Nicaragua

Compiled from the January 2007 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Republic of Nicaragua

PROFILE

PEOPLE

HISTORY

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

ECONOMY

FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-NICARAGUAN RELATIONS

TRAVEL

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 129,494 sq. km. (59,998 sq. mi.); slightly larger than New York State.

Cities: Capital—Managua (pop. 1 million). Other cities—Leon, Granada, Jinotega, Matagalpa, Chinandega, Masaya.

Terrain: Extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes.

Climate: Tropical in lowlands; cooler in highlands.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Nicaraguan(s).

Population: (2005) 5.1 million.

Annual growth rate: (2005) 1.7%. Density—43 per sq. km.

Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed European and indigenous) 69%, white 17%, black (Jamaican origin) 9%, indigenous 5%.

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, with rapidly growing percentage of Evangelical Protestants.

Languages: Spanish (official), English and indigenous languages on Caribbean coast.

Education: Years compulsory—none enforced (28% of first graders eventually finish sixth grade). Literacy-67.5%.

Health: (2005) Life expectancy—70 yrs. Infant mortality rate-35.50/1,000.

Work force: (2004 est.) 1.9 million. Unemployed—12%; underemployed—35%.

Government

Type: Republic.

Independence: 1821.

Constitution: The 1987 Sandinistaera constitution was changed in 1995 to provide for a more even distribution of power among the four branches of government and again in 2000 to increase the Supreme Court and the Controller General’s Office and to make changes to the electoral laws.

Government branches: Executive—president and vice president. Legislative—National Assembly (unicameral). Judicial—Supreme Court; subordinate appeals, district, and local courts; separate labor and administrative tribunals. Electoral—Supreme Electoral Council, responsible for organizing and holding elections.

Political subdivisions: 15 departments and two autonomous regions on the Atlantic coast; 145 municipalities.

Political parties: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN); Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance (ALN); Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC); Sandinista Renewal Movement (MRS); Alternative for Change (AC).

Suffrage: Universal at 16.

Economy

GDP: (2005 est.) $4.91 billion

GDP real growth rate: (2005 est.) 4.0%

Per capita GDP: (2005 est.) $850

Inflation rate: (2005 est.) 9.6%.

Natural resources: arable land, fresh water, fisheries, gold, timber hydro and geothermal power potential.

Agriculture: (17% of GDP) Products-corn, coffee, sugar, meat, rice, beans, bananas, beef, dairy.

Industry: (24% of GDP) Types-processed food, beverages, textiles, petroleum, and metal products.

Services: (52% of GDP) Types-banking, wholesale and retail distribution, telecommunications, and energy.

Trade: (2005 est.) Normal Exports-$857 million (f.o.b.) coffee, seafood, beef, sugar, industrial goods, gold, bananas. Free Trade Zone Exports-$682 million, mostly textiles and apparel, automobile wiring harnesses. Markets—Central American Common Market (CACM) 35%, U.S. 33%, European Union 14%, Mexico 4%, Japan 1%. Imports—$2.865 billion (c.i.f.) petroleum, agricultural inputs and equipment, manufactured goods. Suppliers-CACM 21%, U.S. 18%, EU 8%, Mexico 8%, Venezuela 6%, China 5%.

PEOPLE

Most Nicaraguans are of both European and Indian ancestry, and the culture of the country reflects the Ibero-European and Indian heritage of its people. Only the Indians of the eastern half of the country remain ethnically distinct and retain tribal customs and languages. A large black minority, of Jamaican origin, is concentrated on the Caribbean coast. In the mid-1980s, the central government divided the eastern half of the country—the former department of Zelaya—into two autonomous regions and granted the people of the region limited self-rule. Roman Catholicism is the major religion, but Evangelical Protestant groups have grown recently, and there are strong Anglican and Moravian communities on the Caribbean coast. Most Nicaraguans live in the Pacific lowlands and the adjacent interior highlands. The population is 58% urban.

HISTORY

Nicaragua takes its name from Nicarao, chief of the indigenous tribe that lived around present-day Lake Nicaragua during the late 1400s and early 1500s. In 1524, Hernandez de Cordoba founded the first Spanish permanent settlements in the region, including two of Nicaragua’s principal towns: Granada on Lake Nicaragua, and Leon east of Lake Managua. Nicaragua gained independence from Spain in 1821, briefly becoming a part of the Mexican Empire and then a member of a federation of independent Central American provinces. In 1838, Nicaragua became an independent republic.

Much of Nicaragua’s politics since independence has been characterized by the rivalry between the Liberal elite of Leon and the Conservative elite of Granada, which often led to civil war. Initially invited by the Liberals in 1855 to join their struggle against the Conservatives, an American named William Walker and his “filibusters” seized the presidency in 1856. The Liberals and Conservatives united to drive him out of office in 1857. Three decades of Conservative rule followed. Taking advantage of divisions within the Conservative ranks, Jose Santos Zelaya led a Liberal revolt that brought him to power in 1893. Zelaya ended a longstanding dispute with Britain over the Atlantic Coast in 1894, and reincorporated that region into Nicaragua.

