Country Profile: Nicaragua

Nicaragua, located in Central America, is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, positioned between Costa Rica and Honduras. The country has a population of approximately 6.7 million people, predominantly residing in the western region, particularly in the capital city of Managua. Nicaragua's economy has experienced fluctuations, transitioning from nearly two decades of growth to facing challenges from political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters. The governance of Nicaragua has seen significant centralization of power under President Daniel Ortega, raising concerns over democratic integrity.

Geography

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, featuring diverse geography that includes extensive Atlantic coastal plains and central interior mountains, along with an impressive coastline of 910 kilometers. The country spans an area of 130,370 square kilometers, with significant natural resources such as gold, silver, copper, and fish. Its climate is predominantly tropical in lowlands and cooler in the highlands, making it prone to natural hazards like earthquakes and hurricanes.

130,370 sq km - Total area of Nicaragua.
910 km - Length of Nicaragua's coastline.
42.3% - Percentage of land used for agriculture as of 2022.
2,085 m - Highest point in Nicaragua, Mogoton.

People and Society

Nicaragua has a population estimated at 6,676,948 in 2024, characterized by a majority Mestizo ethnic group (69%), followed by White (17%), Black (9%), and Indigenous (5%). Spanish is the official language, spoken by 99.5% of the population, while the predominant religions include Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. The median age is 29 years, with a population growth rate of 0.95%, reflecting ongoing demographic changes.

6,676,948 - Estimated population in 2024.
59.8% - Percentage of urban population in 2023.
16.4 births/1,000 - Birth rate as of 2024.
74.7 years - Life expectancy at birth in 2024.

Economy

Nicaragua is categorized as a low-income economy, facing significant challenges from political instability and natural disasters. Following years of growth, the economy has contracted, with remittances playing a critical role, constituting 26.6% of GDP in 2024. The country is reliant on agriculture, which accounts for 14.4% of GDP, and has a burgeoning service sector.

$52.989 billion - Projected real GDP in 2024.
4.6% - Estimated unemployment rate for 2024.
14.4% - Share of agriculture in GDP for 2024.
24.9% - Population below the poverty line as of 2016.

Government

Nicaragua operates as a presidential republic, with President Daniel Ortega in power since 2007 and significant control over government institutions. The National Assembly is unicameral and comprises 91 members elected through a system of proportional representation. The most recent contentious elections in 2021 saw Ortega re-elected amid widespread reports of irregularities and repression against opposition groups.

15 September 1821 - Date of independence from Spain.
91 - Total number of seats in the National Assembly.
54.9% - Percentage of women in the National Assembly as of recent elections.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Nicaragua, which include the Land, Naval, and Air Forces, number approximately 12,000 active personnel. The military plays a crucial role in domestic security and external defense, reporting directly to the president. Recent military expenditures have been around 0.5% of GDP, with ongoing equipment challenges and a reliance on older Russian and Soviet-era military assets.

0.5% of GDP - Military expenditures as of 2024.
12,000 - Estimated number of active military personnel in 2025.

Energy

Nicaragua's energy sector is diversifying, with electricity generation comprising a mix of fossil fuels, hydroelectricity, and renewables such as wind and geothermal. In 2022, approximately 86.5% of the population had access to electricity, with urban areas achieving complete electrification. The installed generating capacity is approximately 1.849 million kW as of 2023.

86.5% - Electrification rate for total population as of 2022.
1.849 million kW - Installed electricity generating capacity in 2023.

Environment

Nicaragua faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The government is engaged in multiple international agreements addressing biodiversity, climate change, and environmental protection. Urbanization and agricultural practices are contributing to significant land use changes and environmental degradation.

42.3% - Land used for agriculture as of 2022.
16 micrograms/m³ - Particulate matter emissions in 2019.

Transportation

Nicaragua has a transportation infrastructure that includes 39 airports and several seaports primarily for cargo. The civil aviation sector is regulated, and the country has an active merchant marine comprising various types of vessels. Key ports include Bluefields and Corinto.

39 - Total number of airports by 2025.
5 - Total number of ports as of 2024.

Communications

The communication sector in Nicaragua features a growing number of mobile cellular subscriptions, with 7.22 million services reported in 2023. Internet access stands at 58% of the population, indicating a gradual digital penetration across the country.

7.22 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2023.
58% - Percentage of internet users in 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,676,948	Estimated for 2024
Area	130,370 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$52.989 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	16.4 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	74.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Electrification Rate	86.5%	Estimated for 2022
Military Expenditures	0.5% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Remittances as GDP	26.6%	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	59.8%	Estimated for 2023