Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Nicaragua
la République du Nicaragua
CapitalManagua
Population7,007,502
GDP$22.2bn
Area120,340 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821, and the country became an independent republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in subsequent decades. By 1978, violent opposition to governmental manipulation and corruption resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought a civil-military coalition to power in 1979, spearheaded by Marxist Sandinista guerrillas led by Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra. Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador prompted the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista Contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s.
After losing free and fair elections in 1990, 1996, and 2001, ORTEGA was elected president in 2006, 2011, 2016, and most recently in 2021. Municipal, regional, and national-level elections since 2008 have been marred by widespread irregularities. Democratic institutions have lost their independence under the ORTEGA regime as the president has assumed full control over all branches of government, as well as cracking down on a nationwide pro-democracy protest movement in 2018 and shuttering over 3,300 civil society organizations between 2018 and 2024. In the lead-up to the 2021 presidential election, authorities arrested over 40 individuals linked to the opposition, including presidential candidates, private sector leaders, NGO workers, human rights defenders, and journalists. Only five lesser-known presidential candidates from mostly small parties allied to ORTEGA's Sandinistas were allowed to run against ORTEGA. He then awarded the Sandinistas control of all 153 of Nicaraguan municipalities in the 2022 municipal elections, consolidating one-party rule.
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2018After losing free and fair elections in 1990, 1996, and 2001, ORTEGA was elected president in 2006, 2011, 2016, and most recently in 2021. Municipal, regional, and national-level elections since 2008 have been marred by widespread irregularities. Democratic institutions have lost their independence under the ORTEGA regime as the president has assumed full control over all branches of government, as well as cracking down on a nationwide pro-democracy protest movement in 2018 and shuttering over 3,300 civil society organizations between 2018 and 2024. In the lead-up to the 2021 presidential election, authorities arrested over 40 individuals linked to the opposition, including presidential candidates, private sector leaders, NGO workers, human rights defenders, and journalists. Only five lesser-known presidential candidates from mostly small parties allied to ORTEGA's Sandinistas were allowed to run against ORTEGA. He then awarded the Sandinistas control of all 153 of Nicaraguan municipalities in the 2022 municipal elections, consolidating one-party rule.
Geography
Location
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total: 130,370 sq km
land: 119,990 sq km
water: 10,380 sq km
land: 119,990 sq km
water: 10,380 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than New York State
Land boundaries
total: 1,253 km
border countries: Costa Rica 313 km; Honduras 940 km
border countries: Costa Rica 313 km; Honduras 940 km
Coastline
910 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: natural prolongation
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: natural prolongation
Climate
tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands
Terrain
extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes
Elevation
highest point: Mogoton 2,085 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 298 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 298 m
Natural resources
gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish
Land use
agricultural land: 42.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 12.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 27.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 40.1% (2023 est.)
other: 17.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 12.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 27.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 40.1% (2023 est.)
other: 17.6% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,990 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lago de Nicaragua - 8,150 sq km; Lago de Managua - 1,040 sq km
Population distribution
the overwhelming majority of the population resides in the western half of the country, with much of the urban growth centered in the capital city of Managua; coastal areas also show large population clusters
Natural hazards
destructive earthquakes; volcanoes; landslides; extremely susceptible to hurricanes
volcanism: significant volcanic activity; Cerro Negro (728 m) is one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes; its lava flows and ash have been known to cause significant damage to farmland and buildings; other historically active volcanoes include Concepcion, Cosiguina, Las Pilas, Masaya, Momotombo, San Cristobal, and Telica
volcanism: significant volcanic activity; Cerro Negro (728 m) is one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes; its lava flows and ash have been known to cause significant damage to farmland and buildings; other historically active volcanoes include Concepcion, Cosiguina, Las Pilas, Masaya, Momotombo, San Cristobal, and Telica
Geography - note
largest country in Central America; contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Nicaraguan(s)
adjective: Nicaraguan
adjective: Nicaraguan
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 69%, White 17%, Black 9%, Indigenous 5%
Languages
Languages: Spanish (official) 99.5%, Indigenous 0.3%, Portuguese 0.1%, other 0.1% (2020 est.)