By 1909, differences had developed over a trans-isthmian canal and concessions to Americans in Nicaragua; there also was concern about what was perceived as Nicaragua’s destabilizing influence in the region. In 1909 the United States provided political support to Conservative-led forces rebelling against

President Zelaya and intervened militarily to protect American lives and property. With the exception of a 9-month period in 1925-26, the United States maintained troops in Nicaragua from 1912 until 1933. From 1927 until 1933, U.S. Marines stationed in Nicaragua engaged in a running battle with rebel forces led by renegade Liberal Gen. Augusto Sandino, who rejected a 1927 negotiated agreement brokered by the United States to end the latest round of fighting between Liberals and Conservatives.

After the departure of U.S. troops, National Guard Commander Anastasio Somoza Garcia outmaneuvered his political opponents—including Sandino, who was assassinated by National Guard officers—and took over the presidency in 1936. Somoza and two sons who succeeded him, maintained close ties with the United States. The Somoza dynasty ended in 1979 with a massive uprising led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), which had conducted a low scale guerrilla war against the Somoza regime since the early 1960s.

The FSLN established an authoritarian dictatorship soon after taking power. U.S.-Nicaraguan relations deteriorated rapidly as the regime nationalized many private industries, confiscated private property, supported Central American guerrilla movements, and maintained links to international terrorists. The United States suspended aid to Nicaragua in 1981. The Reagan administration provided assistance to the Nicaraguan resistance and in 1985 imposed an embargo on U.S.-Nicaraguan trade.

In response to both domestic and international pressure, the Sandinista regime entered into negotiations with the Nicaraguan resistance and agreed to nationwide elections in February 1990. In these elections, which were proclaimed free and fair by international observers, Nicaraguan voters elected as their President the candidate of the National Opposition Union, Violeta Barrios de Chamorro.

During President Chamorro’s nearly 7 years in office, her government achieved major progress toward consolidating democratic institutions, advancing national reconciliation, stabilizing the economy, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and reducing human rights violations. Despite a number of irregularities—which were due largely to logistical difficulties and a baroquely complicated electoral law—the October 20, 1996 presidential, legislative, and mayoral elections were judged free and fair by international observers and by the groundbreaking national electoral observer group Etica y Transparencia (Ethics and Transparency). This time Nicaraguans elected former Managua Mayor Arnoldo Alemán, leader of the center-right Liberal Alliance. The first transfer of power in recent Nicaraguan history from one democratically elected president to another took place on January 10, 1997, when the Alemán government was inaugurated.

Presidential and legislative elections were held in November 2001. Enrique Bolaños of the Liberal Constitutional Party was elected to the Nicaraguan presidency on November 4, 2001, defeating FSLN candidate Daniel Ortega by 14 percentage points. The elections, characterized

by international observers as free, fair and peaceful, reflected the maturing of Nicaragua’s democratic institutions. During his campaign, President-elect Bolaños promised to reinvigorate the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and support the war against terrorism.

Bolaños was inaugurated on January 10, 2002. FSLN candidate Daniel Ortega won the Presidential elections of November 5, 2006 with just under 38% of the vote, defeating ALN candidate Eduardo Montealegre, who garnered 29%. Ortega was inaugurated on January 10, 2007.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Nicaragua is a constitutional democracy with executive, legislative, judicial, and electoral branches of government. In 1995, the executive and legislative branches negotiated a reform of the 1987 Sandinista constitution, which gave extensive new powers and independence to the legislature—the National Assembly—including permitting the Assembly to override a presidential veto with a simple majority vote and eliminating the president’s ability to pocket-veto a bill. The president and the members of the unicameral National Assembly are elected to concurrent five-year terms. The National Assembly consists of 92 total deputies (90 elected from party lists drawn at the departmental and national levels, plus the outgoing president and the candidate who finishes second in the Presidential race).

The Supreme Court supervises the functioning of the still largely ineffective, often partisan, and overburdened judicial system. In 2000, as part of the PLC-FSLN pact, the number or Supreme Court justices was increased from 12 to 16. Supreme Court justices are elected to five-year terms by the National Assembly. Led by a council of seven magistrates, the Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) is the co-equal branch of government responsible for organizing and conducting elections, plebiscites, and referendums. The magistrates and their alternates are elected to 5-year terms by the National Assembly. Constitutional changes in 2000 expanded the number of CSE magistrates from five to seven and gave the PLC and the FSLN a freer hand to name party activists to the Council, prompting allegations that both parties were politicizing electoral institutions and processes and excluding smaller political parties.

Freedom of speech is a right guaranteed by Nicaragua’s constitution and vigorously exercised by its people. Diverse viewpoints are freely and openly discussed in the media and in academia. There is no state censorship in Nicaragua. Other constitutional freedoms include peaceful assembly and association, freedom of religion, and freedom of movement within the country, as well as foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation. The government also permits domestic and international human rights monitors to operate freely in Nicaragua. The constitution prohibits discrimination based on birth, nationality, political belief, race, gender, language, religion, opinion, national origin, and economic or social condition. All public and private sector workers, except the military and the police, are entitled to form and join unions of their own choosing, and they exercise this right extensively. Nearly half of Nicaragua’s work force, including agricultural workers, is unionized. Workers have the right to strike. Collective bargaining is becoming more common in the private sector.

