Population 5.57 million; 37 per cent under 14; average age: 21
Economy One of the world's poorest countries, with widespread unemployment, massive external debt and gross inequalities in distribution of income.
Politics: Somoza dictatorship was overthrown by left-wing Sandinista guerrillas in 1979. Civil war raged throughout the 1980s, with US aiding "Contra" rebels against the Sandinistas, who eventually lost power in democratic elections in 1990. Current head of state is right-of-centre President Enrique Bolaños.