major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: English and indigenous languages found on the Caribbean coast
Reference: 2020major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: English and indigenous languages found on the Caribbean coast
Religions
Roman Catholic 44.9%, Protestant 38.7% (Evangelical 38.2, Adventist 0.5%), other 1.2%, (includes Jehovah's Witness and Church of Jesus Christ), believer but not belonging to a church 1%, agnostic or atheist 0.4%, none 13.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Age structure
0-14 years: 25.1% (male 855,256/female 818,714)
15-64 years: 68.9% (male 2,240,297/female 2,360,244)
65 years and over: 6% (2024 est.) (male 178,347/female 224,090)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 68.9% (male 2,240,297/female 2,360,244)
65 years and over: 6% (2024 est.) (male 178,347/female 224,090)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 45.1 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 36.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.4 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 36.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.7 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.4 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 29 years (2024 est.)
male: 28.1 years
female: 29.9 years
Reference: 2024male: 28.1 years
female: 29.9 years
Population growth rate
0.95% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
16.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
the overwhelming majority of the population resides in the western half of the country, with much of the urban growth centered in the capital city of Managua; coastal areas also show large population clusters
Major urban areas - population
1.095 million MANAGUA (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.2 years (2011/12 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Reference: 2011note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Maternal mortality ratio
60 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.89 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.68 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Reference: 2018Hospital bed density
0.9 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
unimproved: rural: rural: 33.5% of population
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.7% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 3.69 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 1.57 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 1.57 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
56% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 12 years (2023 est.)
male: 12 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 12 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs: 89 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Daniel Ortega | — | 2007-01-10 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Daniel Ortega | — | 2007-01-10 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua
conventional short form: Nicaragua
local long form: República de Nicaragua
local short form: Nicaragua
etymology: 16th-century Spanish explorer Gil GONZALEZ Davila is said to have combined the name of a local chieftain, Nicarao, with the Spanish word agua (water), referring to the two large lakes in the west of the country (Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua)
conventional short form: Nicaragua
local long form: República de Nicaragua
local short form: Nicaragua
etymology: 16th-century Spanish explorer Gil GONZALEZ Davila is said to have combined the name of a local chieftain, Nicarao, with the Spanish word agua (water), referring to the two large lakes in the west of the country (Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua)
Capital
name: Managua
geographic coordinates: 12 08 N, 86 15 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from Lake Managua, whose name is composed of the Guaraní words ama (rain) and nagua (spirit) and refers to a local deity
geographic coordinates: 12 08 N, 86 15 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name comes from Lake Managua, whose name is composed of the Guaraní words ama (rain) and nagua (spirit) and refers to a local deity
Administrative divisions
15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 2 autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region autonoma); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Costa Caribe Norte*, Costa Caribe Sur*, Estelí, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas
Legal system
civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 19 November 1986, effective 9 January 1987
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or assent of at least half of the National Assembly membership; passage requires approval by 60% of the membership of the next elected Assembly and promulgation by the president of the republic
Reference: 1987, 1986amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or assent of at least half of the National Assembly membership; passage requires approval by 60% of the membership of the next elected Assembly and promulgation by the president of the republic
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no, except in cases where bilateral agreements exist
residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no, except in cases where bilateral agreements exist
residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years
Suffrage
16 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007)
head of government: President Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified plurality vote for a 6-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 7 November 2021
election results: 2021: Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra reelected president for a fourth consecutive term; percent of vote - Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 75.9%, Walter ESPINOZA (PLC) 14.3%, Guillermo OSORNO (CCN) 3.3%, Marcelo MONTIEL (ALN) 3.1%, other 3.4%
2016: Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra reelected president for a third consecutive term; percent of vote - Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 72.4%, Maximino RODRIGUEZ (PLC) 15%, Jose del Carmen ALVARADO (PLI) 4.5%, Saturnino CERRATO Hodgson (ALN) 4.3%, other 3.7%
expected date of next election: 1 November 2026
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2026, 2021, 2016, 2007head of government: President Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified plurality vote for a 6-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 7 November 2021
election results: 2021: Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra reelected president for a fourth consecutive term; percent of vote - Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 75.9%, Walter ESPINOZA (PLC) 14.3%, Guillermo OSORNO (CCN) 3.3%, Marcelo MONTIEL (ALN) 3.1%, other 3.4%
2016: Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra reelected president for a third consecutive term; percent of vote - Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 72.4%, Maximino RODRIGUEZ (PLC) 15%, Jose del Carmen ALVARADO (PLI) 4.5%, Saturnino CERRATO Hodgson (ALN) 4.3%, other 3.7%
