Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Barbara Calandra MOORE embassy: Apartado Postal 327, Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur, Managua mailing address: APO AA 34021 telephone: [505] 266-6010, 266-2298, 266-6013 FAX: [505] 266-9074
Flag description:
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with
the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of
arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE
NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to
the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by
the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in
the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five
blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band
Economy Nicaragua
Economy - overview:
Nicaragua, one of the hemisphere's poorest countries, faces low per
capita income, flagging socio-economic indicators, and huge external
debt. Distribution of income is one of the most unequal on the
globe. While the country has made progress toward macroeconomic
stability over the past few years, a banking crisis and scandal has
shaken the economy. Nicaragua will continue to be dependent on
international aid and debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor
Countries (HIPC) initiative. Donors have made aid conditional on the
openness of government financial operation, poverty alleviation, and
human rights. Nicaragua met the conditions for additional debt
service relief in December 2000. Growth should move up moderately in
2003 because of increased private investment and exports.
GDP:
purchasing power parity - $11.16 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
1.1% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 30% industry: 26% services: 44% (2002 est.)
Population below poverty line: 50% (2001 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.7% highest 10%: 48.8% (1998)