Political Parties

While three parties participated in the 2001 national elections (PLC, FSLN, and PC), five participated in the 2006 elections (FSLN, ALN, PLC, MRS, and AC). Of the 92 seats in the National Assembly (installed January 9, 2007), the FSLN holds 38 seats, the PLC 25, the ALN 24 and the MRS 5.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 1/16/2007

President: Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra

Vice Pres.: Jaime MORALES Carazo

Min. of Agriculture & Forestry: Ariel BACARDO

Min. of Defense:

Min. of Education, Culture, & Sports: Miguel de CASTILLA Urbina

Min. of Environment & Natural Resources: Amanda LORIO Arana

Min. of Family: Glenda Auxiliadora RAMIREZ Noguera

Min. of Finance & Public Credit: Alberto Jose GUEVARA Obregon

Min. of Foreign Affairs: Samuel SANTOS Lopez

Min. of Government: Ana Isabel MORALES Mazon

Min. of Health: Juana Maritza CUAN

Min. of Industry, Development, & Commerce: Horacio BRENES

Min. of Labor: Jeaneth CHAVEZ

Min. of Tourism:

Min. of Transportation & Infrastructure: Pablo MARTINEZ

Sec. of the Presidency:

Attorney General: Hernan ESTRADA

Prosecutor General:

Pres., Central Bank: Atenor ROSALES

Ambassador to the US:

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Eduardo SEVILLA Somoza

Nicaragua maintains an embassy in the United States at 1627 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202-387-4371).

ECONOMY

Nicaragua began free market reforms in 1991 after 12 years of economic free-fall under the Sandinista regime. Despite some setbacks, it has made dramatic progress: privatizing more than 350 state enterprises, reducing inflation from 13,500% to 9.6%, and cutting the foreign debt in half. The economy began expanding in 1994 and grew 4% in 2005, with overall GDP reaching $4.91 billion in 2005. Nicaragua remains the second-poorest nation in the hemisphere. Unemployment is officially around 12.2%, and another 35.4% are underemployed. Nicaragua suffers from persistent trade and budget deficits and a high debt-service burden; foreign assistance, including donations and debt relief, totaled 42% of GDP in 2004.

One of the key engines of economic growth has been production for export. Exports were $857 million in 2005. Although traditional products such as coffee, meat, and sugar continued to lead the list of Nicaraguan exports, the fastest growth is now in nontraditional exports: maquila goods (apparel); gold; seafood; and new agricultural products such as peanuts, sesame, melons, and onions. Nicaragua also depends heavily on remittances from Nicaraguans living abroad.

Nicaragua is primarily an agricultural country, but construction, mining, fisheries, and general commerce also have been expanding during the last few years. Foreign private capital inflows topped $300 million in 1999 but, due to economic and political uncertainty fell to less than $100 million in 2001. This trend has been reversed to a degree during the government of President Bolaños. Foreign direct investment reached 250 million in 2004.

Rapid expansion of the tourist industry has made it the nation’s third-largest source of foreign exchange. Some 60,000 Americans visit Nicaragua yearly—primarily business people, tourists, and those visiting relatives. An estimated 5,300 U.S. citizens reside in the country. The U.S. Embassy’s consular section provides a full range of consular services—from passport replacement and veteran’s assistance to prison visitation and repatriation assistance.

Nicaragua faces a number of challenges in stimulating rapid economic growth. Long-term success at attracting investment, creating jobs, and reducing poverty depend on its ability to comply with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, resolve the thousands of Sandinista-era property confiscation cases, and open its economy to foreign trade. This process was boosted in late 2000 when Nicaragua reached the decision point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief initiative. However, HIPC benefits will be delayed because Nicaragua subsequently fell “off track” from its IMF program. The country also has been grappling with a string of bank failures that began in August 2000. The macroeconomic policies implemented by the Bolaños administration helped the economy grow by 5.1% in 2004. Fiscal deficits have been reduced through increased tax collection and consolidated public sector expenditures.

International reserves have increased from US$274 million in 2001 to US$670 million in 2004. The IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) was suspended because a political stalemate between the executive and legislative branches prevented Nicaragua from meeting program preconditions.

The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) came into force between the United States and Nicaragua on April 1, 2006. The U.S. is the Nicaragua’s largest trading partner by far—the source in 2005 of roughly one fifth of Nicaragua’s imports and the destination about a third of its exports. About 25 wholly or partly owned subsidiaries of U.S. companies operate in Nicaragua. The largest of those investments are in the energy, communications, manufacturing, fisheries, and shrimp farming sectors. Good opportunities exist for further investments in those same sectors, as well as in tourism, mining, franchising, and the distribution of imported consumer, manufacturing, and agricultural goods.

