Axion 3D Atlas/ATLAS.iso/stats/173.txt

Text File | 1998-01-23 | 16KB | 369 lines

{bitmap= 26,50,"flags\Nicarag.bmp"}
{bigtext=150,120,"Nicaragua"}



{1}Geography{4}
{4}To see a map of Nicaragua, click {z,"-88.069427,10.394771,-81.259072,15.430596",here}{4}!

{2}Location:{4} Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean,
between Costa Rica and Honduras

{2}Area:{4}
{3}total area:{4} 129,494 sq km
{3}land area:{4} 120,254 sq km
{3}comparative area:{4} slightly larger than New York State

{2}Land boundaries:{4}
{3}total:{4} 1,231 km
{3}border countries:{4} Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

{2}Coastline:{4} 910 km

{2}Maritime claims:{4}
contiguous zone: 25-nm security zone
{3}continental shelf:{4} natural prolongation
{3}territorial sea:{4} 200 nm

{2}International disputes:{4} territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de San Andres y
Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank; with respect to the maritime boundary question in the Golfo
de Fonseca, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referred the disputants to an earlier agreement
in this century and advised that some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras, and
Nicaragua likely would be required; maritime boundary dispute with Honduras

{2}Climate:{4} tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

{2}Terrain:{4} extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific
coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes
{3}lowest point:{4} Pacific Ocean 0 m
{3}highest point:{4} Mogoton 2,438 m

{2}Natural resources:{4} gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

{2}Land use:{4}
{3}arable land:{4} 9%
{3}permanent crops:{4} 1%
{3}meadows and pastures:{4} 43%
{3}forest and woodland:{4} 35%
{3}other:{4} 12%

{2}Irrigated land:{4} 850 sq km (1989 est.)

{2}Environment:{4}
{3}current issues:{4} deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

{2}natural hazards:{4} destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasionally severe
hurricanes

{2}international agreements:{4} party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear
Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification,
Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea


{1}People{4}

{2}Population:{4} 4,272,352 (July 1996 est.)

{2}Age structure:{4}
{3}0-14 years:{4} 44% (male 951,254; female 938,599)
{3}15-64 years:{4} 53% (male 1,105,069; female 1,164,144)
{3}65 years and over:{4} 3% (male 49,027; female 64,259) (July 1996 est.)

{2}Population growth rate:{4} 2.67% (1996 est.)

{2}Birth rate:{4} 33.83 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Death rate:{4} 6.01 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Net migration rate:{4} -1.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

{2}Sex ratio:{4}
{3}at birth:{4} 1.04 male(s)/female
{3}under 15 years:{4} 1.01 male(s)/female
{3}15-64 years:{4} 0.95 male(s)/female
{3}65 years and over:{4} 0.76 male(s)/female
{3}all ages:{4} 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

{2}Infant mortality rate:{4} 45.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

{2}Life expectancy at birth:{4}
{3}total population:{4} 65.72 years
{3}male:{4} 63.41 years
{3}female:{4} 68.13 years (1996 est.)

{2}Total fertility rate:{4} 4.03 children born/woman (1996 est.)

{2}Nationality:{4}
{3}noun:{4} Nicaraguan(s)
{3}adjective:{4} Nicaraguan

{2}Ethnic divisions:{4} mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Indian 5%

{2}Religions:{4} Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5%

{2}Languages:{4} Spanish (official)
{3}note:{4} English- and Indian-speaking minorities on Atlantic coast

{2}Literacy:{4} age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
{3}total population:{4} 65.7%
{3}male:{4} 64.6%
{3}female:{4} 66.6%


{1}Government{4}

{2}Name of country:{4}
{3}conventional long form:{4} Republic of Nicaragua
{3}conventional short form:{4} Nicaragua
{3}local long form:{4} Republica de Nicaragua
{3}local short form:{4} Nicaragua