expected date of next election: 1 November 2026
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 91 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 11/7/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) (75); Liberal and Constitutionalist Party (PLC) (9); Other (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 54.9%
expected date of next election: November 2026
Reference: 2026, 2021legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 91 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 11/7/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) (75); Liberal and Constitutionalist Party (PLC) (9); Other (6)
percentage of women in chamber: 54.9%
expected date of next election: November 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 16 judges organized into administrative, civil, criminal, and constitutional chambers)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges elected by the National Assembly to serve 5-year staggered terms
subordinate courts: Appeals Court; first instance civil, criminal, and labor courts; military courts are independent of the Supreme Court
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges elected by the National Assembly to serve 5-year staggered terms
subordinate courts: Appeals Court; first instance civil, criminal, and labor courts; military courts are independent of the Supreme Court
Political parties
Alliance for the Republic or APRE
Alternative for Change or AC (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Autonomous Liberal Party or PAL
Caribbean Unity Movement or PAMUC
Christian Unity Party or PUC (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Independent Liberal Party or PLI
Liberal Constitutionalist Party or PLC
Moskitia Indigenous Progressive Movement or MOSKITIA PAWANKA (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Multiethnic Indigenous Party or PIM (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Nationalist Liberal Party or PLN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance or ALN
Nicaraguan Party of the Christian Path or CCN
Nicaraguan Resistance Party or PRN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Sandinista National Liberation Front or FSLN
Sons of Mother Earth or YATAMA
The New Sons of Mother Earth Movement or MYATAMARAN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Alternative for Change or AC (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Autonomous Liberal Party or PAL
Caribbean Unity Movement or PAMUC
Christian Unity Party or PUC (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Independent Liberal Party or PLI
Liberal Constitutionalist Party or PLC
Moskitia Indigenous Progressive Movement or MOSKITIA PAWANKA (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Multiethnic Indigenous Party or PIM (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Nationalist Liberal Party or PLN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance or ALN
Nicaraguan Party of the Christian Path or CCN
Nicaraguan Resistance Party or PRN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Sandinista National Liberation Front or FSLN
Sons of Mother Earth or YATAMA
The New Sons of Mother Earth Movement or MYATAMARAN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Sammia Alicia HODGSON MCKENZIE (since 3 June 2025)
chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570
FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545
email address and website: mperalta@cancilleria.gob.ni
United States of America | ConsuladoDeNicaragua.com
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570
FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545
email address and website: mperalta@cancilleria.gob.ni
United States of America | ConsuladoDeNicaragua.com
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Kevin Michael O'REILLY (since 28 June 2023)
embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua
mailing address: 3240 Managua Place, Washington DC 20521-3240
telephone: [505] 2252-7100,
FAX: [505] 2252-7250
email address and website: ACS.Managua@state.gov
https://ni.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua
mailing address: 3240 Managua Place, Washington DC 20521-3240
telephone: [505] 2252-7100,
FAX: [505] 2252-7250
email address and website: ACS.Managua@state.gov
https://ni.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue, with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has a triangle with the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA in an arc over it and AMERICA CENTRAL in an arc underneath
meaning: blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and white for the land between the two bodies of water
history: the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America
note: note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which has a round emblem; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars in an "X" pattern centered on the white band
meaning: blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and white for the land between the two bodies of water
history: the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America
note: note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which has a round emblem; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars in an "X" pattern centered on the white band
National symbol(s)
turquoise-browed motmot (bird)
National color(s)
blue, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Salve a ti, Nicaragua" (Hail to Thee, Nicaragua)
lyrics/music: Salomon Ibarra MAYORGA/traditional, arranged by Luis Abraham DELGADILLO
history: music was approved in 1918 and the lyrics in 1939
Reference: 1939, 1918lyrics/music: Salomon Ibarra MAYORGA/traditional, arranged by Luis Abraham DELGADILLO
history: music was approved in 1918 and the lyrics in 1939
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Ruins of León Viejo; León Cathedral
selected World Heritage Site locales: Ruins of León Viejo; León Cathedral
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicaragua official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asamblea Nacional de Nicaragua | — | 92 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
low-income Central American economy; until 2018, nearly 20 years of sustained GDP growth; recent struggles due to COVID-19, political instability, and hurricanes; significant remittances; increasing poverty and food scarcity since 2005; sanctions limit investment
Reference: 2018, 2005Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $52.989 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $51.153 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $48.985 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $51.153 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $48.985 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $7,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $7,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $7,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $7,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $7,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 14.4% (2024 est.)
industry: 27.6% (2024 est.)
services: 46.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 27.6% (2024 est.)