The U.S. Embassy’s economic and commercial section advances American economic and business interests by briefing U.S. firms on opportunities and stumbling blocks to trade and investment in Nicaragua; encouraging key Nicaraguan decision-makers to work with American firms; helping to resolve problems that affect U.S. commercial interests; and working to change local economic and trade ground rules in order to afford U.S. firms a level playing field on which to compete. U.S. businesses may access key Embassy economic reports via the mission’s Internet home page at http://managua.usembassy.gov/.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

The 1990 election victory of President Violeta Chamorro placed Nicaragua in the ranks of Latin American democracies. Nicaragua pursues an independent foreign policy. A participant of the Central American Security Commission (CASC), Nicaragua also has taken a leading role in pressing for regional demilitarization and peaceful settlement of disputes within states in the region. Nicaragua has submitted two territorial disputes—one with Honduras and the other with Colombia—to the International Court at The Hague for resolution.

On the San Juan River there have been disagreements regarding navigational rights in the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border area. Nicaragua and Costa Rica signed a three-year agreement in September of 2002 to defer presenting these issues before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for resolution. After the two governments failed to reach an amicable solution, Costa Rica filed a case before the ICJ.

While the case is currently pending, the two countries jointly fund community development projects in the border area. At the 1994 Summit of the Americas, Nicaragua joined six Central American neighbors in signing the Alliance for Sustainable Development, known as the Conjunta Centroamerica-USA, or CONCAUSA, to promote sustainable economic development in the region.

Nicaragua belongs to the United Nations and several specialized and related agencies, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organization (WTO), UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Labor Organization (ILO), and UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC). Nicaragua also is a member of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Non-aligned Movement (NAM), the International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEA), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI).

U.S.-NICARAGUAN RELATIONS

U.S. policy aims to continue supporting the consolidation of the democratic process initiated in Nicaragua with the 1990 election of President Chamorro. The United States has promoted national reconciliation, encouraging Nicaraguans to resolve their problems through dialogue and compromise. It recognizes as legitimate all political forces that abide by the democratic process and eschew violence. U.S. assistance is focused on strengthening democratic institutions, stimulating sustainable economic growth, and supporting the health and basic education sectors.

The resolution of U.S. citizen claims arising from Sandinista-era confiscations and expropriations still figures prominently in bilateral policy concerns. Section 527 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (1994) prohibits certain U.S. assistance and support for a government of a country that has confiscated U.S. citizen property, unless the government has taken certain remedial steps.

In July 2005, the Secretary of State issued a 12th annual national interest waiver of the Section 527 prohibition because of Nicaragua’s record in resolving U.S. citizen claims as well as its overall progress in implementing political and economic reforms.

Other key U.S. policy goals for Nicaragua are:

• Improving respect for human rights and resolving outstanding high-profile human rights cases;
• Developing a free market economy with respect for property and intellectual property rights;
• Ensuring effective civilian control over defense and security policy;
• Increasing the effectiveness of Nicaragua’s efforts to combat transborder crimes, including narcotics trafficking, money laundering, illegal alien smuggling, international terrorist and criminal organizations, and trafficking in persons; and
• Reforming the judicial system and implementing good governance.

Since 1990, the United States has provided over $1.2 billion in assistance to Nicaragua. About $260 million of that was for debt relief, and another $450 million was for balance-of-payments support. The U.S. also provided $93 million in 1999, 2000, and 2001 as part of its overall response to Hurricane Mitch. Aside from funding for Mitch reconstruction, the levels of assistance have fallen incrementally to reflect the improvements in Nicaragua. Assistance has been focused on promoting more citizen political participation, compromise, and government transparency; stimulating sustainable growth and income; and fostering better-educated and healthier families. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, signed a five-year, $175 million Compact with the Republic of Nicaragua on July 14, 2005. The Millennium Challenge Compact will reduce poverty and spur economic growth by funding projects in the regions of León and Chinandega aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving access to markets for rural communities; increasing wages and profits from farming and related enterprises in the region, and increasing investment by strengthening property rights.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

MANAGUA (E) Address: Carretera Sur KM 4.5; APO/FPO: APO AA 34021; Phone: 011-505-266-6010; Fax: 001-505-266-3865; Workweek: 7:30AM–4:15 PM; Website: webmanagua.managua.state.gov.

Last Updated: 12/11/2006

Other Contact Information

U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration Trade Information Center

14th and Constitution, NW
Washington, DC 20230
Tel: 1-800-USA-TRADE

American Chamber of Commerce in Nicaragua

Apartado Postal 202
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: (5052) 67-30-99
Fax: (5052) 67-30-98

Caribbean/Latin American Action

1818 N Street, NW, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-466-7464
Fax: 202-822-0075

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet : January 10, 2007

Country Description: Nicaragua is a young democracy with a developing economy. The national language is Spanish, though many residents of the Caribbean coastal areas speak English and indigenous languages, as well. The climate is generally hot and humid with the “summer” dry season running mid November through mid May and the “winter” rainy season running from mid May through mid November. Terrain ranges from the hilly and volcanic to coastal beaches and tropical jungles. Many foreign governments and relief organizations provide economic assistance to Nicaragua and numerous individuals (official and non-official) from the U.S. and the rest of the developed world work on community-based projects both in Managua and in the rural areas. Violent crime has not been a historical problem, yet criminal enterprises appear to be growing in organization as economic development in Nicaragua moves forward. The judicial system is subject to corruption and political influence.

