Nicaragua is rich in natural resources, such as gold, silver and marble, and has major rain forest areas. The resources have so far not been utilized in a way that is sustainable in the long term.
There are major gaps in society and the level of education is low. Access to medical care is extremely limited. The Autonomous Region of the Southern Atlantic (RAAS) and the Autonomous Region of the Northern Atlantic (RAAN) districts on the Atlantic coast are the poorest. These contain a large proportion of indigenous people and ethnic minority groups.
The most vulnerable groups are women, girls and boys and ethnic minorities. Many women die during pregnancy and childbirth. Teenage pregnancy is very common.
The respect for political and civil human rights is generally good in Nicaragua, compared with other countries in the region. The police and the army act professionally, although other areas of the judicial system are corrupt and not accessible, especially to the most vulnerable people.
Controversial developments in society
Nicaragua recently introduced a complete ban on abortion, even in the cases where a woman’s health is in danger. That decision has received strong criticism from the rest of the world.
In recent times, the government has also shown signs of an increasingly more authoritarian attitude. Civilian organizations have been excluded and examined by the government. Their ability to influence and benefit from the country’s development and how poverty should be tackled has been restrained.
No international insight was allowed in the municipal elections in November 2008 when all the country’s mayors were elected. The election was highly questioned both within Nicaragua and internationally.
This development has worried both Sweden and other countries. As a result of this, Sweden’s support has been partly redirected to strengthening the civil society and democracy. At the same time, Sweden has ceased its sectorial support to the Nicaraguan government.
In September 2007, it was decided that Sweden would end its long-term development co-operation with Nicaragua as a result of Sweden focusing its development cooperation on fewer countries. Up to December 2011, the development co-operation will be phased out, though some Swedish non-governmental organizations will continue to work in Nicaragua, such as Latinamerikagrupperna, Svalorna and Vänskapsförbundet Sverige – Nicaragua.
Sida’s focus areas in Nicaragua:
- Democracy and human rights
- Rural development
- Health
- Research.
Read more about what Sida's work in Nicaragua.