services: 46.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 80.6% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 12.3% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.9% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.8% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 40.5% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -58.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 12.3% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.9% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.8% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 40.5% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -58.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, milk, rice, oil palm fruit, maize, plantains, cassava, groundnuts, beans, chicken (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products, knit and woven apparel, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear, wood, electric wire harness manufacturing, mining
Industrial production growth rate
3.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.225 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 9% (2024 est.)
male: 7.8% (2024 est.)
female: 12% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 7.8% (2024 est.)
female: 12% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
24.9% (2016 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2016note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 26.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 26.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 20.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 26.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 20.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $3.856 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $3.382 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $3.382 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 33.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: official data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by Government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions; Nicaragua rebased its GDP figures in 2012, which reduced the figures for debt as a percentage of GDP
Reference: 2017, 2012note: note: official data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by Government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions; Nicaragua rebased its GDP figures in 2012, which reduced the figures for debt as a percentage of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
19.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $817.618 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $1.465 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$459.6 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $1.465 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$459.6 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $8.135 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $8.248 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $7.87 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $8.248 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $7.87 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 51%, Mexico 12%, El Salvador 6%, Canada 6%, Switzerland 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, gold, insulated wire, coffee, beef (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $11.437 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $10.519 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.213 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $10.519 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.213 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 24%, China 13%, Mexico 9%, Honduras 9%, Guatemala 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
garments, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, plastic products, fabric (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $6.105 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.447 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.404 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.447 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.404 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $6.753 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: cordobas (NIO) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 36.624 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 36.441 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 35.874 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 35.171 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 34.342 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 36.624 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 36.441 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 35.874 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 35.171 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 34.342 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $817.618 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $1.465 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$459.6 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $1.465 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$459.6 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $8.135 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $8.248 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $7.87 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $8.248 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $7.87 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 51%, Mexico 12%, El Salvador 6%, Canada 6%, Switzerland 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, gold, insulated wire, coffee, beef (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $11.437 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $10.519 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.213 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $10.519 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $10.213 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 24%, China 13%, Mexico 9%, Honduras 9%, Guatemala 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
garments, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, plastic products, fabric (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 1.849 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 4.654 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.125 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 839 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 4.654 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.125 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 839 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 35.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 12.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 14.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal: 15.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 20.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 12.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 14.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal: 15.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 20.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 22 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Petroleum
total petroleum production: 200 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 28,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023refined petroleum consumption: 28,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 10.66 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 234,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
60 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.68 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Reference: 2018Hospital bed density
0.9 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.7% (2016)
Reference: 2016Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 12 years (2023 est.)
male: 12 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 12 years (2023 est.)
female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 16 judges organized into administrative, civil, criminal, and constitutional chambers)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges elected by the National Assembly to serve 5-year staggered terms
subordinate courts: Appeals Court; first instance civil, criminal, and labor courts; military courts are independent of the Supreme Court
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges elected by the National Assembly to serve 5-year staggered terms
subordinate courts: Appeals Court; first instance civil, criminal, and labor courts; military courts are independent of the Supreme Court
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of Nicaragua (formal name is Army of Nicaragua or Ejercito de Nicaragua, EN): Land Force; Naval Force; Air Force (2025)
note: note: both the military and the Nicaraguan National Police (Policía Nacional de Nicaragua or PNN) report directly to the president; Parapolice, which are non-uniformed, armed, and masked units with marginal tactical training and loose hierarchical organization, act in coordination with government security forces and report to the National Police; they have been used to suppress anti-government protesters
note: note: both the military and the Nicaraguan National Police (Policía Nacional de Nicaragua or PNN) report directly to the president; Parapolice, which are non-uniformed, armed, and masked units with marginal tactical training and loose hierarchical organization, act in coordination with government security forces and report to the National Police; they have been used to suppress anti-government protesters
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 12,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's air and ground force inventories include mostly secondhand Russian or Soviet-era equipment; its naval force has a miscellaneous mix of patrol boats from several foreign suppliers, as well as some commercial vessels converted into gunboats domestically (2024)
note: note: in 2024, the US imposed restrictions on the import and export of US origin defense articles and defense services destined for or originating in Nicaragua
Reference: 2024note: note: in 2024, the US imposed restrictions on the import and export of US origin defense articles and defense services destined for or originating in Nicaragua
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; tour of duty 18-36 months (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the military is responsible for defending Nicaragua’s independence, sovereignty, and territory; it also has some domestic security responsibilities, including border security, assisting the police, protecting natural resources, and providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance; Nicaragua has defense ties with Cuba, Venezuela, and Russia; Russia has provided training support and equipment; in 2025, Nicaragua signed an agreement of “mutual protection” with Russia
