Nicaragua Map
Facts about Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with a gross national income per capita of $790 US. An estimated 75% of the population lives on less than $2 US per day.
- Total population-5.6 million
- Largest Central American republic, slightly larger than New York State
- 30% of workforce works in agriculture
- Unemployment and underemployment-52%
- Population 15 years of age and under-49%
- Children 5-14 years of age who are illegally employed to supplement the bare survival income of their families-240,000 children
- Children, ages 10-14, who are economically active-28%
49% of population 0-15 years old
- Children, ages 6-9, who are economically active-20%
- Children who suffer some degree of chronic malnutrition-33%
- Children who lack iron and Vitamin A-60%
- Rural population without safe drinking water-38% (total population 21%)
- Teenage pregnancy rate highest in Central America
- Surveyed 19 year old women who were pregnant or mothers-45%
- 25% of households headed by women
- Poor with “little to no” access to adequate health care facilities
- Leading causes of death in children under 5 years of age-intestinal diseases, acute respiratory infections, malnutrition
- Child mortality rate six times worse than the US rate
- 5% of disabled children receive appropriate support
33% of children suffer chronic malnutrition
- Population 15+ years of age who cannot read and write-33%
- Primary level student to teacher ratio-35:1
- Net primary school enrollment-88%
- Children who reach 5th grade -59%
- Net secondary school enrollment-40%
- One-third of primary school teachers are inadequately trained and many more lack teaching materials
Only 59% of children reach grade 5
Sources: World Bank Group, UNICEF, UN Food and Ag Organization, UN Project Report, US Department of State, CIA World Fact Book, Nicaraguan Government, related news articles
Leon and Matagalpa
Climate, Weather, and Time Zone
Nicaragua has a predominantly tropical climate, alternating between two seasons: rainy and dry. This is a result of its geographic location between 11° and 15° latitude north and the humidity from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans which give it a fairly stable season. Nicaragua’s rainy season is from May to mid-November.
Leon is located in the Pacific Lowlands of Nicaragua and is a region with a tropical climate. During the rainy season, almost all days begin sunny with rains coming in the afternoon and night and are of short duration. The rainy season high temperatures range from 81° to 95°F. The coolest months are December and January. The warmest months are March, April, and May when temperatures range from 85° to 95°F.
Leon is located 20 minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Matagalpa is located in the mountainous, Central American Highlands. Matagalpa is a region of highlands and misty forest, with a temperate and moist climate. Elevations in the area exceed 4,500 feet above sea level. Temperatures range from 60° to 80°F.
Matagalpa is located in the beautiful
mountains of Nicaragua.
Nicaragua is in the Central Time Zone.
Leon’s five day forecast
Matagalpa’s five day forecast
Contact Us
El Ayudante
P.O. Box 11686
Jackson , TN 38308
For questions about El Ayudante in Nicaragua, contact Bill Cox: billcox@nicamissions.com or 731-438-4550.
Ways to Give
CHECK BY MAIL. Make checks payable to El Ayudante, Inc. and mail to:
El Ayudante
P.O. Box 11686
Jackson , TN 38308
APPRECIATED SECURITIES. Gifts of publicly traded stocks, mutual funds, or bonds may be given to El Ayudante, Inc. by simply transferring ownership of the security through our investment broker.
GIFTS-IN-KIND. Some may wish to give tangible items. Large items such as property, homes, and vehicles that may be liquidated immediately can be accepted by the ministry. Smaller items can be carried by mission teams to Leon to be utilized on the facility and in the community. Such items include medicines, computers, school supplies, medical supplies, Bibles, etc.
100% of all tax-deductible gifts go directly to the place of designation. Please identify the place of designation.
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