1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20983Updated October 31, 2001Nicaragua: Country Brief-name redacted-Analyst in Latin American AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division SummaryOnce plagued by dictatorial r
2、ule, civil war, and economic chaos, since 1990Nicaragua has developed democratic institutions and a framework for economicdevelopment. Progress has been made in social and economic reforms. Nonetheless,significant challenges remain: Nicaragua is still very poor, and its institutions are weak.Electio
3、ns for the presidency and National Assembly will be held on November 4, 2001.Major candidates include Sandinista leader and former President Daniel Ortega, andformer Vice President Enrique Bolanos of the ruling Liberal Constitutional party. U.S.policy toward Nicaragua has been hotly debated over the
4、 last several decades, with U.S.concerns focusing on social, judicial, and economic reform, respect for human rights, andresolution of property claims. Background and Current SituationNicaragua has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past decade. A countryplagued by generations of dictatorial
