World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, with gross national income per capita at US$1,080; 42 percent of the population live below the poverty line, and 15 percent live in extreme poverty. Poverty levels are highest in rural areas, particularly the North Atlantic Autonomous Region, home to most indigenous communities, where 37 percent of the population live in extreme poverty. In indigenous areas,40 percent of children do not attend primary school, and the average length of schooling is only three years. Chronic  malnutrition affects 22 percent of children under 5; stunting is highest in the dry corridor, reaching 35 percent in Madriz and 28 percent in Nueva Segovia. Nicaragua is also vulnerable to recurrent natural disasters that impede progress in addressing poverty and food insecurity.