Who are the people?
Approximately 90 percent of Nicaragua’s population lives in the Pacific lowlands, which make up the western third of the country. Most Nicaraguans (77 percent) are of mixed Spanish and Indian descent. Another 10 percent is of European ancestry, 9 percent of African heritage, and 4 percent of Indian descent.

Inflation is a serious problem that affects the quality of life for many Nicaraguans. The cost of living is higher than what most families can afford. Unemployment is a growing concern, and even those who do work have a difficult time paying for the essential items their families need.

Wages buy scarcely one-third of what they did 15 years ago, which puts a tremendous strain on households and makes it difficult for parents to provide for their children. People try to generate additional income by selling vegetables and fruits, homemade food, and items such as toys.

Nearly one-quarter of Nicaragua’s population is illiterate. Sadly, 20 percent of school-age boys and girls do not attend classes because their families do not have sufficient funds to pay for basic tuition, school uniforms, or books. This lack of education will limit what today’s children can do in the future to create opportunities for themselves and improve their lives.
Approximately 90 percent of Nicaragua’s population lives in the Pacific lowlands, which make up th

Country Comparison	Nicaragua	United States
Population	5.3 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	46,430 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	70 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	31	7
Literacy Rate	77%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	80%	92%
Access to Safe Water	81%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$790	$41,400

Religion

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What is it like to live there?
Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is known as “the land of lakes and volcanoes.” The region’s largest lake, Lago de Nicaragua, is home to the world’s only freshwater sharks.

Nicaragua is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Honduras extends along its northern border and Costa Rica adjoins it at its southern edge. Nicaragua is a nation filled with natural beauty. Most of the land is covered by forests, which provide a natural habitat for many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

The climate is warm, with an average temperature of 80°F along the coast and slightly cooler readings in the highlands. The typical annual rainfall in the capital of Managua is 47.5 inches.

Approximately 59 percent of Nicaragua’s people live in urban areas. Although the country’s total population is modest in size compared to some other nations, the concentration of residents in urban centers is straining the economic structure of the country.

Agriculture provides the main source of employment. Service industries are second, followed by trade and manufacturing.
Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is known as “the land of lakes and volcanoes.”
Nicaragua Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Nicaragua to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Overall program goals include:

• Constructing new classrooms to create a positive learning environment for sponsored children.
• Furnishing much needed school supplies to help sponsored children get the most out of their education.
• Offering scholarship programs to help children continue their education beyond primary school.
• Renovating homes for the neediest of families, giving their children a safer, healthier environment in which to live.
• Drilling wells to provide safe, clean water and reduce waterborne diseases.
• Introducing farmers to new agricultural techniques and providing seeds and fertilizer to help increase their crop yields.
• Conducting Bible programs to help boys and girls learn about God’s love.

• Pray that your sponsored child might be open to God’s love and grace.
• Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
• Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.

Please click here to peruse online picture folders of children from this country.