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Nicaragua

Nicaragua flag
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2021 Factbook flag mirror; image identity has not been individually audited. Source.

Last updated: October 29, 2026

World Bank directory: capital Managua · 12.1475°, -86.2734° · sourceRetrieved 2026-10-29 · single source, unverified; directory metadata may be stale.
Nicaragua: CIA World Factbook map from 2021; original boundary notes preserved.
ⓘCIA World Factbook map, February 2021 media edition. Identity reviewed; current boundaries have not been audited. visual contact sheet or original identity check; does not verify current boundaries Boundaries, place names and designations may be dated or disputed; original annotations retained. SHA-256: 3b6bf077c16b082c19217cdba29ac9741f739d1a1d5f7d587fec7e0dead10e24. Provenance and inspection record.

Introduction

Background:1

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.

Geography

Location:2

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Geographic coordinates:3

13 00 N, 85 00 W

Map references:4

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:5

Surface area: 130,370 square kilometers (2023)

total:130,370 sq km
land:119,990 sq km
water:10,380 sq km

Area - comparative:7

slightly larger than Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than New York State

Land boundaries:8

total:1,253 km
border countries (2):Costa Rica 313 km; Honduras 940 km

Coastline:9

910 km

Maritime claims:10

territorial sea:12 nm
contiguous zone:24 nm
continental shelf:natural prolongation

Climate:11

tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Terrain:12

extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes

Elevation:13

highest point:Mogoton 2,085 m
lowest point:Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation:298 m

Natural resources:14

gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

Land use:15

agricultural land:42.3% (2023 est.)
arable land:12.5% (2023 est.)
permanent crops:2.5% (2023 est.)
permanent pasture:27.4% (2023 est.)
forest:40.1% (2023 est.)
other:17.6% (2023 est.)

Irrigated land:16

1,990 sq km (2012)

Major lakes (area sq km):17

fresh water lake(s):Lago de Nicaragua - 8,150 sq km; Lago de Managua - 1,040 sq km

Population distribution:18

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:19

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

Geography - note:20

largest country in Central America; contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua

People and Society

Population:21

Population: 7,007,502 people (2025)

total:6,676,948 (2024 est.)
male:3,273,900
female:3,403,048

Nationality:23

noun:Nicaraguan(s)
adjective:Nicaraguan

Ethnic groups:24

Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 69%, White 17%, Black 9%, Indigenous 5%

Languages:25

Spanish (official) 99.5%, Indigenous 0.3%, Portuguese 0.1%, other 0.1% (2020 est.)

major-language sample(s)
major-language sample(s):La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
major-language sample(s):The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note:English and indigenous languages found on the Caribbean coast

Religions:26

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.)

Age structure:27

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)

Dependency ratios:28

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.)

Median age:29

total:29 years (2024 est.)
male:28.1 years
female:29.9 years

Population growth rate:30

Population growth rate: 1.31 % annually (2025)

0.95% (2024 est.)

Birth rate:32

Crude birth rate: 19.14 births per 1,000 people (2024)

16.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Death rate:34

Crude death rate: 4.64 deaths per 1,000 people (2024)

5.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Net migration rate:36

-1.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Population distribution:37

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

Urbanization:38

Urban population: 59.44 % of population (2025)

urban population:59.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization:1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas - population:40

1.095 million MANAGUA (capital) (2023)

Sex ratio:41

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.)

Mother's mean age at first birth:42

19.2 years (2011/12 est.)

note:data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29

Maternal mortality ratio:43

Maternal mortality ratio: 60 deaths per 100,000 live births (2023)

60 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Infant mortality rate:45

Infant mortality rate: 9.4 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)

total:14.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male:15.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female:12.8 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:47

Life expectancy at birth: 75.1 years (2024)

total population:74.7 years (2024 est.)
male:73.2 years
female:76.4 years

Total fertility rate:49

Total fertility rate: 2.21 births per woman (2024)

1.83 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Gross reproduction rate:51

0.89 (2024 est.)

Health expenditure:52

Current health expenditure: 8.3 % of GDP (2023)

Health expenditure (as % of GDP):9.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget):17.8% of national budget (2022 est.)

