Nicaragua
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 6
Currency
💱 Nicaraguan córdoba
Languages
🗣️ Spanish
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Nicaragua
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Nicaraguan
Independence
September 15, 1821 (from Spain)
Top-Level Domain
.ni
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+505
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-06:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Managua
ISO Alpha-2
NI
ISO Alpha-3
NIC
UN Code
558
Geographic Coordinates
13,-85
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
130,373#98 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
6,874,748#108 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
56.70
Highest Point (m)
2,438 meters (Mogotón)
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level (Pacific Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land: approximately 40%; forests and woodlands: approximately 40%.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 1,180 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
910 km
Climate
Tropical, with a distinct dry season (November to April) and rainy season (May to October).
Natural Resources
Gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish, hydropower.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Costa Rica, Honduras
Major Rivers
Coco (Segovia), San Juan, Escondido, Prinzapolka.
Major Lakes
Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca), Lake Managua (Xolotlán).
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
15 departments and 2 autonomous regions.
Legal System
Based on civil law system.
Chief of State
President Daniel Ortega
Head of Government
President Daniel Ortega
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the President.
Elections
President and National Assembly elected by popular vote.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of Justice and other courts.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly.
Major Political Parties
Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN).
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Nicaraguan córdoba
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
22.24#130 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
65.06#124 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,173.34#155 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
14.48
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
29.26
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
45.2
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.08#127 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,319,222
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
5.04#98 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 58% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
Information on the current budget can be found through official government sources.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
9.25#114 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
12.2#115 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Approximately $3.7 billion (2022 est.)
Currency Exchange
Links to currency converter websites can be found online.
GDP by Sector
Services, agriculture, and manufacturing are the major sectors.
Major Industries
Food processing, beverages, footwear and leather products, textiles, petroleum refining and distribution are important.
Major Export Partners
The United States, El Salvador, and Costa Rica are major export partners.
Major Import Partners
The United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica are major import partners.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2014)Checked September 29, 2026
87.33#110 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
19.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.6
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -2.7 migrants per 1,000 population (2023 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 26.5 years (2023 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
59.44#128 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 1.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
75.1#104 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 0.1% (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
8.3
Ethnic Groups
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European), White, Black and Amerindian.
Religions
Primarily Roman Catholic, with significant Protestant minorities.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Spanish
Education
Education System
The Nicaraguan education system includes primary, secondary, and higher education, with a focus on free public education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2002)Checked September 29, 2026
10.9
Government Education Spending
Nicaragua's government spends a percentage of its GDP on education; the exact amount varies yearly.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities in Nicaragua include the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN-Managua) and the Central American University (UCA).
Culture
Cultural Overview
Nicaraguan culture is a mix of indigenous, Spanish colonial, and modern influences, expressed through music, dance, art, and literature.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Air Force Day (2026-02-01)
- Holy Thursday (2026-04-02)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Army Day (2026-05-27)
- Liberation Day (2026-07-19)
- Battle of San Jacinto (2026-09-14)
- Independence Day (2026-09-15)
- Indigenous Resistance Day (2026-10-12)
- Immaculate Conception (2026-12-08)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- New Year's Eve (2026-12-31)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include Ranchera, Cumbia, and Marimba music, often with a distinct Nicaraguan flavor.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), nacatamales, and vigorón.
Sports
Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by baseball.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Fiesta de Santo Domingo in Managua and the Grito de Independencia.
Famous People
Famous Nicaraguans include poets Rubén Darío and Ernesto Cardenal, and boxer Alexis Argüello.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Nicaragua has various sites with cultural heritage, including colonial architecture and indigenous settlements.
UNESCO Sites
Nicaragua has UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ruins of León Viejo and the island of Ometepe.
Annual Tourist Visits
Around 1.5 million annually.
Tourism Overview
Growing tourism sector, offering nature, culture, and adventure.
Top Tourist Attractions
Granada, Ometepe Island, Corn Islands, volcanoes.
Famous Cities
Managua, Granada, León.
National Parks
Several national parks, including Indio Maíz Biological Reserve.
Protected Areas
Significant portion of land designated as protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa-free entry for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise caution; monitor travel advisories.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
This index varies depending on the source. Current data can be found through healthcare research organizations.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and location within the country. Information can be found on travel and medical websites.
Number of Hospitals
Information on the number of hospitals can be found through health organizations and government sources.
Universal Healthcare
Nicaragua has a public healthcare system, though access and quality can vary.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services range from public to private. Availability and quality vary depending on the location. Medical tourism is not a significant sector.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but access and response times vary depending on the region.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 118.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 128.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 115.
Crime Rate
Nicaragua's crime rate index varies, but the country is generally considered safer compared to some of its neighbors.
Safety Index
Nicaragua's safety index is moderate, with some areas having higher risk.
Military Expenditure
Nicaragua's military expenditure is a percentage of its GDP; the exact amount varies.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services include police, ambulance, and fire departments, with varying levels of resources across the country.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Nicaragua's military branches include the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is available in most urban areas, and access is improving in rural areas.
Water Access
Access to clean water varies, with urban areas generally having better access.
Sanitation Access
Access to sanitation is variable, with improvements needed, particularly in rural areas.
Railways
Nicaragua has a very limited railway system for passenger travel.
Roadways
The road network includes paved and unpaved roads connecting major cities and towns.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, buses, and limited rail; air travel is also available.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport (MGA), Bluefields Airport (BEF), Puerto Cabezas Airport (PUZ)
Ports
Major ports include Corinto on the Pacific coast.
Public Transit
Public transit consists mainly of buses in urban areas.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
61.4#148 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Approximately 80 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing, with a focus on fintech and agtech.
Innovation Index
Low to medium ranking.
ICT Development Index
Developing; improvement needed.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.83#145 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality data is limited; often moderate to poor in urban areas due to vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
Water Pollution Level
Significant water pollution, particularly from untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Increasing use of renewable energy, particularly hydropower, geothermal, and wind power.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and coastal degradation.
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and flooding.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management systems; open dumping is common, leading to environmental and health concerns.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and ozone layer protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in various countries, including the United States, and maintains consulates in several cities.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Member of the World Bank, IMF, WTO, and other regional organizations.
Major Treaties
Participant in various international treaties on human rights, trade, and environmental protection.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens can travel visa-free to a number of countries, varying based on passport strength and agreements.