Nicaragua

Nicaragua, located between Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south, is the largest of the Central American countries and one of the most ecologically diverse. Lakes, volcanoes and rainforests provide the setting for an amazing biodiversity and a largely untapped potential in natural resources. But the country's turbulent history—fraught with foreign intervention, corrupt governments, and economic exploitation—has kept Nicaragua among the poorest of Latin American countries. According to the United Nations, a greater proportion of Nicaraguans—80 percent—live on less than $2 per day than in any other country in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Still, the country's rich natural resources, agricultural potential, and increasing presence in regional and international markets position Nicaragua for real growth and development. With adequate investments in health, education, infrastructure and, most importantly, agriculture, the majority of the population—rural small-scale farmers and other marginalized communities—would benefit from economic growth. Nicaraguans are a determined people with a profound capacity for self-reliance, resilience and community-based solidarity. But they need our help.

Catholic Relief Services has worked in Nicaragua since 1960, focusing on the country's poorest and most vulnerable people. In partnership with the Catholic Church and civil society organizations, CRS works to improve the living conditions of thousands of Nicaraguans by supporting projects in agriculture, microfinance, health and risk management, and civil society and human rights. Our efforts are focused on rural areas where poverty is at its worst, in 7 of the country's 15 departments and on the Caribbean coast.

CRS' main office is located in Managua, with a branch office in Sébaco in the department of Matagalpa. Conor Walsh is CRS Nicaragua's country representative.