Physician density:54

0.68 physicians/1,000 population (2018)

Hospital bed density:55

0.9 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Sanitation facility access:56

unimproved
rural:33.5% of population

Obesity - adult prevalence rate:57

23.7% (2016)

Alcohol consumption per capita:58

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.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49):59

56% (2023 est.)

Education expenditure:60

Government education expenditure: 2.87 % of GDP (2023)

Education expenditure (% GDP):2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget):11% national budget (2024 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):62

total:12 years (2023 est.)
male:12 years (2023 est.)
female:12 years (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues:63

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; drought

International environmental agreements:64

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

Climate:65

tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Land use:66

agricultural land:42.3% (2023 est.)
arable land:12.5% (2023 est.)
permanent crops:2.5% (2023 est.)
permanent pasture:27.4% (2023 est.)
forest:40.1% (2023 est.)
other:17.6% (2023 est.)

Urbanization:67

urban population:59.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization:1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions:68

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.)

Particulate matter emissions:69

16.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Waste and recycling:70

municipal solid waste generated annually:1.529 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled:15% (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal:71

municipal:190 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial:620,000 cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural:1.084 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total renewable water resources:72

164.52 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Geoparks:73

total global geoparks and regional networks:1
global geoparks and regional networks:Rio Coco (2023)

Government

Country name:74

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)

Government type:75

presidential republic

Capital:76

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

Administrative divisions:77

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:78

civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts

Constitution:79

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

International law organization participation:80

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt

Citizenship:81

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

Suffrage:82

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:83

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
election results: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%
election results: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:the president is both chief of state and head of government

Legislative branch:84

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

Judicial branch:85

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

Political parties:86

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)

Diplomatic representation in the US:87

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
email address and website:mperalta@cancilleria.gob.ni
email address and website:United States of America | ConsuladoDeNicaragua.com
consulate(s) general:Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:88

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
email address and website:ACS.Managua@state.gov
email address and website:https://ni.usembassy.gov/

International organization participation:89

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:90

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:91

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Flag:92

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: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):93

turquoise-browed motmot (bird)

National color(s):94

blue, white

National anthem(s):95

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

National heritage:96

total World Heritage Sites:2 (both cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales:Ruins of León Viejo; León Cathedral

Economy

Economic overview:97

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

Real GDP (purchasing power parity):98

$52.989 billion (2024 est.)

$51.153 billion (2023 est.)

$48.985 billion (2022 est.)

note:data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate:99

3.6% (2024 est.)

4.4% (2023 est.)

3.6% (2022 est.)

note:annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita:100

$7,700 (2024 est.)

$7,500 (2023 est.)

$7,300 (2022 est.)

note:data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):101

GDP: 22,237,167,113.09 current US dollars (2025)

$19.694 billion (2024 est.)

note:data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices):103

4.6% (2024 est.)

8.4% (2023 est.)

10.5% (2022 est.)

note:annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin:104

agriculture:14.4% (2024 est.)
industry:27.6% (2024 est.)
services:46.8% (2024 est.)
note:figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use:105

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:figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products:106

sugarcane, milk, rice, oil palm fruit, maize, plantains, cassava, groundnuts, beans, chicken (2023)

note:top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Industries:107

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:108

3.6% (2024 est.)

note:annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force:109

3.225 million (2024 est.)

note:number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Unemployment rate:110

4.6% (2024 est.)

4.8% (2023 est.)

5% (2022 est.)

note:% of labor force seeking employment

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):111

total:9% (2024 est.)
male:7.8% (2024 est.)
female:12% (2024 est.)
note:% of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Population below poverty line:112

24.9% (2016 est.)

note:% of population with income below national poverty line

Remittances:113

26.6% of GDP (2024 est.)

26.2% of GDP (2023 est.)

20.6% of GDP (2022 est.)

note:personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Budget:114

revenues:$3.856 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures:$3.382 billion (2023 est.)
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:115

33.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

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:116

19.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)

note:central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Current account balance:117

$817.618 million (2024 est.)