the modern Army of Nicaragua was created in 1979 as the Sandinista Popular Army (1979-1984); prior to 1979, the military was known as the National Guard, which was organized and trained by the US in the 1920s and 1930s; the first commander of the National Guard, Anastasio SOMOZA GARCIA, seized power in 1937 and ran the country as a military dictator until his assassination in 1956; his sons ran the country either directly or through figureheads until the Sandinistas came to power in 1979; the defeated National Guard was disbanded by the Sandinistas (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1984, 1979, 1956the modern Army of Nicaragua was created in 1979 as the Sandinista Popular Army (1979-1984); prior to 1979, the military was known as the National Guard, which was organized and trained by the US in the 1920s and 1930s; the first commander of the National Guard, Anastasio SOMOZA GARCIA, seized power in 1937 and ran the country as a military dictator until his assassination in 1956; his sons ran the country either directly or through figureheads until the Sandinistas came to power in 1979; the defeated National Guard was disbanded by the Sandinistas (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Sammia Alicia HODGSON MCKENZIE (since 3 June 2025)
chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570
FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545
email address and website: mperalta@cancilleria.gob.ni
United States of America | ConsuladoDeNicaragua.com
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570
FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545
email address and website: mperalta@cancilleria.gob.ni
United States of America | ConsuladoDeNicaragua.com
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Kevin Michael O'REILLY (since 28 June 2023)
embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua
mailing address: 3240 Managua Place, Washington DC 20521-3240
telephone: [505] 2252-7100,
FAX: [505] 2252-7250
email address and website: ACS.Managua@state.gov
https://ni.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua
mailing address: 3240 Managua Place, Washington DC 20521-3240
telephone: [505] 2252-7100,
FAX: [505] 2252-7250
email address and website: ACS.Managua@state.gov
https://ni.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-10-24 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs: 89 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 3 — Nicaragua does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, Nicaragua remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/nicaragua/
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YN
Airports
39 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 5 (2023)
by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 3
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 3
Ports
total ports: 5 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 2
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 4
key ports: Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 2
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 4
key ports: Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; drought
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands
Land use
agricultural land: 42.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 12.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 27.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 40.1% (2023 est.)
other: 17.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 12.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 27.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 40.1% (2023 est.)
other: 17.6% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 59.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 3.806 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 2 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.806 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 2 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 3.806 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
16.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.529 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 190 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 620,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.084 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 620,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.084 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
164.52 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 1
global geoparks and regional networks: Rio Coco (2023)
Reference: 2023global geoparks and regional networks: Rio Coco (2023)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 234,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
multiple terrestrial TV stations, supplemented by cable TV in most urban areas; nearly all are state-owned or affiliated; more than 300 radio stations, both state-affiliated and privately owned (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.ni
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6,232,666 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 6,316,231 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 6,400,080 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 6,483,657 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 6,565,267 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 6,644,741 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 6,730,654 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 6,823,613 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 6,916,140 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 7,007,502 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $13,286,093,388 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $13,785,893,007 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $13,025,221,974 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $12,699,023,614 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $12,726,422,432 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $14,209,019,392 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $15,634,573,556 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $17,805,842,221 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $19,696,311,850 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $22,237,167,113 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 42,167 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 43,757 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 445,757 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 487,148 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 494,067 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 545,324 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 609,093 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 633,892 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 749,552 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 905,251 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -23,076 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -21,849 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -20,742 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -19,730 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -10,383 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -10,383 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -7,996 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -7,996 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -8,189 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -8,371 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,007,502 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 7,097,329 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 5,142,098 | 2005 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 43,757 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 0.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 905,251 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -8,371 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 311 | 2023 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 124 | 2023 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 35,341 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 269,315 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.018 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -2.207 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -3.327 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -2.179 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -1.738 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -2.771 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -2.780 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 2008; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $22,237,167,113 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $3,173 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 4.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 2.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 5.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 75.1 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 59.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 61.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 41.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 54.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 96.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 87.3% | 2014 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 70.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 2.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 88.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 641 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 50.4% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 8.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 9.4 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 25.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 106.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 5.8 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 94 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 12.1475° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -86.2734° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 13.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -85.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00, America/Managua | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:29