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Lead · Illicit finance & gold
Nicaragua's gold rush: $1.54 billion in six months
Why it matters: Gold exports reached $1,543.2M from January to June 2026, with the U.S. among the top buyers (Confidencial). An environmental group estimates about 30% comes from illegal mining.
Security state
More bodyguards than detectives
1,269 bodyguard posts vs. 1,095 for criminal investigation (Nicaragua Investiga).
Human rights
"Hay Patria": forced to fill the streets
Workers and students report pressure to attend reform events (Confidencial).
Press freedom & exiles
Reporting from exile
At least 313 journalists forced out since 2018 (FLED).
China & Russia
China's mining footprint
Chinese firms' growing role, and the data that is still missing.