$1.465 billion (2023 est.)

-$459.6 million (2022 est.)

note:balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports:118

$8.135 billion (2024 est.)

$8.248 billion (2023 est.)

$7.87 billion (2022 est.)

note:balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners:119

USA 51%, Mexico 12%, El Salvador 6%, Canada 6%, Switzerland 4% (2023)

note:top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities:120

garments, gold, insulated wire, coffee, beef (2023)

note:top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports:121

$11.437 billion (2024 est.)

$10.519 billion (2023 est.)

$10.213 billion (2022 est.)

note:balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners:122

USA 24%, China 13%, Mexico 9%, Honduras 9%, Guatemala 8% (2023)

note:top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities:123

garments, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, plastic products, fabric (2023)

note:top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:124

$6.105 billion (2024 est.)

$5.447 billion (2023 est.)

$4.404 billion (2022 est.)

note:holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Debt - external:125

$6.753 billion (2023 est.)

note:present value of external debt in current US dollars

Exchange rates:126

Currency:cordobas (NIO) per US dollar -

36.624 (2024 est.)

36.441 (2023 est.)

35.874 (2022 est.)

35.171 (2021 est.)

34.342 (2020 est.)

Energy

Electricity access:127

electrification - total population:86.5% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas:100%
electrification - rural areas:66.3%

Electricity:128

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.)

Electricity generation sources:129

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.)

Coal:130

imports:22 metric tons (2023 est.)

Petroleum:131

total petroleum production:200 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption:28,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Energy consumption per capita:132

Total energy consumption per capita 2023:10.66 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines:133

total subscriptions:234,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:3 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular:134

total subscriptions:7.22 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:97 (2021 est.)

Broadcast media:135

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)

Internet country code:136

.ni

Internet users:137

percent of population:58% (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions:138

total:371,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:5 (2023 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:139

YN

Airports:140

39 (2025)

Merchant marine:141

total:5 (2023)
by type:general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 3

Ports:142

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

Military and Security

Military and security forces:143

Armed Forces of Nicaragua (formal name is Army of Nicaragua or Ejercito de Nicaragua, EN): Land Force; Naval Force; Air Force (2025)

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:144

0.5% of GDP (2024 est.)

0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)

0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)

0.6% of GDP (2021 est.)

0.6% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military and security service personnel strengths:145

approximately 12,000 active Armed Forces (2025)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:146

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: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:147

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; tour of duty 18-36 months (2024)

Military - note:148

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)

Space

Space agency/agencies:149

National Secretariat for Extraterrestrial Space Affairs, The Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Secretaría Nacional para Asuntos del Espacio Ultraterrestre, la Luna y otros Cuerpos Celestes, established 2021; operates under the military’s control) (2025)

Space program overview:150

stated mission is to promote the development of space activities with the aim of broadening the country’s capacities in education, industry, science, and technology; has cooperated with China and Russia; is a signatory of the convention establishing the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (2025)

Key space-program milestones:151

1994 - joined UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

2017 - Russia opened a satellite navigation system monitoring station in Nicaragua

2021 - signed convention establishing the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency

2024 - joined the China-led International Lunar Research Station project, which aims to establish a permanent base on the Moon by the 2030s

Transnational Issues

Refugees and internally displaced persons:152

IDPs:89 (2024 est.)

Trafficking in persons:153

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:154

USG identification
USG identification:major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)

Additional observations

Real GDP growth155
4.92 % annual change (2025)
Consumer price inflation156
2.08 % annual change (2025)
Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate)157
5.04 % of labor force (2025)
Access to electricity158
88.7 % of population (2024)
Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption159
50.4 % (2021)
Individuals using the internet160
61.4 % of population (2024)
Physicians161
0.68 per 1,000 people (2018)
Adult literacy rate162
87.33 % of people aged 15 and over (2014)