{2}Type of government:{4} republic

{2}Capital:{4} Managua

{2}Administrative divisions:{4} 15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento), 2 autonomous
regions* (regions autonomista, singular - region autonomista); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega,
Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva
Segovia, Atlantica Norte*, Atlantica Sur*, Rio San Juan, Rivas

{2}Independence:{4} 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

{2}National holiday:{4} Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

{2}Constitution:{4} 9 January 1987

{2}Legal system:{4} civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts

{2}Suffrage:{4} 16 years of age; universal

{2}Executive branch:{4}
chief of state and head of government: President Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (since 25 April
1990) was elected for a six-year term (amended to a five-year term in July 1995) by universal
suffrage; Vice President Julia MENA Rivera (since 22 October 1995) replaced Virgilio GODOY,
who resigned to run for the presidency in 1996 as required by law; election last held 25 February
1990 (next to be held 20 October 1996); results - Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (UNO) 54.7%,
Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 40.8%, other 4.5%
{3}cabinet:{4} Cabinet

{2}Legislative branch:{4} unicameral
National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional): elections last held 25 February 1990 (next to be held NA
October 1996); results - UNO coalition 53.9%, Sandinista bloc 40.8%, PSC 1.6%, MUR 1.0%;
seats - (92 total) UNO coalition 53 (Center Group 9, UDC 6, PSD 5, APC 5, PLC 5, PLI 4, PND 3,
PAN 3, PNC 3, MDN 2, PCdeN 2, independents 6) and Sandinista bloc 39 (MRS 16, BUS-
Sandinista 9, FSLN 8, Sandinista Group of Reflection 4, FSLN-independents 2)

{2}Judicial branch:{4} Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges elected for a six-year term (amended to
a seven-year term in July 1995) by the National Assembly

{2}Political parties and leaders:{4}
right: Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC), Arnold ALEMAN; Conservative Popular Alliance Party
(APC), Myriam ARGUELLO; Independent Liberal Party for National Unity (PLIUN), Carlos
GUERRA Gallardo; Conservative Action Movement (MAC); Conservative Party of Nicaragua
(PCN - formed in 1992 by the merger of the Conservative Social Party or PSC with the
Democratic Conservative Party or PCD and the Conservative party of Labor or PCL), Fernando
AGUERO; National Conservative Party (PNC), Adolfo CALERO, Noel VIDUARRE
center right: Neoliberal Party (PALI), Ricardo VEGA Garcia; Nicaraguan Resistance Party (PRN),
Fabio GADEA, Enrique QUINONEZ; Independent Liberal Party (PLI), Wilfredo NAVARRO;
National Project (PRONAL), Antonio LACAYO Oyanguren; Nicaraguan Democratic Alliance Party
(PADENIC), Pedro MAYORGA Knilands; Nationalist Liberal Party (PLN), Roberto CASTILLO
Quant; Party for Liberal Unity (PUL), Haroldo MONTEALEGRE; Fuerza '96, Francesco
MAYORGA
center left: Christian Democratic Union (UDC), Luis Humberto GUZMAN; Nicaraguan Democratic
Movement (MDN), Alfredo GUZMAN; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Adolfo JARQUIN; National
Justice Party (PJN), Jorge DIAZ Cruz; National Action Party (PAN), Delvis MONTIEL; Renovating
Action Movement (MAR), Pablo HERNANDEZ; Sandinista Renovation Movement (MRS), Sergio
RAMIREZ; Social Christian Party (PCS), Erick RAMIREZ; Democratic Action Party (PAD), Eden
PASTORA; "Up with Nicaragua" (Arriba Nicaragua), Alvaro ROBELO; National Democratic Party
(PND), Alfredo CESAR Aquirre; Communist Party of Nicaragua (PCdeN), Eli ALTIMIRANO Perez
left: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel ORTEGA; Revolutionary Workers' Party
(PRT), Bonifacio MIRANDA; Popular Action Movement-Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), Isidro
TELLEZ; Nicaraguan Socialist Party (PSN), Gustavo TABLADA; Unidad Nicaraguense de
Obreros, Campesinos, y Profesionales (UNOCP), Rosalio GONZALEZ Urbina; Central American
Unionist Party (PUCA), Blanca ROJAS Echaverry
{3}note:{4} the UNO coalition that won the 1990 elections no longer exists; the different blocs that
formerly were united under the UNO umbrella and their opposition to the Sandinistas now act and
vote independently

