Nicaragua: public finances

What is Nicaragua's national debt?

Nicaragua's external public debt was US$9,134.4 million at the end of June 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (MHCP). The central government owed US$7,260.3 million and the Central Bank US$1,848.5 million.

Multilateral lenders held US$6,791.0 million of the debt, bilateral lenders US$1,911.2 million and private creditors US$432.2 million. The figure excludes domestic debt. For total gross general government debt, the IMF gives 34.6% of GDP for 2025.

Official sources: MHCP: external public debt statistics, June 2026 · IMF World Economic Outlook: general government gross debt, Nicaragua

What is Nicaragua's budget for 2026?

Nicaragua's updated 2026 budget plans revenue of C$171,701.5 million (21.2% of GDP) and spending of C$166,778.8 million (20.6% of GDP), a surplus of C$4,922.7 million or 0.6% of GDP, according to the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.

In January to June 2026, the government collected C$108,342.9 million, 63.1% of the annual target, and spent C$68,281.7 million, 40.8% of planned spending. Tax revenue was 20.0% higher than a year earlier, led by income tax and VAT.

Official sources: MHCP: budget execution report, January-June 2026

How much tax does Nicaragua collect?

Nicaragua's government collected C$101,878.1 million in taxes in January to June 2026, 20.0% more than a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit. Income tax brought in C$54,192.1 million and VAT C$31,861.5 million (C$19,896.4 million on imports and C$11,965.1 million domestic).

Taxes made up 94.0% of total government revenue. Other large items were the selective consumption tax on imports and the specific fuel tax. The figures are for the central government budget and are collected mainly by the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) and Customs.

Official sources: MHCP: budget execution report, January-June 2026

What is Nicaragua's national debt?

34.6% of GDP: that is general government gross debt in Nicaragua for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 66.6% of GDP in 2005 and the low 26.0% of GDP in 2008. Latin America & Caribbean median: 65.6% of GDP; Nicaragua is 27th highest of 31. Of 185 countries with 2025 data, 143rd highest.

What is Nicaragua's budget deficit?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 3.5% of GDP. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was -2.8% of GDP, and Nicaragua placed 1st highest of 32. Of 188 countries with 2025 data, 11th highest.

What is Nicaragua's government revenue?

The IMF puts general government revenue in Nicaragua at 28.7% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 29.2% of GDP in 2022 and the low 21.8% of GDP in 2009. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 24.9% of GDP, and Nicaragua placed 9th highest of 32. World rank, highest first: 81st of 187.

How big is Nicaragua's government spending as a share of GDP?

The IMF puts general government spending in Nicaragua at 25.2% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 21.3% of GDP (2005) to 30.0% of GDP (2021). It is 20th highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 26.7% of GDP. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 118th highest.

What is Nicaragua's tax to GDP ratio?

The IMF puts central government tax revenue in Nicaragua at 20.1% of GDP in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 15.0% of GDP; Nicaragua is 2nd highest of 14. Worldwide: 37th of 92.

What is Nicaragua's military budget as a share of GDP?

The latest figure from SIPRI, for 2025, is 0.6% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.5% of GDP (2008) to 0.8% of GDP (2015). Latin America & Caribbean median: 1.0% of GDP; Nicaragua is 17th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 133rd of 149.