The promotion of tourism is a top government priority; however, Nicaragua lacks an extensive tourist infrastructure. Potential tourists may want to obtain information from INTUR, the governmental agency responsible for developing, regulating and promoting tourism in Nicaragua. INTUR’s website is http://www.intur.gob.ni/ and offers some information in English.

Entry/Exit Requirements: On January 8, 2007, the U.S. Government will begin to phase in new passport requirements for U.S. citizens traveling in the Western Hemisphere. By January 8, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air will be expected to depart and enter the United States on a valid passport or other authorized document establishing identity and U.S. citizenship. The Department of State strongly encourages travelers to obtain passports well in advance of any planned travel. Routine passport applications by mail take up to six weeks to be issued.

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter Nicaragua. U.S. citizens must have an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens; however, a tourist card must be purchased ($5.00) upon arrival. Tourist cards are typically issued for 30 to 90 days.

A valid entry stamp is required to exit Nicaragua. Pay attention to the authorized stay that will be written into your entry stamp by the immigration inspector. Visitors remaining more than the authorized time must obtain an extension from Nicaraguan Immigration. Failure to do so will prevent departure until a fine is paid.

There is also a $32 departure tax, the payment of which may or may not be included in your ticket. If not, payment can be made at the counter.

In June 2006, Nicaragua entered a “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Under the terms of the agreement, citizens of the four countries may travel freely across land borders from one of the countries to any of the others without completing entry and exit formalities at Immigration checkpoints. U.S. citizens and other eligible foreign nationals, who legally enter any of the four countries, may similarly travel among the four without obtaining additional visas or tourist entry permits for the other three countries. Immigration officials at the first port of entry determine the length of stay, up to a maximum period of 90 days. Foreign tourists who wish to remain in the four country region beyond the period initially granted for their visit are required to request a one-time extension of stay from local Immigration authorities in the country where the traveler is physically present, or travel outside the CA-4 countries and reapply for admission to the region. Foreigners “expelled” from any of the four countries are excluded from the entire “CA-4” region. In isolated cases, the lack of clarity in the implementing details of the CA-4 Border Control Agreement has caused temporary inconvenience to some travelers and has resulted in others being fined more than one hundred dollars or detained in custody for 72 hours or longer.

Visit the Embassy of Nicaragua web site at http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni/ for the most current visa information and locations for the Embassy and the several consulates in the United States.

Dual Nationality: The constitution of Nicaragua permits dual nationality. Dual citizens can enter and depart Nicaragua using either their U.S. or Nicaraguan passport. However, dual citizens entering on U.S. passports must obtain appropriate tourist/residence permits and any appropriate extensions. Parents should not rely on birth certificates for travel of their children; rather, they should obtain U.S. passports for infants and minors born in the U.S. prior to travel. Please also note that minors, who have Nicaraguan citizenship, regardless if they have an American passport, will be required to obtain an exit stamp from Nicaraguan Immigration before being allowed to depart.

Safety and Security: Police coverage is extremely sparse outside of major urban areas, particularly in Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast autonomous regions. Sporadic incidents of highway banditry are reported in remote rural areas of north and northwest Nicaragua. If you do decide to travel to these areas, travel only on major highways during daylight hours.

Political demonstrations and strikes occur sporadically, are usually limited to urban areas, and occasionally become violent. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid crowds and blockades during such occurrences. Nautical travelers should be aware that there are boundary disputes involving the governments of Nicaragua and Honduras in the Caribbean coastal waters adjoining these countries. Passengers and crews of foreign fishing boats have been detained and/or fined and vessels impounded. There also is a long-term boundary dispute with Colombia over San Andres Island and surrounding waters. Travelers should also be aware that narcotics traffickers often use the Caribbean coastal waters.

On the San Juan River there have been disagreements regarding navigational rights in the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border area. Nicaragua and Costa Rica signed a three-year agreement in September of 2002 to defer presenting these issues before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for resolution. After the two governments failed to reach an amicable solution, Costa Rica filed a case before the ICJ. While the case is currently pending, the two countries jointly fund community development projects in the border area.

U.S. citizens are cautioned that strong currents and undertows off sections of Nicaragua’s Pacific coast have resulted in a number of incidents of drowning. Warning signs are not posted, and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available in Nicaragua. U.S. citizens contemplating beach activities in Nicaragua’s Pacific waters should exercise appropriate caution.

Hiking in volcanic or other remote areas can be dangerous and you should take appropriate precautions. Hikers should have appropriate dress, footwear, and sufficient consumables for any trek undertaken. Individuals who travel to remote tourist or other areas for hiking activities are encouraged to hire a local guide familiar with the terrain and area. In particular, there have been instances of hikers perishing or getting lost on the volcanoes at Ometepe Island. While they may look like easy climbs, the terrain is treacherous and heavily overgrown.

