WHY NICARAGUA? WHY EDUCATION?

The Reality

Nicaragua is the second poorest nation in the America's. According to 2001 estimates, approximately 45.8% of the Nicaraguan population lives on less than $2 per day, and 15.1% lives on less than $1 per day.
 

The Role of Education

Among the factors that contribute to poverty in Nicaragua, lack of education is at the top of the list. Moderate and extreme poverty are consistently associated with low educational levels, large family sizes, and dependence on agricultural activities, while wealthier families in Nicaragua exhibit high educational levels, smaller family sizes, and diversified incomes. Furthermore, children from wealthier households are five times more likely to attend school than children from families that make up the bottom 20% of wealth in Nicaragua.*

Education is a determinant of economic status in Nicaragua. Therefore, education is also a means to reducing poverty and improving productivity. According to the 2004 Nicaraguan Poverty Assessment, "education is associated with increasing welfare across all socioeconomic groups in rural and urban areas." Education is a successful welfare raising strategy because "it prevents families from falling into poverty and helps them exit poverty."

 

Nicaragua: Quick Facts

Country Name: Republic of Nicaragua

Location: Central America - Between Costa Rica and Honduras

Capital: Managua

Population: 5.8 Million (2008 Estimate)**

Percent of Population below Poverty Line: 45.1% (2001 Estimate)

Official Language: Spanish

Gross-Domestic Product: $15.839 Billion

Currency: Cordoba

References

* "Nicaraguan Poverty Assessment." The World Bank. December 23, 2003
** CIA World Fact Book. Nicaragua. July, 2008. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/nu.html