiscal year 2014 budget:

$379 million

Peace Corps Director

Carrie Hessler-Radelet (Western Samoa 1981-1983)