Nicaragua Country Report

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, bordering Costa Rica to the south and Honduras to the north. After decades of insurgency and political instability, the government has grown increasingly authoritarian, coopting national institutions and minimizing dissent and political freedoms.

The country has historically had some of the highest levels of poverty in Latin America. However, sustained economic growth over most of the last two decades has slightly improved the situation. Unlike neighboring countries, crime has been and remains low, making Nicaragua one of the safest countries in Latin America. Opportunistic crime, particularly in Managua, is still a concern for travelers. Infrastructural weaknesses will be an issue in rural areas and can be severely exacerbated by regularly occurring natural disasters such as tropical systems, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Those dealing with government entities should also be wary of corruption and weak rule of law.

Diplomatic disputes at times occur with Costa Rica, with whom territorial demarcation and immigration have been an issue. However, armed conflict is not a risk. Domestic internal conflict is a slight risk in the country’s autonomous regions. Crime in Nicaragua is primarily opportunistic in nature, though violent crime can affect visitors, as well, particularly during periods of civil unrest. However, crime levels are low compared to regional averages. There is no terrorism risk in Nicaragua.

International carriers are considered safe for travel to and from Nicaragua.

Highways linking major cities are of acceptable quality; other roads are not generally to be relied upon.

The ports are considered efficient.

Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are highly reliable in urban areas. Rural areas will prove more variable.

The country is considered an unlikely target for cyber attacks, and its defenses against such attacks would be poor.

Nicaragua is characterized by wet and dry seasons. Though Nicaragua’s commitment to environmental protection is questionable, its low level of industrialisation is not sufficient to present major manmade risks. Earthquakes are a fairly common occurrence; while most are moderate, some can be severe. Nicaragua is affected by major tropical systems every few years. However, torrential rainfall can occur every year outside the context of hurricanes and tropical storms. The hurricane season generally lasts from June through November, with activity peaking by September.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria in certain areas, are the major non-routine epidemiological concern in the country. Decent quality medical facilities can be found in Managua and, to a lesser extent, in other cities as well. More rural areas may not have any reliable facilities at all, even for more basic needs. All major medications can be obtained in urban centers. The availability of medicines in less populated areas will vary. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Corruption is endemic in Nicaragua and is likely to remain at current levels or worse during the duration of the Ortega government. Rule of law is generally poor given the politicization of the judiciary and Ortega’s control over most aspects of governance. Many of the country’s democratic institutions have been weakened under the current administration, and regime stability has been called into question by ongoing protests. Sanctions are not currently in force against Nicaragua as a whole, but unilateral sanctions against specific individuals have been imposed by the US.