Surveyed Communities
Community 1 - 200 households in Nicaragua, 18 households in the United States, 20 households in Costa Rica
Community 2 - 195 households in Nicaragua, 6 households in the United States, 21 households in Costa Rica
Community 3 - 202 households in Nicaragua, 22 households in the United States, 11 households in Costa Rica
Community 4 - 200 households in Nicaragua, 2 households in Costa Rica
Community 5 - 200 households in Nicaragua, 2 households in the United States, 19 households in Costa Rica
This community is located in the departamento of Matagalpa, in the central part of the country, approximately 30 km. from the capital. It is very close to the main federal highway, which facilitates its population mobility. In 1998 it was one of the communities severely hit by hurricane Mitch.
Economic activity focuses on commerce and services, with a very limited agricultural sector and virtually no manufacturing. Its proximity to the capital makes jobs available to the local residents, especially in public administration and services. Most households have sewage disposal, running water and electricity. Telephone service is limited to a few dwellings. Most streets are not paved.
The educational system was initially developed by the private sector. The state began offering primary education in the late 1960s and secondary education in the 1980s. Currently, the primary and secondary educational options satisfies local demand. There is a health facility for maternal-infant care, with the possibility of hospitalization. The community's proximity to the country's capital facilitates access to higher education and more complex health facilities
Community 6 & 7 - 100 households in Nicaragua for Community 6, 100 households in Nicaragua for Community 7, 10 households in the United States, 18 households in Costa Rica for both communities
Community 8 - 201 households in Nicaragua, 3 households in the United States, 13 households in Costa Rica
Community 9 - 200 households in Nicaragua, 4 households in the United States, 22 households in Costa Rica
