Nicaragua is located in Central America, and its capital is Managua. It has a population of approximately 6,916,140 and covers an area of about 130,370 km². Its official currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO).
What stands out
People & place
53.1 /km² across 130,370 km²
Nicaragua has a recorded population of 6,916,140 and a reported surface area of 130,370 km².
Economic snapshot
$19.69 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $19.69 billion and GDP per capita at $2,848 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Nicaragua, officially the Republic of Nicaragua, is the largest country in Central America. It is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south.
Nicaragua's diverse geography includes a tropical Atlantic coast and a more temperate Pacific coast. The country is characterized by a central mountain range, fertile volcanic plains, and a vast network of rivers and lakes, including the two largest lakes in Central America: Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua.
Nicaraguan culture is a blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Music, dance, and colorful festivals are integral parts of life. The country is known for its rich literary tradition, with poet Rubén Darío being a prominent figure.
Nicaragua was inhabited by Indigenous peoples for centuries before Spanish colonization in the 16th century. It gained independence from Spain in 1821. The 20th century was marked by political instability, including the Somoza dictatorship and the Sandinista revolution.
Key facts
Capital: Managua
Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Nicaragua has a recorded population of approximately 6,916,140 people.
How big is Nicaragua?
Nicaragua covers an area of about 130,370 km².
What is the population density of Nicaragua?
Nicaragua has a population density of roughly 53.1 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Nicaragua?
Nicaragua has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $19.69 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Nicaragua?
Nicaragua has a GDP per capita of approximately $2,848.
What currency is used in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua uses the Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO), with the symbol C$.
Where is Nicaragua located?
Nicaragua is located in Central America, Americas.
What are people from Nicaragua called?
People from Nicaragua are referred to as Nicaraguan.
What is the phone calling code for Nicaragua?
The international dialing code for Nicaragua is +505.
What is the internet domain for Nicaragua?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Nicaragua is .ni.
What time zone is Nicaragua in?
Nicaragua uses the America/Managua time zone.
What is Nicaragua known for?
Nicaragua, officially the Republic of Nicaragua, is the largest country in Central America. It is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south.
Central America