- Capital City: Managua
- General Information Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Nicaraguan Córdoba, NIO
- Population (2024): 69 lakhs (2024)
Political Overview
Government Type
Dictatorship, Republic, Authoritarianism, Unitary state, Presidential system
Key Leaders
- President Daniel Ortega
- Vice President Rosario Murillo
Political Stability Index
(-0.1)
International Alliances
- UN, OAS, SICA, CELAC, WTO, G77, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Economic Overview
GDP (Nominal)
$18.83 billion
GDP (PPP)
$51.088 billion (2023 est.)
Key Industries
- food processing
- chemicals
- machinery and metal products
- knit and woven apparel
- petroleum refining and distribution
- beverages
- footwear
- wood
- electric wire harness manufacturing
- mining
Top 5 Importers/Exporters
Exports: US 52%, Mexico 12%, Honduras 7%, El Salvador 6%, Costa Rica 3% ; Imports: US 26%, China 11%, Honduras 10%, Guatemala 9%, Mexico 9% (2022)
Social Indicators
Human Development Index
0.669 (Rank: 130)
Literacy Rate
0.826
Life Expectancy
74.7 years (2024 est.)
Geopolitical Relevance
Strategic Location
Hosts Lake Nicaragua, historically considered for canal projects
Key Conflicts
Costa Rica- Nicaragua have a long-standing dispute over the San Juan River and its surrounding territories, which are critical for trade and water access.
Border Issues
The dispute between Honduras and Nicaragua concerns the exact delineation of their border, particularly in the Caribbean Sea
Military Strength
military personnel – ~12,000, defense spending – 0.8% of GDP ($80 million), alliances – OAS, SICA
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