5,690 in Peru (2000). 2,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 6,000.
Loreto region: Iquitos to Brazil border; northeast Amazon river area.
6b (Threatened). Recognized language (1993, Constitution, Article 48).
Children who live near big mixed villages usually no longer acquire Yagua, but those that live in more isolated areas still do (Crevels 2007). Many monolingual speakers in isolated areas. Most along main rivers prefer that children learn Spanish [spa]. All domains. Some use in religious ceremonies and services. Mixed attitudes. Also use Spanish [spa].
Latin script [Latn].
Some go to urban centers like Iquitos for economic reasons, and occasionally to Brazil. Christian, traditional religion.