{2}Other political or pressure groups:{4} National Workers Front (FNT) is a Sandinista umbrella group of
eight labor unions: Sandinista Workers' Central (CST); Farm Workers Association (ATC); Health
Workers Federation (FETASALUD); National Union of Employees (UNE); National Association of
Educators of Nicaragua (ANDEN); Union of Journalists of Nicaragua (UPN); Heroes and Martyrs
Confederation of Professional Associations (CONAPRO); and the National Union of Farmers and
Ranchers (UNAG); Permanent Congress of Workers (CPT) is an umbrella group of four non-
Sandinista labor unions: Confederation of Labor Unification (CUS); Autonomous Nicaraguan
Workers' Central (CTN-A); Independent General Confederation of Labor (CGT-I); and Labor Action
and Unity Central (CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN) is an independent labor union;
Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) is a confederation of business groups

{2}International organization participation:{4} BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU,
LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

{2}Diplomatic representation in US:{4}
{3}chief of mission:{4} Ambassador Roberto Genaro MAYORGA Cortes
{3}chancery:{4} 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
{3}telephone:{4} [1] [phone]
{3}consulate(s) general:{4} Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco

{2}US diplomatic representation:{4}
{3}chief of mission:{4} Ambassador John F. MAISTO
{3}embassy:{4} Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur., Managua
{3}mailing address:{4} APO AA 34021
{3}telephone:{4} [505] (2) 666010 through 666013, 666015 through 18, 666026, 666027, 666032 through
33
{3}FAX:{4} [505] (2) 669074

{2}Flag:{4} 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


{1}Economy{4}

{2}Economic overview:{4} The Nicaraguan economy, devastated during the 1980s by economic
mismanagement and civil war, is beginning to rebound. Since March 1991, when President
CHAMORRO launched an ambitious economic stabilization program, Nicaragua has had
considerable success in reducing inflation and obtaining substantial economic aid from abroad.
Annual inflation fell from more than 750% in 1991 to less than 5% in 1992. After rising again to an
estimated 20% in 1993, the annual inflation rate was 11.7% in 1994 and 11.4% in 1995. While
economic growth was flat in 1992 and negative in 1993, the 1995 growth rate is about 4%, thanks
to surges in most export categories. Recent legislation (November 1995) authorizing the
privatization of the TELCOR telecommunications company and resolving the issue of property
confiscated by the previous Sandinista government may reassure potential investors. The
government's efforts to liberalize trade include a December 1995 decision to stop requiring
exporters to bring their foreign exchange earnings into Nicaragua. On the debt front, the
Nicaraguan Government launched a successful debt buyback program in 1995, purchasing 73%
of its $1.373 billion commercial debt inherited from previous governments. Progress also occurred
on reducing bilateral debt in November 1995 as Nicaragua reached an agreement with Germany,
reducing Nicaragua's $616 million debt to the former GDR by 80%. Debt reduction agreements
with Paris Club creditors and rescheduling with the US also took place. Unemployment remains a
pressing problem, however, with roughly half the country's population unemployed or
underemployed.

{2}GDP:{4} purchasing power parity - $7.1 billion (1995 est.)

{2}GDP real growth rate:{4} 4.2% (1995 est.)

{2}GDP per capita:{4} $1,700 (1995 est.)