Although hundreds of passengers travel daily on domestic flights within Nicaragua without incident, these flights use small, uncontrolled airstrips outside of Managua, with minimal safety equipment and little boarding security. Significant safety and security improvements have, however, been made at the Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas and Corn Island airports, all of which are located on Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast.

Although extensive demining operations have been conducted to clear rural areas of northern Nicaragua of landmines left from the war, visitors venturing off the main roads in these areas are cautioned that the possibility of encountering landmines still exists.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime: Violent crime in Managua and other cities is increasing, and street crimes are common. Pick pocketing and occasional armed robberies occur on crowded buses, at bus stops and in open markets, particularly the large Mercado Oriental. Gang activity is rising in Managua, though not at levels found in neighboring Central American countries. Gang violence, including robbery, assault and stabbing, is most frequently encountered in poorer neighborhoods, but has occurred in the neighborhoods surrounding major hotels, bus terminals and open-air markets.

Visitors may want to avoid walking and instead use officially registered taxicabs. Radio-dispatched taxis are recommended and can be found at the International airport and at the larger hotels. Taxi drivers and passengers have been victims of robbery, assault, sexual assault, and even murder. Before taking a taxi, make sure that it has a red license plate and that the number is legible. Pick taxis carefully and note the driver’s name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change. Also, check that the taxi is properly labeled with the cooperativa (company) name and logo. Purse and jewelry snatchings from motorists sometimes occur at stop-lights. While riding in a vehicle, windows should be closed, car doors locked and valuables placed out of sight.

Street crime and petty theft are a common problem in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields and the Corn Islands along the Nicaraguan Caribbean coast. Lack of adequate police coverage has resulted in these areas being used by drug traffickers and other criminal elements. The embassy has limited travel by its staff to most of the North and South Atlantic Autonomous Regions (RAAN and RAAS). Therefore, its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens who choose to travel in the Caribbean costal area is constrained. Police presence on Little Corn Islands and other remote areas is minimal. There have been incidents of sexual assault against females. Single travelers should exercise special caution while traveling in the Corn Islands and other remote areas of the country. Do not resist a robbery attempt. Many criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots. Travel in groups of two or more persons whenever possible. Use the same common sense while traveling in Nicaragua that you would in any high-crime area of a major U.S. city. Do not wear excessive jewelry in downtown or rural areas. Do not carry large sums of money, ATM or credit cards you do not need, or other valuables.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Medical care is limited, particularly outside Managua. Basic medical services are available in Managua and in many of the smaller towns and villages. However, treatment for many serious medical problems is either unavailable or available only in Managua. Certain types of medical equipment, medications and treatments are not available in Nicaragua.

In an emergency, individuals are taken to the nearest hospital that will accept a patient. This is usually a public hospital unless the individual or someone acting on their behalf indicates that they can pay for a private hospital. Payment for medical services is typically done on a cash basis, although the few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for payment. U.S. health insurance plans are not accepted in Nicaragua.

Malaria is endemic, particularly in low-lying areas such as Managua and around the beaches. Dengue is also a problem. Tap water in Managua has been tested and found safe for drinking; however, you are urged to drink bottled water, especially when traveling outside of the capital. Mosquito-borne illnesses are an ongoing problem in Nicaragua. All persons traveling in Nicaragua, even for a brief visit, are at risk of contracting malaria year-round if they travel outside of Managua to low-lying areas.

Take a prophylactic regimen best suited to your health profile. The country regularly suffers from outbreaks of dengue fever during the rainy season. Travelers should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes to reduce the chance of contracting such illnesses.

Individuals traveling to Nicaragua should ensure that all their routine vaccinations are up to date. Vaccination against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is strongly recommended. Travelers taking prescription medications should bring an adequate supply with them when coming to Nicaragua.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Nicaragua is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving at night on rural roads outside major cities is also discouraged. Driving is on the right side of the road in Nicaragua. Motorists driving to Nicaragua should use the principal highways and official border crossings at Guasale, El Espino and Las Manos between Nicaragua and Honduras and Penas Blancas between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Although some of the principal highways connecting the major cities are in good shape, drivers should be aware that seasonal, torrential rains take a heavy toll on road conditions. Motorists are encouraged to prepare accordingly and may want to carry a cellular phone in case of an emergency.

Road travel after dark is especially hazardous in all areas of the country. With a few exceptions, Nicaraguan roads (not major highways) are in poor repair, potholed, poorly lit, frequently narrow, and lack shoulders. Many roads severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Mitch in October 1998 have not been repaired.

Some of the major highways and roads are undergoing major repair, repaving and upgrading. Be on the lookout for detours and slow traffic on these roads. In general, road signs are poor to non-existent. Bicycles, oxcarts, dogs, horses and vehicles without lights are at times encountered even on main thoroughfares in Nicaragua. Motorcycles, often carrying three or even four passengers, dart in and out of traffic with little or no warning. Many vehicles are in poor condition, travel very slowly and are prone to breaking down without warning. Drivers should be especially careful on curves and hills, as many drivers will pass on blind spots. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road, but because the government lacks the resources, traffic rules are rarely enforced.

