2026-2027 NEW D199 Introduction to Physical and Human Geography TASK 1 CASE STUDY:
ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL INFLUENCES ON MIGRATION IN Nicaragua Western Governors
University
Introduction to Physical and Human Geography D199 Task 1
Amira Macey
Case Study 3: Nicaragua
A. Explain how two factors influenced the development of
Nicaragua Economic conditions
The economic conditions of Nicaragua have strongly shaped its development, as profound wealth inequality, slow
industrial growth, dependence on global markets, and decades of conflict and environmental challenges have limited
the country's progress. In 2023, the World Bank ranked Nicaragua as the second-poorest country in the Western
Hemisphere, with a GDP per capita of US$2,530.30 (World Bank Group, 2024a). Income levels remain extremely
low, with an unemployment rate of 33.1%, and 12.5% of the population earning less than US$3.65 per day (World
Bank, 2024b). Because so many people rely on subsistence farming and basic primary-sector work, the economy
struggles to grow. Women are the ones who face the largest rates of poverty in Nicaragua since they are often
employed through the informal economy and are the leading providers for their households, unfortunately, still not
making enough to afford basic needs. (Ripley, 2023). Approximately 30% of adults work in agriculture, which
includes ranching, forestry, farming, or fishing; yet, this sector generates only one-fifth of the national income,
reinforcing long-term poverty, especially in rural areas (WGU Task 1 Case Study 3). Due to the limited availability
of modern tools and technology, productivity is inefficient, preventing these communities from improving their
economic situation. While the service industry employs around 50% of adults, this sector contributes very little to
the economic growth (WGU Task 1 Case Study 3). Most factories rely on imported materials and foreign ownership,
so profits rarely stay in the country. Foreign support plays the most significant role in Nicaragua's development,
with 6.7% of the country's GDP coming from foreign investment and 26.1% from remittances sent home by
Nicaraguans living abroad (World Bank, 2024b). One area that could support future development is eco-tourism, as
Nicaragua's natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests, have strong potential for sustainable
economic growth (WGU Task 1 Case Study 3). In summary, Nicaragua's economic challenges have hindered its
development and continue to shape the opportunities available in this Central American nation.
Political conditions
A long history of authoritarian rule, conflict, and political repression has shaped Nicaragua’s development. Since
2007, the country has been under the increasingly authoritarian rule of Daniel Ortega. In 2018, political repression
became severe, including arrests, kidnappings, murders, and torture of journalists, activists, and opposition
members, along with the closure of NGOs and seizure of properties. (GCFRP 2024). This is not the first time such
repression has occurred in Nicaragua. From 1936 to 1979, the Somoza dictatorship kept a multi-generational right-
wing rule with similar consequences. In 1979, Daniel Ortega, as leader of the FSLN, spearheaded a left-wing
revolution that overthrew the Somoza dictatorship and set Nicaragua on a path toward democracy. (WGU, n.d.).
However, from 1982 to 1988, a civil war between the Nicaraguan government, supported by the Soviet Union, and
the Contra rebels, supported by the United States, broke out. After losing democratic elections in 1990, Ortega
, returned to power in 2006 and gradually consolidated authoritarian control. This constant political repression and
unstable climate have and will continue to harm the country’s social and economic development and status, driving
migration patterns to keep rising and long-term challenges for Nicaragua and its people.
