Nicaragua: immigration

What is the population of Nicaragua?

Nicaragua's estimated population was 6,874,748 at 30 June 2024, according to the INIDE Statistical Yearbook 2023: 3,391,988 men and 3,482,760 women.

The estimate is a projection, based on INIDE's 2012 revision of its population estimates. The last census was in 2005; INIDE is preparing a new one. Projected figures can differ from actual population when births, deaths or migration move away from the assumptions, so they are revised after each census. The yearbook also gives population by department.

Official sources: INIDE: Statistical Yearbook 2023

How many Nicaraguans have sought asylum abroad?

269,315 Nicaraguans were asylum seekers in other countries at the end of 2025, and 35,341 were recognised refugees, according to UNHCR population statistics. At the end of 2024 there were 356,201 asylum seekers and 30,020 refugees.

Asylum seekers are people whose claims have not yet been decided; the fall in 2025 reflects claims decided, withdrawn or closed as well as new applications. UNHCR compiles the data from host governments. No official emigration statistics were found on INIDE's site, checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: UNHCR population statistics: Nicaragua as country of origin

What share of Nicaragua's population are immigrants?

0.6%: that is the share of people born abroad in Nicaragua for 2024, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 0.7%. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 4.8%, and Nicaragua placed 29th highest of 33. Worldwide: 166th of 193.

What is net migration in Nicaragua?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Nicaragua at -8,371 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at -7,996; its low point was 2005, at -33,280. Latin America & Caribbean median: -967; Nicaragua is 23rd highest of 33. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 127th highest.

How many refugees live in Nicaragua?

311: that is the number of refugees in the country in Nicaragua for 2023, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 325; its low point was 2010, at 59. It is 17th highest of 28 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 1,053. Of 170 countries with 2023 data, 137th highest.

How many refugees come from Nicaragua?

35,341: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Nicaragua for 2025, according to UNHCR. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 7th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 710. World rank, highest first: 37th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Nicaragua?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Nicaragua was 26.6% of GDP in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 1st highest of 30 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 3.3% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 3rd of 156.