Due to the age and disrepair of many vehicles, many drivers will not signal their intentions using turn indicators. Rather, it is common for a vehicle operator to stick his hand out the window to signal a turn. If you do drive in Nicaragua, you need to exercise the utmost caution, drive defensively and make sure you have insurance.

Avoid taking public transportation buses, if possible. They are overcrowded, unsafe and often are used by pickpockets. Because of the conditions discussed above, traffic accidents often result in serious injury or death. This is most often true when heavy vehicles, such as buses or trucks, are involved. Traditionally, vehicles involved in accidents in Nicaragua are not moved (even to clear traffic), until authorized by a police officer. Drivers who violate this norm may be held legally liable for the accident.

Nicaraguan law requires that a driver be taken into custody for driving under the influence or being involved in an accident that caused serious injury or death, even if the driver is insured and appears not to have been at fault. The minimum detention period is 48 hours; however, detentions frequently last until a judicial decision is reached (often weeks or months), or until a waiver is signed by the injured party (usually as the result of a cash settlement).

Visitors to Nicaragua might want to consider hiring a professional driver during their stay. Licensed drivers who are familiar with local roads can be hired through local car rental agencies. In case of accident, only the driver will be taken into custody.

Regulations governing transit are administered by the National Police. For specific information concerning Nicaraguan driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, you may wish to refer to the National Police website at http://www.policia.gob.ni/. You may also contact the Embassy of Nicaragua or a Consulate for further information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Nicaragua’s Civil Aviation Authority as Category 2—not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards for the oversight of Nicaragua’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet website at http://www.faa.gov.

Purchasing Property: U.S. citizens should be aware of the risks of purchasing real estate in Nicaragua and should exercise caution before committing to invest in property. The 1979-90 Sandinista government expropriated some 30,000 properties, many of which are still involved in disputes or claims. Land title remains unclear in many cases. Although the government has resolved several thousand claims by U.S. citizens for compensation or return of properties, there remain hundreds of unresolved claims registered with the U.S. Embassy. Potential investors should engage competent local legal representation and investigate their purchases thoroughly in order to reduce the possibility of property disputes.

The Judicial system offers little relief when the purchase of a property winds up in court. The Embassy is aware of numerous cases in which buyers purchase property supported by what appear to be legal titles only to see themselves subsequently embroiled in legal battles when the titles are contested by an affected or otherwise interested third party. Once a property dispute enters the judicial arena, the outcome may be subject to corruption, political pressure, and influence peddling. Many Coastal properties have been tied up in courts recently, leaving the “buyer’ unable to proceed with the intended development pending lengthy and uncertain litigation. In other cases squatters have simply invaded the land while the police or judicial authorities are unable (or unwilling) to remove the trespassers. Again, the Embassy advises that those interested in purchasing Nicaraguan property exercise extreme caution.

Money and Currency: U.S. currency is widely accepted and major credit cards are also typically accepted in hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses in urban and tourist areas. Visitors who need to change dollars are encouraged to do this at their hotel since this is typically the safest place. ATM machines are available at banks in addition to some shopping centers and gas stations in urban and tourist areas. However, individuals should exercise caution when using a teller machine since they are typically in or near uncontrolled areas and criminal elements can easily see you withdrawing cash. Traveler’s checks are accepted at a few major hotels and may also be exchanged for local currency at authorized exchange facilities (“casas de cambio”). You will also find enterprising individuals -’Cambistas’—waving wads of cash in the street. Changing money in this fashion can be dangerous and is discouraged.

Disaster Preparedness: Nicaragua is prone to a wide variety of natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.

Customs Regulations: Before excavating archaeological materials, or agreeing to buy artifacts of historical value, all persons are strongly urged to consult with the National Patrimony Directorate of the Nicaraguan Institute of Culture. Nicaraguan law and a bilateral accord limit the acquisition, importation into the U.S. and commercialization of said goods. Severe criminal penalties may apply.

U.S. citizens planning to stay in Nicaragua for an extended period of time with the intention of bringing vehicles or household goods into the country should consult Nicaraguan customs officials prior to shipment.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Nicaraguan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nicaragua are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children’s Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Nicaragua are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Nicaragua. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located Kilometer 4 1/2 (4.5) Carretera Sur, Managua; telephone (505) 266-6010 or 268-0123; after hours telephone (505) 266-6038; Consular Section fax (505) 266-9943; E-mail: [email protected].

International Adoption : November 2006

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.

Please Note: Nicaraguan law does not allow for a Nicaraguan child to travel to the United States to be adopted. Therefore, prospective adoptive parents must obtain a full and final adoption under Nicaraguan law before the child can immigrate to the United States. The Nicaraguan Ministry of the Family will want to see that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) division of the Department of Homeland Security has approved prospective adoptive parents to adopt a child and will ask for the Notice of Approval (Form I-171H) issued by USCIS.

Patterns of Immigration: Please review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.

