Nicaragua
Country statistics · 1990–present
Nicaragua at a Glance
Nicaragua is home to 6.9 million people as of 2024, with a population that is growing rapidly. At a GDP per capita of $4,223, it is a lower-middle-income economy — reflecting an economy in active development. Life expectancy at birth stands at 75.1 years, close to the global average.
Population Trends
The total resident population stood at 6.9 million as of 2024. With a birth rate of 19.1 and a death rate of 4.6 per 1,000 people (2024), the natural growth rate stands at 14.5 per 1,000 — equivalent to roughly 100,000 additional residents each year from natural change alone.
Economy & Development
Nicaragua is a small economy, with a total GDP that is projected at $30 billion (2029 IMF projection). At $4,223 per person, it is classified as a lower-middle-income economy — reflecting an economy in active development. Real GDP growth is projected at 3.5% in 2029, representing solid growth. The unemployment rate is projected at 2.7% (2029 IMF projection), indicating effectively at full employment.
Health & Society
Life expectancy at birth is 75.1 years (2024), close to the global average. Current health expenditure per person is $217 (2023), representing very low per-capita healthcare spending, a common constraint in lower-income economies. The adult literacy rate stands at 87.3% (2014), reflecting a majority-literate adult population. 61.4% of the population use the internet (2024), indicating growing but uneven digital access.