FAQs
Nicaragua has the lowest violent crime rate in Central America with far less violent crime than the more popular tourist destinations of Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Mexico, or Guatemala*.
What is the crime like in Nicaragua? ›
Nicaragua has a high crime rate, including armed robbery, assault and express kidnapping. There aren't many police outside major urban areas. Avoid remote locations. Don't go out alone or at night.
Is Mexico's crime rate higher than the United States? ›
To be clear, violence in Mexico is no joke. There have been over 47,000 drug-related murders alone in the past five years. Its murder rate - 18 per 100,000 according to this United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime report - is more than three times the US rate of 4.8 per 100,000.
Is Nicaragua or Panama safer? ›
Crime Comparison Between Nicaragua and Panama
Index | Nicaragua | Panama |
---|
Crime Index: | 51.18 | 42.82 |
Safety Scale: | 48.82 | 57.18 |
Is Nicaragua safe for Americans? ›
Nicaragua - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reissued with updates to information on arbitrary enforcement of laws. Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability. Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime.
Is Nicaragua a high risk country? ›
Nicaragua - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Nicaragua due to the political situation, the potential for civil unrest and crime.
Are there cartels in Nicaragua? ›
Mexican drug cartels also have a strong presence in the country. Nicaraguan criminal networks collaborate with counterparts from Costa Rica and Honduras to transport cocaine, generating substantial revenue.
What is the main problem in Nicaragua? ›
Nicaraguans continue to suffer intensified repression, the closing of all democratic spaces, and the forced exile of thousands of journalists, civil society members, human rights defenders, religious actors, and opposition figures.
What is the leading cause of death in Nicaragua? ›
The condition, also known as coronary heart disease, caused approximately 8,177 deaths. Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, was the second major cause of death reported in Nicaragua, with 4,285 deaths.
Where is Mexico ranked in crime? ›
Mexico is now the fourth most crime-ridden country in the world and the second most dangerous in the Americas, according to a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, which studies 193 countries.
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution
Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
Which state in Mexico has the most murders? ›
The state of Chihuahua ranked number one with the most homicides in the country, the least was Baja California Sur. For Mexico there were 24 homicides for every 100,000 inhabitants.
Is Nicaragua or Guatemala safer? ›
Safety. Finally, it's important to note that both Nicaragua and Guatemala are generally safe places to travel in. However, as with any destination, it's always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Note that Nicaragua is classified as safer than Guatemala.
Why does Nicaragua have a low crime rate? ›
Yashar shows that insuring the integrity of the police is fundamental to creating low crime rates. Furthermore, police that treat civilians nicely are far more effective than police that harass or extort the local population.
Is Nicaragua safe to retire to? ›
It has been rapidly becoming a popular place in the minds of many ex-pats who seek retirement abroad in Nicaragua. This region has great opportunities with low property taxes and an affordable income. It is considered one of the safest countries in Central America.
What is cheaper, Mexico or Nicaragua? ›
Which place is cheaper, Managua or Mexico City? These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $179, while the average daily cost in Managua is $54.
Which is safer, Honduras or Nicaragua? ›
The violent street gangs and drug trafficking organizations that pervade Honduras are largely absent in Nicaragua. To understand the contrasting security fortunes in Nicaragua and Honduras, the criminal disparity must be considered alongside the disparity in the quality of the two countries' police forces.
Is Nicaragua safe for solo female travelers? ›
In summary, Nicaragua is a country where certain security precautions need to be taken, especially for women traveling alone. However, this shouldn't be a reason not to visit the country if you truly want to. Nicaragua is not a place at war or overrun by drug cartels.