People & Religion:

Nicaragua is the most urban country in Central America. Its people are mostly mestizos (mixed European and Native American descent). The population is 69% mestizo, 17% European descent, 9% African descent, and 5% indigenous peoples.

Spanish is the language of Nicaragua, but English and several Indian languages are spoken on the Caribbean coast. Nicaraguans of African descent, known as Creoles, dominate the towns along the Caribbean coast. Coming from the British West Indies, notably Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, they speak English and are largely Protestants. The mestizo population of western Nicaragua is predominantly Spanish-speaking and Roman Catholic.

The main religion is Catholicism (73%), although there are several Protestant sects (16%), such as the Pentecostals and Baptists.

 Statistics:

-Population:

5.4 million

-Poverty Rate:

50% live below the poverty line; highest in rural areas

An estimated 82% of the population survives on less than $1 a day. In the eastern lowlands, poverty levels exceed 90%.

-Literacy Rate:

65.7% of Nicaraguans age 15 and over can read and write.

-Average Annual Income:

$710 U.S.

Ministry Description:

• You will minister in the area of Granada to children who are products of many single parent families and are looking for the love that only Christ can provide.

• You will have the opportunity to build relationships with the amazing people of Nicaragua who are looking for hope.

• Be a part of something new and exciting by helping with different construction projects throughout the area that has been ravaged by war and natural disasters.