Nicaragua

The population of Nicaragua is approximately 7.1M (2024).

The capital of Nicaragua is Managua.

Nicaragua's GDP per capita is $3.1K (2024).

Life expectancy in Nicaragua is 75.1 years (2024).

Nicaragua covers 130,373 km² (50,337 sq mi).

Nicaragua has a moderate population density of 54 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Nicaragua's population is growing steadily at 1.3% per year, in line with global averages.

Based on GDP per capita, Nicaragua falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $3.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Nicaragua's intentional homicide rate is 11.3 per 100,000 people, above the global average.

The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish.

Nicaragua uses the Nicaraguan córdoba (C$) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Nicaragua are January, February, March, December, based on climate data for the capital.

Current projections estimate the population of Nicaragua at approximately 7.1 million people. According to recent data, the country ranks 108th globally, 18th within the Americas, and is the 3rd largest in Central America. The population density is estimated at 59 people per km² (153 people per sq mi).

Recent estimates indicate a GDP per capita of 3,056 USD. Nicaragua's total GDP is approximately 19.69 billion USD, ranking 132nd globally and 26th in the Americas. In terms of GDP per capita, the nation ranks 157th globally and 7th of 7 in its subregion of Central America.

According to the latest available data, the unemployment rate in Nicaragua stands at 5.04%. This figure places the country at a ranking of 99th globally for lowest unemployment. The labor market is heavily influenced by the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, which provide significant employment for the rural population.

Recent data shows that 61.4% of the population in Nicaragua are internet users. This level of digital connectivity ranks the nation 150th globally among 212 evaluated countries. Access is generally higher in urban centers like Managua, where approximately 59.3% of the total population currently resides.

The adult literacy rate in Nicaragua is 87.3% based on the latest available records. This places the country 111th globally in literacy rankings. The government has historically prioritized educational campaigns to increase basic reading and writing skills, particularly in rural areas where access to formal schooling has been limited.

Nicaragua is rich in natural resources, including gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, and zinc. The country also has significant timber resources and a productive fishing industry. These resources are vital to the national economy, contributing to both export revenues and local employment in the mining and forestry sectors.

Nicaragua is currently ranked 108th in the world out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it holds the 18th position in the Americas and is the 3rd largest country by population in Central America. This ranking reflects its status as a mid-sized nation on the global stage.

According to latest available data, the population is growing at an annual rate of 1.35%. This growth results in approximately 363 births and 88 deaths every day, leading to a net daily increase of 255 people. The growth rate has gradually slowed over the last several decades.

The estimated 2026 population density is 59 people per km² (153 people per sq mi). This places Nicaragua 147th globally for density. Most residents are concentrated in the western half of the country, while the large Caribbean coastal regions remain significantly more sparsely populated compared to the Pacific lowlands.

The current fertility rate in Nicaragua is 2.21 births per woman, according to latest official data. This rate is just above the replacement level required for a stable population. It has decreased significantly since the late 20th century, following a regional trend toward smaller family sizes and increased urbanization.

Approximately 59.3% of Nicaraguans live in urban areas, ranking the country 127th globally for urbanization. The majority of the urban population is centered in the capital, Managua, which serves as the primary hub for commerce, government, and industry, while rural agriculture still supports a large portion of the people.