Country Profile: Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, situated between Costa Rica and Honduras. The nation has a population of approximately 6.7 million, predominantly residing in the western half of the country, with urbanization concentrated in the capital, Managua. Nicaragua's economy, traditionally reliant on agriculture and remittances, faces challenges from political instability and natural disasters. Governed as a presidential republic, Nicaragua has seen significant centralization of power, particularly under the leadership of President Daniel Ortega.
Geography
Nicaragua’s diverse geography features extensive Atlantic coastal plains and central interior mountains, with the highest point being Mogotón at 2,085 meters. The country covers an area of approximately 130,370 square kilometers, making it slightly larger than Pennsylvania. With a coastline of 910 kilometers and the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua, it experiences a tropical climate in lowlands and cooler temperatures in the highlands.
- Area: 130,370 sq km (total)
- Coastline: 910 km
- Major lakes: Lago de Nicaragua (8,150 sq km) and Lago de Managua (1,040 sq km)
- Natural hazards: prone to earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes
- Natural resources: contain gold, silver, copper, and timber
People and Society
Nicaragua has an estimated population of 6,739,380 in 2025, with a majority identifying as Mestizo. The country is linguistically homogeneous, with 99.5% of the population speaking Spanish, although English and Indigenous languages are present in coastal regions. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, followed closely by Protestantism.
- Median age: 29.5 years (2025)
- Urban population: 59.8% of total population (2023)
- Birth rate: 16.07 births/1,000 population (2025)
- Life expectancy: 74.7 years (2024)
- Population growth rate: 0.92% (2025)
Economy
Nicaragua is regarded as a low-income economy that has faced significant struggles since 2018 due to political instability and external shocks such as natural disasters and COVID-19. Despite these challenges, the economy had shown nearly two decades of sustained GDP growth prior. In 2024, the Real GDP (purchasing power parity) is estimated at $52.989 billion.
- GDP per capita: $7,700 (2024)
- Unemployment rate: 4.6% (2024)
- Remittances: 26.6% of GDP (2024)
- Inflation rate: 4.6% (2024)
- Poverty rate: 24.9% of the population below the national poverty line (2016 est.)
Government
Nicaragua is a presidential republic with a governance structure that has seen the consolidation of power under President Daniel Ortega, in office since 2007. The country has a unicameral National Assembly with 91 members, where elections have been marred by irregularities. The government has a history of civil law, with the latest constitution adopted in 1986.
- Independence: 15 September 1821
- Last presidential election: 7 November 2021
- Number of departments: 15 and 2 autonomous regions
Military and Security
Nicaragua's military, known as the Army of Nicaragua, consists of Land, Naval, and Air Forces, with an estimated 12,000 active personnel. The military plays a significant role in both national defense and domestic security. In 2024, military expenditures account for approximately 0.5% of GDP.
- Military expenditures: 0.5% of GDP (2024)
- Military service age: 18-30 years for voluntary service
- Equipment: predominantly secondhand Russian or Soviet-era military hardware
Energy
The country has made strides in electricity access, with 86.5% of the population receiving electricity as of 2022. Energy production is derived from various sources, including fossil fuels, hydroelectricity, and geothermal energy, with a total installed generating capacity of 1.849 million kW.
- Consumption: 4.654 billion kWh (2023)
- Electricity imports: 1.125 billion kWh (2023)
- Access in urban areas: 100%; rural areas: 66.3%
Transportation
Nicaragua has a developing transportation infrastructure, with 39 airports and several key ports such as Bluefields and Corinto. The merchant marine fleet comprises five vessels, contributing to the economy's logistics and trade capabilities.
- Total ports: 5 (2024)
- Civil aircraft: 39 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 5 (2023)
Communications
In terms of telecommunications, Nicaragua has made significant progress with 7.33 million mobile subscriptions as of 2024, reflecting a high penetration rate. The country also boasts a growing internet user base of 58% of the population.
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 234,000 (2023)
- Broadband subscriptions: 371,000 (2023)
- Telephones - mobile subscriptions: 106 per 100 inhabitants (2024)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,739,380 (2025 est.) | |
| Area | 130,370 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $52.989 billion | Estimate for 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $7,700 | Estimate for 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | Estimate for 2024 |
| Birth rate | 16.07 births/1,000 | Estimate for 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 74.7 years | Estimate for 2024 |
| Military expenditures | 0.5% of GDP | Estimate for 2024 |
| Electricity access | 86.5% | Access in 2022 |
| Urban population | 59.8% | Percentage of total population (2023) |
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