After independence in the 19th century Nicaragua emerged as a country with a ruling elite of European stock who controlled the economy and a large disenfranchised indigenous population. In the 19th century it was the preferred route to cross the isthmus before the Panama canal and it also became a coffee exporter.

Up to the Sandinista Revolution in 1979 Nicaragua followed the typical pattern for the region. From 1936 to 1979 the country was controlled by members of the Somoza family who were aligned with landed interests. The Sandinista victory in 1979 marked a watershed for the country but ushered in a decade of war.

All of the wars in Central America were interconnected. The Sandinista Revolution  was seen as a model for the downtrodden throughout the Isthmus but was resisted by the US following a Cold War logic. Pressure on the Sandinistas by the US forced them to seek support from Cuba and the Soviet Union.

The Sandinistas then supported left wing guerrilla groups in neighbouring countries which were acquiescing in US policies. The US, in turn, supported right wing guerrillas to counter the left wing groups until the Cold War ended. The Sandinistas were voted out of office in 1990 and the Contra war ended. Since then Nicaragua has had elected Governments though the ex Sandinsta leaders have been in power since 2006.

Nicaragua has typically grown in the 3-4% range per annum apart from a prolonged downturn in the 1980's coinciding with the Contra war.  Economic policy is a mix of light industry, agriculture, mining, Zonas Francas (free trade zones) and integration in the Central American Common Market. The trade deficit is covered by remittances from Nicaraguans working abroad.

Contents

Introduction

The Modern Period

The Current Era

The Modern State

Economics from the Ground Up

Political Systems

Trade Theory

The EU as a Model of Integration

Industrialisation

Synopsis

Data                                   

            World GDP                                           2018

            World GDP PPP                                   2018

            GDP per capita ppp                           2018

            Exports    &   Imports                        2018

            Container Traffic                  2010 & 2018

            Oil Production                                    2018

            Migrant Remittances                       2018

            Tourism Statistics                             2017

            Tourism Americas                             2017              

Latin America         

Background

The US and Latin America

Economy

The EU and Latin America

Mercosur

World Exports                                   2000-2018

Nicaragua                     

            Introduction

            19^th & 20^th Centuries

            Economy

            State Finances

            Central America Tables

            Charts & Chart Commentary

Sources

67 pages