The president, Daniel Ortega, holds a firm grip on power with the aid of a large legislative majority. Constitutional changes made in 2014 will allow him to stand for re-election in 2016, a contest that he is likely to win.
The lack of a formal IMF programme will weaken the pace of fiscal reform and revenue growth. Public spending growth ahead of elections in 2016 will push the NFPS deficit to 3.5% of GDP, with some consolidation in 2017-19.
Merchandise and services export growth will ease the current-account deficit to 12.1% of GDP in 2015, before it widens again in 2016-19 as import demand rebounds. Foreign investment and lending will provide financing.

Highlights 7

Political outlook 8

Democracy index 9

Economic policy outlook 10

Economic forecast 12

Annual data and forecast 15

Quarterly data 16

Monthly data 17

Annual trends charts 18

Monthly trends charts 19

Comparative economic indicators 20

Basic data 21

Political structure 22

Politics 23

Economy 27

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