B. Type of migration represented and why it represents that type of migration.
The migration happening in Nicaragua is primarily a case of forced migration. A large number of Nicaraguans left
the country due to political conflict, government violence, economic instability, and significant environmental
disasters, rather than a voluntary choice. Political conflict and violence have been a decades-long issue for
Nicaragua, beginning with the Sandinista Revolution in 1979. In 1982–1988, the Contra War, and now the rise of
political repression in recent years under authoritarian ruler Daniel Ortega, have created an unsafe political climate,
influencing people to flee Nicaragua to seek safety. (Ripley, 2023). Nicaragua has also faced numerous
environmental disasters, forcing people to leave their homes to ensure their survival and safety. In 1972, Nicaragua
experienced the Managua earthquake, in 1998, Hurricane Mitch, and repeated flooding and storms, which have
created a significant impact on migration patterns (Othering, 2024). Alongside political and environmental
conditions, economic challenges that persist in Nicaragua continue to push many Nicaraguans to seek employment
opportunities in neighboring and more distant countries. (Ripley, 2023). These conditions demonstrate that
ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL INFLUENCES ON MIGRATION IN Nicaragua Western Governors
University
Introduction to Physical and Human Geography D199 Task 1
Amira Macey
Case Study 3: Nicaragua
A. Explain how two factors influenced the development of
Nicaragua Economic conditions
The economic conditions of Nicaragua have strongly shaped its development, as profound wealth inequality, slow
industrial growth, dependence on global markets, and decades of conflict and environmental challenges have limited
the country's progress. In 2023, the World Bank ranked Nicaragua as the second-poorest country in the Western
Hemisphere, with a GDP per capita of US$2,530.30 (World Bank Group, 2024a). Income levels remain extremely
low, with an unemployment rate of 33.1%, and 12.5% of the population earning less than US$3.65 per day (World
Bank, 2024b). Because so many people rely on subsistence farming and basic primary-sector work, the economy
struggles to grow. Women are the ones who face the largest rates of poverty in Nicaragua since they are often
employed through the informal economy and are the leading providers for their households, unfortunately, still not
making enough to afford basic needs. (Ripley, 2023). Approximately 30% of adults work in agriculture, which
includes ranching, forestry, farming, or fishing; yet, this sector generates only one-fifth of the national income,
reinforcing long-term poverty, especially in rural areas (WGU Task 1 Case Study 3). Due to the limited availability
of modern tools and technology, productivity is inefficient, preventing these communities from improving their
economic situation. While the service industry employs around 50% of adults, this sector contributes very little to
the economic growth (WGU Task 1 Case Study 3). Most factories rely on imported materials and foreign ownership,
so profits rarely stay in the country. Foreign support plays the most significant role in Nicaragua's development,
with 6.7% of the country's GDP coming from foreign investment and 26.1% from remittances sent home by
Nicaraguans living abroad (World Bank, 2024b). One area that could support future development is eco-tourism, as
Nicaragua's natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests, have strong potential for sustainable
economic growth (WGU Task 1 Case Study 3). In summary, Nicaragua's economic challenges have hindered its
development and continue to shape the opportunities available in this Central American nation.
Political conditions
A long history of authoritarian rule, conflict, and political repression has shaped Nicaragua’s development. Since
2007, the country has been under the increasingly authoritarian rule of Daniel Ortega. In 2018, political repression
became severe, including arrests, kidnappings, murders, and torture of journalists, activists, and opposition
members, along with the closure of NGOs and seizure of properties. (GCFRP 2024). This is not the first time such
repression has occurred in Nicaragua. From 1936 to 1979, the Somoza dictatorship kept a multi-generational right-
wing rule with similar consequences. In 1979, Daniel Ortega, as leader of the FSLN, spearheaded a left-wing
revolution that overthrew the Somoza dictatorship and set Nicaragua on a path toward democracy. (WGU, n.d.).
However, from 1982 to 1988, a civil war between the Nicaraguan government, supported by the Soviet Union, and
the Contra rebels, supported by the United States, broke out. After losing democratic elections in 1990, Ortega
, returned to power in 2006 and gradually consolidated authoritarian control. This constant political repression and
unstable climate have and will continue to harm the country’s social and economic development and status, driving
migration patterns to keep rising and long-term challenges for Nicaragua and its people.
B. Type of migration represented and why it represents that type of migration.
The migration happening in Nicaragua is primarily a case of forced migration. A large number of Nicaraguans left
the country due to political conflict, government violence, economic instability, and significant environmental
disasters, rather than a voluntary choice. Political conflict and violence have been a decades-long issue for
Nicaragua, beginning with the Sandinista Revolution in 1979. In 1982–1988, the Contra War, and now the rise of
political repression in recent years under authoritarian ruler Daniel Ortega, have created an unsafe political climate,
influencing people to flee Nicaragua to seek safety. (Ripley, 2023). Nicaragua has also faced numerous
environmental disasters, forcing people to leave their homes to ensure their survival and safety. In 1972, Nicaragua
experienced the Managua earthquake, in 1998, Hurricane Mitch, and repeated flooding and storms, which have
created a significant impact on migration patterns (Othering, 2024). Alongside political and environmental
conditions, economic challenges that persist in Nicaragua continue to push many Nicaraguans to seek employment
opportunities in neighboring and more distant countries. (Ripley, 2023). These conditions demonstrate that
