On crossing into Nicaragua the poverty is immediately clear. With 70% of the population living below the poverty line, Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the hemisphere (after Haiti).
20% of children under five suffer chronic malnourishment and unemployment/underemployment is high at 50%. Deforestation is also a big problem here with forests, and the ecosystems they support, being cleared to create farmland. With poor infrastructure and rubbish strewn all over the roads, Nicaragua is not geared up for tourism and has a long way to go before it reaches the level of Costa Rica. Despite this the people seem very open and friendly. Incredible considering the country's tragic political history.
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