Adoption Authority: The government office responsible for adoptions in Nicaragua is Mi Familia (Ministry of Family). This office can be contacted at the following address:

De ENEL Central 100 mts.
Al sur, Managua
Phone: (505) 278-1837/(505) 278-5637, extensions 220 or 233.

Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Parents: Both single and married people may adopt. Officially, prospective adoptive parents must be between 25 and 40. However, the Ministry of Family has been flexible on the age requirement on a case-by-case basis.

Residency Requirements: According to Nicaraguan law, prospective adoptive parents must either be Nicaraguan citizens or have a permanent residence in Nicaragua and plan to remain in Nicaragua until the child reaches 21 years of age. In the cases of U.S. citizens with an approved I-600 or I-600A, however, this residency requirement is typically waived.

Time Frame: The Nicaraguan adoption process takes anywhere from six months to a year and in some cases longer.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: Prospective adoptive parents must work directly with the Ministry of Family until the final stage of the adoption. Once the Ministry of Family authorizes the adoption, the prospective adoptive parents may hire a Nicaraguan attorney to complete the adoption procedures. This may be advisable due to the complexity of the Nicaraguan legal system. Lists of attorneys are available from the U.S. Embassy and can be accessed on line at: http://managua.usembassy.gov/wwwhcon13.html.

Adoption Fees: The Ministry of the Family does not charge fees for adoptions. Typical charges will be legal fees and fees for obtaining notarized legal documents. The legal fees generally range from $1,200 to $1,500.

Adoption Procedures: Prospective adoptive parents can expect a lengthy process to adopt a child in Nicaragua. The Ministry of Family will go through a number of steps to ensure that the child has been abandoned and that no biological family members are willing to take in the child. The Ministry of Family will verify that the prospective adoptive parent(s) has/have been approved by USCIS to adopt a child from abroad and that they have translated and notarized copies of the home study conducted in the United States. Once the adoptive parents have been approved by the Ministry of the Family they are placed on a waiting list until a child is identified. Even if the child has already been identified by the adoptive parents, the parents must still wait on the waiting list for further processing by the Ministry of the Family.

Once all the data is evaluated and necessary investigations performed, the case is presented to the Ministry of Family’s adoption advisory council for a final decision on the adoption. Either the adoptive parents or the adoptive parents’ lawyer should be present for these proceedings.

If the adoption is approved, the decision is then sent to a judge to formally order the decision. The judge has the authority to deny a case when there is a concern for the child’s welfare. These are exceptionally rare cases, with only one case denied in the last ten years.

When the final adoption decree is issued by the Nicaraguan court, the parents are able to attain a birth certificate (at least two original copies is recommended) from the Central Registry of Managua for a cost of 100 Cordobas ($6).

As soon as the birth certificate has been issued, a passport could be attained from Nicaraguan Immigration for 350 Cordobas ($20) with an expected eight day turn around. Expedited same day passports service is available for 300 extra Cordobas ($18). The parents will also need to attain a “legal authority” from Nicaraguan Immigration [cost of 350 Cordobas ($20)] in order leave the country with the child.

Documentary Requirements: The following is a list of documents typically requested by the Ministry of Family when it is evaluating an adoption request from a prospective adoptive parent. All documents should be translated into Spanish and then authenticated by the nearest Nicaraguan Consulate:

• Original authenticated notice of approval (I-171H) issued by USCIS;
• Home study (I-600A fulfills this requirement);
• Psychological evaluation by a U.S.-based adoption agency;
• Birth certificate of adoptive parent(s);
• Marriage certificate of adoptive parents (if applicable);
• Letter of employment for the adoptive parents;
• Unites States police record (FBI fingerprints fulfill this requirement);
• Medical examination for adoptive parents(s);
• Two 2? x 2? color photographs of the parent(s) with a white background;
• Letter from a U.S.-based adoption agency indicating that it will follow-up with the case in the United States once the adoption has been completed in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan Ministry of the Family requires a U.S. based adoption agency to conduct at least two family visits for the first year after the adoption that report on the welfare of the child. These reports need to be sent directly to the Ministry of the Family (Consejo de Adopción).

The above is not necessarily a complete list of everything that may be requested. The Ministry of Family will advise prospective adoptive parents if anything else will be required.

Embassy of Nicaragua:

1627 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Tel; (202) 939-6531/32
Consular Section: (202) 939-6541,
Fax: (202) 939-6574
Hours of Operation: 9:00am—1:00pm, Monday through Friday

Nicaragua also has consulates in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. For more specific contact information, please refer to the Nicaraguan Foreign Ministry’s web site at: www.cancilleria.gob.ni.

U.S. Immigration Requirements: Prospective adoptive parents are strongly encouraged to consult USCIS publication M-249, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children, as well as the Department of State publication, International Adoptions. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.

U.S. Embassy Managua:

Km 4 1/2 Carretera Sur
P.O. Box #: 327
Phone: 011-(505)-268-0123, ext 4519/4767/4320
Fax: 011—(505)—266-9943

Additional Information: Specific questions about adoption in Nicaragua may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Managua. General questions regarding intercountry adoption may be addressed to the Office of Children’s Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, SA-29, 4th Floor, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-407-4747.