Security Overview for Nicaragua

Plagued with violence and instability throughout most of the century, Nicaragua is continuing the long and arduous process of political, social and economic recovery in the wake of its most recent civil war. Since the end of the civil war in 1990, crime increased dramatically and replaced insurgency and terrorism as the primary security risk.

Despite improved economic growth during the past 10 years, Nicaragua remains among the five poorest nations in Latin America. It is plagued by high levels of unemployment and underemployment that led many citizens to engage in criminal activity for survival. Crimes include shootings, homicides, sexual assaults, armed robberies and kidnapping. The demilitarization that followed the Contra war made weapons readily available to the public, a factor that undoubtedly contributed to the increase of armed robberies and assaults in both rural and urban areas.

Avoid public transportation. In addition to the high risk of crime on buses and at bus stops, poor driver training, vehicle maintenance and safety controls constitute a significant danger to passengers. If unable to hire a private car with driver, use only radio-dispatched taxis which, while scarce and more expensive, are available at the airport and at major hotels. They generally are safe for short-distance travel within the city. Armed carjackings pose a threat to both foreigners and locals throughout all parts of Nicaragua.

Civil servant, university student and opposition strikes and protests are common in Nicaragua. Anti-government protests in Nicaragua have become increasingly violent in the last year. In April of 2005 demonstrators called for the president's resignation and burned many buses and at least one police motorcycle; dozens of people were wounded in clashes with security forces. The government blames the opposition Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) of organizing many protest to create instability in the country.

After the end of a prolonged civil war in 1990, several thousand Sandinista sympathizers and former Contras refused to lay down their weapons and reintegrate into civilian life. Although the overall threat to foreigners by rebel organizations is limited in Managua, some politically-motivated groups remain active, particularly in the isolated northern regions. Kidnapping-for-ransom also a problem in Nicaragua, but criminal gangs traditionally target local landowners and farmers.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.