Historical observations

Notes & sources

  1. Background. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  2. Location. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  3. Geographic coordinates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  4. Map references. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  5. Area. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. The archived total area has no reference year and territorial coverage may differ from World Bank surface area. World Bank: 130,370 square kilometers (2023). Reference: 130,370 square kilometers. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  6. Surface area. Surface area: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. The archived total area has no reference year and territorial coverage may differ from World Bank surface area. World Bank: 130,370 square kilometers (2023). Reference: 130,370 square kilometers. ↩
  7. Area - comparative. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  8. Land boundaries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  9. Coastline. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  10. Maritime claims. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  11. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  12. Terrain. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  13. Elevation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  14. Natural resources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  15. Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  16. Irrigated land. Reference edition; observation: 2012. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  17. Major lakes (area sq km). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  18. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  19. Natural hazards. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  20. Geography - note. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  21. Population. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 7,007,502 people (2025). Reference: 6,676,948 people (2024). Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  22. Population. Population: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 7,007,502 people (2025). Reference: 6,676,948 people (2024). ↩
  23. Nationality. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  24. Ethnic groups. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  25. Languages. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  26. Religions. Reference edition; observation: 2020 est.. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  27. Age structure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  28. Dependency ratios. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  29. Median age. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  30. Population growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  31. Population growth rate. Population growth rate: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  32. Birth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  33. Crude birth rate. Crude birth rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  34. Death rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  35. Crude death rate. Crude death rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  36. Net migration rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  37. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  38. Urbanization. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  39. Urban population. Urban population: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  40. Major urban areas - population. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  41. Sex ratio. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  42. Mother's mean age at first birth. Reference edition; observation: 2011/12. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  43. Maternal mortality ratio. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  44. Maternal mortality ratio. Maternal mortality ratio: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  45. Infant mortality rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  46. Infant mortality rate. Infant mortality rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  47. Life expectancy at birth. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  48. Life expectancy at birth. Life expectancy at birth: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  49. Total fertility rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  50. Total fertility rate. Total fertility rate: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  51. Gross reproduction rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  52. Health expenditure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  53. Current health expenditure. Current health expenditure: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  54. Physician density. Reference edition; observation: 2018. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  55. Hospital bed density. Reference edition; observation: 2021. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  56. Sanitation facility access. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  57. Obesity - adult prevalence rate. Reference edition; observation: 2016. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  58. Alcohol consumption per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  59. Currently married women (ages 15-49). Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  60. Education expenditure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  61. Government education expenditure. Government education expenditure: observation 2023; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Latest available World Bank series in 2020–2026; reference year is not retrieval year. May be modeled or revised; differing definitions and geography require review. No independent crosscheck; do not silently replace archived Factbook. ↩
  62. School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  63. Environmental issues. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  64. International environmental agreements. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  65. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  66. Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  67. Urbanization. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  68. Carbon dioxide emissions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  69. Particulate matter emissions. Reference edition; observation: 2019. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  70. Waste and recycling. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  71. Total water withdrawal. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  72. Total renewable water resources. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  73. Geoparks. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  74. Country name. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  75. Government type. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  76. Capital. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  77. Administrative divisions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  78. Legal system. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  79. Constitution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  80. International law organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  81. Citizenship. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  82. Suffrage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  83. Executive branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  84. Legislative branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  85. Judicial branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  86. Political parties. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  87. Diplomatic representation in the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  88. Diplomatic representation from the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  89. International organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  90. Independence. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  91. National holiday. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  92. Flag. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  93. National symbol(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  94. National color(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  95. National anthem(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  96. National heritage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  97. Economic overview. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  98. Real GDP (purchasing power parity). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  99. Real GDP growth rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  100. Real GDP per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  101. GDP (official exchange rate). Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 22,237,167,113.09 current US dollars (2025). Reference: 19,694,000,000 current US dollars (2024). Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  102. GDP. GDP: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Different reference years; no numerical agreement is asserted. World Bank: 22,237,167,113.09 current US dollars (2025). Reference: 19,694,000,000 current US dollars (2024). ↩
