Nicaragua is known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.”
The Republic of Nicaragua
NicaraguaCentral America-10:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)Spanish
National CurrencyCordoba (NIO)
National Day(s)15 September (Independence Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalManagua
Economic CapitalManagua
Cultural CapitalGranada / Leon
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 22 – 26 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportAugusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA)
Primary PortPort of Corinto
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline910 km
Highest PointCerro Mogoton (2,085 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverLake Nicaragua (largest lake in Central America, important for freshwater, transport, and biodiversity)
ClimateTropical
Border Countries
Costa RicaHonduras
2Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Around 25% of Nicaragua is made up of forest, with over 10,000 square kilometres (3,860 square miles) classed as virgin forest.
In 2025, Nicaragua was one of only four countries in the world, alongside the UAE, Mexico and Rwanda, to achieve full gender parity in parliament.
Nicaragua’s flag descends from the flag used by the United Provinces of Central America.
In terms of area, Nicaragua is the fourth largest country in North America and the largest in Central America.
Nicaragua has the two largest lakes in Central America: Lake Managua (1,040 sq km) and Lake Nicaragua (8,150 sq km).
Nicaragua hosts around 7% of the world’s biodiversity, making it highly biodiverse.
Granada and Leon Viejo, two of Nicaragua’s principal cities, were originally Spanish settlements. Today, they are celebrated for their rich colonial architecture and heritage.
Nicaragua consists of three geographical regions: the Atlantic Lowlands, the North Central Highlands and the Pacific Lowlands which is the most populous region.
Ometepe Island was formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua.
The national bird of Nicaragua is the Turquoise-browed Motmot (Guardabarranco).
Nicaragua is the world’s leading producer of premium handmade cigars and has been the largest exporter of premium cigars to the United States since 2016.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | NicaraguaUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.E. Daniel Ortega
Since February 2025
H.E. Rosario Murillo
Since February 2025
H.E. Denis Moncada Colindres
Since September 2025
H.E. Valdrack Jaentschke
Since September 2025
H.E. Dr. Ivan Acosta Montalvan
Since February 2012
H.E. Erwin Vicente Ramirez Colindres
Since July 2025
H.E. Rosa Adelina Barahona Castro
Since August 2019
Political Summary
Political System
Presidential Republic
Nicaragua formally operates under a “co-presidency” system where two people jointly hold the office of Head of State and Government.
Ruling Party
Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN): Left-wing to far-left (since January 2007)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Opposition exists but is fragmented and legally constrained. Many opposition leaders have been arrested, exiled or disqualified from elections since the 2018–2021 political crisis.
Next Presidential Election
Expected in November 2027
Next Legislative Election
November 2027
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
45Organizations
17Member
8Founding Member
3Partner, Observer or Participant
17Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Nicaragua | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations1 Aug 199135 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al ShamsiUAE Ambassador to Nicaragua (credentials not yet presented) · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Mohamed Farrara LashtarAmbassador of Nicaragua to the UAE · Non-residentLast Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
-
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nicaragua Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Nicaragua | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Not Signed | - |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Not Signed | - |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 28 Sep 2016.Ratified on 3 Feb 2019. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Nicaragua | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- -
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Jesus BermudezMinister of Development, Industry and Trade of NicaraguaFeb2024
- H.E. Dr. Heyddy CalderonMinister of the Environment and Natural Resources of NicaraguaDec2023
- H.E. Denis Moncada ColindresMinister of Foreign Affairs of NicaraguaOct2021
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: April 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)1.3USD Millions
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)-
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Nicaraguan Companies in the UAE
- -
Major UAE Companies in Nicaragua
- -
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research