There are many interesting facts about Nicaragua, including it being considered the oldest city in the Americas. It is also the largest among all Central American countries and is relate in size to the US state of New York. Like many countries in the region, Nicaragua was rules by Spain for many years. Interestingly, Nicaragua’s Lake Managua is one of the only freshwater lakes in the world to have sharks.
| Information Type | Nicaragua Data |
|---|---|
Population | 5,907,881 (July 2015 est.) |
Gross Domestic Product PPP (GDP) | US$31.33 billion (2015 est.) |
GDP Per Capita | US$5,000 (2015 est.) |
Inflation Rate | 4% (2015 est.) |
Currency | Gold Cordoba (NIO) |
Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar | 28.81 cordobas per U.S. dollar (August 22, 2016) |
Language | Spanish (official) 95.3%, Miskito 2.2%, Mestizo of the Caribbean coast 2%, other 0.5% |
Capital | Managua |
Population of Capital City | 956,000 (2015) |
Time Zone | GMT – 6 |
Seasons | Tropical, rainy season lasts from June to December. |
International Dialing Code | 505 |
Electricity | 120V / 60 Hz. Plug Type: A (US style) |
System of Government | Republic |
Current Leader | President Daniel Ortega (since Jan. 10, 2007) |
Income Tax Rate for Residents | Residents are taxed on their Nicaraguan-sourced income at progressive rates, from 10% to 30%. |
Property Tax | 0% to 1% |
Capital Gains Tax | Are taxed according to a progressive rate schedule, up to a maximum of 30%. A withholding tax rate of 20% is levied on capital gains realized by nonresident individuals through selling Nicaraguan real estate properties. |
Inheritance Tax | Inheritances and gifts are taxed at the ordinary progressive income tax rates, from 10% to 30% |
Rental Income Tax | Taxed as income tax rate. |
Transfer Tax | 1% to 3%, paid by seller levied on certain types of documents, the amount varies depending on the transaction. |
Sales Tax | 15% |
Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property | None |
Local Chamber of Commerce | Rotonda El GüegüenseManagua Tel: 505-2268-3505 |
American Chamber of Commerce | Plaza Espana, de la Rotonda el Gueguense 400 mts. al sur, 75 mts. al esteManagua Tel: 505-2266-2758 |
Primary Exports | Coffee, beef, shrimp, lobster, tobacco, bananas, cotton, rice, sugarcane, corn, sesame, soya, beans, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products. |
Residency and Visa Requirements | Tourist Visa: Automatic 90 days upon entry. Residency: Permanent residence and investor’s residence visas, including pensionado and rentista. Citizenship: Three years of uninterrupted, legal residence. |
Special Benefits for Foreign Residents or Retirees | No income tax on external income. Tax-free import of household goods and vehicle. |
National Airline | None |