  103. Inflation rate (consumer prices). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  104. GDP - composition, by sector of origin. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  105. GDP - composition, by end use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  106. Agricultural products. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  107. Industries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  108. Industrial production growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  109. Labor force. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  110. Unemployment rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  111. Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  112. Population below poverty line. Reference edition; observation: 2016. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  113. Remittances. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  114. Budget. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  115. Public debt. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  116. Taxes and other revenues. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  117. Current account balance. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  118. Exports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  119. Exports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  120. Exports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  121. Imports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  122. Imports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  123. Imports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  124. Reserves of foreign exchange and gold. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  125. Debt - external. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  126. Exchange rates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  127. Electricity access. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  128. Electricity. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  129. Electricity generation sources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  130. Coal. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  131. Petroleum. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  132. Energy consumption per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  133. Telephones - fixed lines. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  134. Telephones - mobile cellular. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  135. Broadcast media. Reference edition; observation: 2019. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  136. Internet country code. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  137. Internet users. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  138. Broadband - fixed subscriptions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  139. Civil aircraft registration country code prefix. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  140. Airports. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  141. Merchant marine. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  142. Ports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  143. Military and security forces. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  144. Military expenditures. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  145. Military and security service personnel strengths. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  146. Military equipment inventories and acquisitions. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  147. Military service age and obligation. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  148. Military - note. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  149. Space agency/agencies. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  150. Space program overview. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  151. Key space-program milestones. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  152. Refugees and internally displaced persons. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  153. Trafficking in persons. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  154. Illicit drugs. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:15:37 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  155. Real GDP growth. Real GDP growth: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Gross domestic product is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period. It can be measured in three different ways: using either the expenditure approach, the income approach, or the production approach. This indicator denotes the percentage change over each previous year of the constant price (base year 2015) series in United States dollars. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?format=json ↩
  156. Consumer price inflation. Consumer price inflation: observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Inflation as measured by the consumer price index reflects the annual percentage change in the cost to the average consumer of acquiring a basket of goods and services that may be fixed or changed at specified intervals, such as yearly. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG?format=json ↩
  157. Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate). Unemployment (modeled ILO estimate): observation 2025; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. The ILO modeled estimate is not necessarily directly comparable with national unemployment measures. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS?format=json ↩
  158. Access to electricity. Access to electricity: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Access to electricity is the percentage of population with access to electricity. Electrification data are collected from industry, national surveys and international sources. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS?format=json ↩
  159. Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption. Renewable energy share of total final energy consumption: observation 2021; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Renewable energy consumption is the share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS?format=json ↩
  160. Individuals using the internet. Individuals using the internet: observation 2024; checked 2026-10-29; single source. World Bank World Development Indicators. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc. Source metadata: https://api.worldbank.org/v2/indicator/IT.NET.USER.ZS?format=json ↩
  161. Physicians. Physicians: observation 2018; checked 2026-10-29; primary source checked. World Bank World Development Indicators. Primary source checked 2026-10-29T20:23:31.211Z. provider release 2026-10-08. source organization Global Health Workforce Statistics, World Health Organization (WHO); Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); Country data. definition Physicians (per 1,000 people). Original provider-reported country/economy series; unchanged historical boundaries are not asserted. Checked original WDI publication and metadata, not independent corroboration. ↩
  162. Adult literacy rate. Adult literacy rate: observation 2014; checked 2026-10-29; primary source checked. World Bank World Development Indicators. Primary source checked 2026-10-29T20:05:41.045Z. provider release 2026-10-08. source organization Data API, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), uri: https://databrowser.uis.unesco.org/resources, note: The data are obtained through the UIS API. Detailed documentation is available at: https://api.uis.unesco.org/api/public/documentation/, publisher: UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), type: Excel (bulk file), date accessed: 2026-03-19, date published: 2026-02. definition Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above). Original provider-reported country/economy series; unchanged historical boundaries are not asserted. Checked original WDI publication and metadata, not independent corroboration. ↩
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Countries & territories

Same-year values. Equal values share a rank.

Sources & method

Ranks cover available countries and territories, using the same indicator, source unit and reference year. Unrounded source values determine ties. Coverage is not a sovereign-country or complete global ranking; national definitions may differ. Missing values and other years are excluded. The information icon preserves the original number, unit and evidence.

RankCountry or territoryValue
Source information