About International Living in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, and has begun to grow in interest for tourists and expatriates worldwide. While it continues to gather popularity as a vacation destination, Nicaragua still offers low prices for land and tourism, and is an ideal place for business ventures. International citizens planning to relocate to Nicaragua should be aware of political, historical, and social issues that may affect their time in the country.
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History
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Nicaragua is a newly-popular expatriate and vacation destination. Its most violent history occurred fairly recently. After the Sandinista party took over the government from the rule of Anastasio Somoza Debayle in the late 1970s, the tensions grew. The Nicaraguan civil war was brutal and bloody, with attacks by Sandinista forces and rebel forces. The violence and chaos became so great that martial law was declared in Nicaragua. The Sandinista party won elections in 1984, but faced significant opposition from the Contra party and Somoza's National Guard. Since then, the country has struggled to rebuild amid corruption and controversy.
Significance
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In the current period of relative peace, Nicaragua is a remarkably poor country. International citizens are choosing to relocate there while the prices of land and living are still low. Compared to Costa Rica to the south, costs of living in Nicaragua are approximately one-third to one-half. Residency permits can be obtained for a low price, but can require considerable paperwork and bureaucratic red tape.
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Benefits
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Living in Nicaragua offers multiple benefits for international citizens. First and foremost is the low cost of living, followed closely by the mild climate and relaxed pace of life. Living in Nicaragua is easily accessible for expatriates of all ages and budgets. International residents can live in Nicaragua and enjoy the culture without extensive cost or danger.
Geography
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Many international citizens choose to live in Nicaragua's major cities because of the business opportunities available. In the surf town of San Juan del Sur, foreigners often set up guesthouses, restaurants, surf shops, or clubs. Business opportunities are plentiful in the cities of Managua, Leon, and Granada. Expatriates looking for a quiet retirement lifestyle often choose to live in small beachfront communities on both coasts.
Warning
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The people of Nicaragua, who call themselves Nicas, have a fierce national pride and some tension with the wealthier Costa Rican people to the south. In some Nicaraguan communities, there have been sensationalized reports of violence by expats towards nationals; travelers should be aware of such tensions that may exist in the area they plan to call home. Although travel in Nicaragua is generally safe, international citizens should exercise caution when traveling alone or at night, and be careful not to show flashy demonstrations of wealth. Health-wise, travelers should be careful not to drink the water, as reports of giardia and other waterborne illnesses have come out of Nicaragua.
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