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Nicaragua Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Nicaragua, officially the Republic of Nicaragua, is located in Central America and is the largest country in the region by land area. It is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south, with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, giving it strategic geographic importance in Central America.
According to the Nicaragua Statistical Yearbook 2022 published by INIDE, the estimated population of Nicaragua in 2023 was 6,948,392 (about 7.0 million). Based on the United Nations World Population Prospects, Nicaragua’s population is projected to reach approximately 7,330,715 (7.3 million) in 2026.
Nicaragua’s population growth has been moderate and stable, influenced by declining fertility rates, steady life expectancy, and continued urbanization. While growth has slowed compared to earlier decades, the country maintains a relatively young population structure.
👉 Projected Population of Nicaragua (2026): ~7.3 million
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Nicaragua Population – Quick Facts
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Nicaragua |
| Region | Central America |
| Total Population (2023 est.) | 6,948,392 (~7.0 million) |
| Projected Population (2026) | ~7.3 million |
| Land Area | 119,990 sq. km (46,330 sq. mi) |
| Population Density | 58.2 people per sq. km |
| Urban Population | 59.2% |
| Rural Population | 40.8% |
| Female Population | 50.6% |
| Male Population | 49.4% |
| Population Ages 0–14 | 30.2% |
| Population Ages 15–64 | 63.9% |
| Population Ages 65+ | 5.9% |
| Median Age | 26.5 years |
| Fertility Rate | 2.42 births per woman |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 14 per 1,000 live births |
| Life Expectancy | ~75 years |
Religion in Nicaragua
Christianity is the dominant religion in Nicaragua, with about 84.8% of the population identifying as Christian. Among Christians, Roman Catholicism remains the largest denomination, followed closely by Protestant and Evangelical churches, which have expanded steadily over recent decades.
According to the Latinobarómetro 2020 report, 44.9% of Nicaraguans identify as Roman Catholic, while 38.9% identify as Protestant, mainly Evangelical Christians. Smaller Christian groups include Jehovah’s Witnesses (0.6%) and Mormons (0.6%). Religious non-affiliation has increased, with 13.7% of the population reporting no religion, along with small shares identifying as atheists or agnostics. Non-Christian religions account for less than 1% and include Judaism, Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and Buddhism.
Religion Percentage in Nicaragua
| Religion / Affiliation | Percent |
|---|---|
| Christianity (Total) | 84.8% |
| Catholic | 44.9% |
| Protestant / Evangelical (Total) | 38.9% |
| – Evangelical (General) | 34.2% |
| – Evangelical Pentecostal | 3.4% |
| – Evangelical Baptist | 0.6% |
| – Adventist | 0.5% |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | 0.6% |
| Mormon | 0.6% |
| Unaffiliated (None) | 13.7% |
| Believer, not church-affiliated | 1.0% |
| Atheist | 0.3% |
| Agnostic | 0.1% |
| No Answer | 0.2% |
Source: Latinobarómetro 2020 report
also read about: Religion in South America
Race and Ethnicity in Nicaragua
Nicaragua has a diverse ethnic composition, shaped by Indigenous heritage, European colonization, and Afro-Caribbean influences. The majority of the population is mestizo, accounting for about 69%, reflecting mixed Indigenous and European ancestry.
Around 17% of Nicaraguans identify as White, largely of Spanish descent, with smaller communities tracing their ancestry to German, Italian, English, Turkish, Danish, and French immigrants. Afro-Nicaraguans make up approximately 9% of the population and are mainly concentrated along the Caribbean (Atlantic) coast. The remaining 5% are Indigenous peoples, descended from Nicaragua’s original inhabitants, including groups such as the Miskito, Mayangna, and Rama.
Ethnic Groups in Nicaragua
| Ethnic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Mestizo | 69% |
| White | 17% |
| Black (Afro-descendant) | 9% |
| Indigenous (Native American) | 5% |
Largest Cities in Nicaragua by Population
The following table lists the largest cities in Nicaragua by population, based on data from the Nicaragua Statistical Yearbook 2022 published by INIDE.
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Managua | 1,061,054 |
| 2 | León | 214,920 |
| 3 | Masaya | 194,178 |
| 4 | Matagalpa | 171,473 |
| 5 | Tipitapa | 159,303 |
| 6 | Chinandega | 136,180 |
| 7 | Juigalpa | 61,571 |
| 8 | Estelí | 56,287 |
| 9 | San Rafael del Sur | 56,286 |
| 10 | Ciudad Sandino | 54,000 |
Source: Nicaragua Statistical Yearbook 2022 (INIDE)
also read about: Top Cities in Brazil
Sources
- United Nations World Population Prospects (medium variant)
- Nicaragua Statistical Yearbook 2022 (INIDE)
- Latinobarómetro 2023
- PEW Research Center
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