Factsheet Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a major origin country of migrants. Home to 6.5 million people, the country is one of the least developed in Central America and access to basic services is a daily challenge. Moreover, the sociopolitical crisis that started in 2018 has deeply divided a country faced with high food insecurity and poverty levels. Before this crisis, the main driver of migration was Nicaragua’s economic situation. The political conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and hurricanes Eta and Iota have significantly aggravated this situation. Growing numbers of people, including children, are pushed to leave their country, either north towards the United States, or south, to neighboring Costa Rica.