{2}GDP composition by sector:{4}
{3}agriculture:{4} NA%
{3}industry:{4} NA%
{3}services:{4} NA%

{2}Inflation rate (consumer prices):{4} 11.4% (1995 est.)

{2}Labor force:{4} 1.086 million
{3}by occupation:{4} services 43%, agriculture 44%, industry 13% (1986)

{2}Unemployment rate:{4} 20% substantial underemployment (1995 est.)

{2}Budget:{4}
{3}revenues:{4} $389 million
{3}expenditures:{4} $551 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1996 est.)

{2}Industries:{4} food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and
distribution, beverages, footwear

{2}Industrial production growth rate:{4} 1.4% (1994 est.)

{2}Electricity:{4}
{3}capacity:{4} 460,000 kW
{3}production:{4} 1.64 billion kWh (1994)
{3}consumption per capita:{4} 376 kWh (1993)

{2}Agriculture:{4} coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, cassava (tapioca), citrus, beans; beef,
veal, pork, poultry, dairy products

{2}Illicit drugs:{4} transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US

{2}Exports:{4} $525.5 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.)
{3}commodities:{4} meat, coffee, cotton, sugar, seafood, gold, bananas
{3}partners:{4} US, Central America, Canada, Germany

{2}Imports:{4} $870 million (c.i.f., 1995 est.)
{3}commodities:{4} consumer goods, machinery and equipment, petroleum products
{3}partners:{4} Central America, US, Venezuela, Japan

{2}External debt:{4} $11.7 billion (1994)

{2}Economic aid:{4}
{3}recipient:{4} ODA, $NA

{2}Currency:{4} 1 gold cordoba (C$) = 100 centavos

{2}Exchange rates:{4} gold cordobas (C$) per US$1 - 7.98 (December 1995), 6.72 (1994), 5.62 (1993),
5.00 (1992), 4.27 (1991)

{2}Fiscal year:{4} calendar year


{1}Transportation{4}

{2}Railways:{4}
{3}total:{4} 0 km
narrow gauge: 0 km 1.067-m gauge; note - part of the previous 376 km system was closed and
dismantled in 1993 and, in 1994, the remainder was closed, the track and rolling stock being sold
for scrap

{2}Highways:{4}
{3}total:{4} 26,000 km
{3}paved:{4} 4,000 km
{3}unpaved:{4} 22,000 km (1993 est.)
{3}note:{4} there is a 368.5 km portion of the Pan-American Highway which is not included in the total

{2}Waterways:{4} 2,220 km, including 2 large lakes

{2}Pipelines:{4} crude oil 56 km

{2}Ports:{4} Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, Rama, San Juan del Sur

{2}Merchant marine:{4} none

{2}Airports:{4}
{3}total:{4} 148
{3}with paved runways over 3,047 m:{4} 1
{3}with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m:{4} 1
{3}with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m:{4} 3
{3}with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m:{4} 3
{3}with paved runways under 914 m:{4} 107
{3}with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m:{4} 1
{3}with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m:{4} 32 (1995 est.)


{1}Communications{4}

{2}Telephones:{4} 66,810 (1993 est.)

{2}Telephone system:{4} low-capacity microwave radio relay and wire system being expanded;
connected to Central American Microwave System
{3}domestic:{4} wire and microwave radio relay
{3}international:{4} satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) and 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean)

{2}Radio broadcast stations:{4} AM 45, FM 0, shortwave 3

{2}Radios:{4} 1.037 million (1992 est.)

{2}Television broadcast stations:{4} 7 (1994 est.)

{2}Televisions:{4} 260,000 (1992 est.)


{1}Defense{4}

{2}Branches:{4} Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force

{2}Manpower availability:{4}
{3}males age 15-49:{4} 988,883
{3}males fit for military service:{4} 608,753
{3}males reach military age (18) annually:{4} 47,786 (1996 est.)

{2}Defense expenditures:{4} exchange rate conversion - $28.1 million, NA% of GDP (1996)