In lower income countries and territories, life expectancy can be quite low — below 55 years. But sometimes it is years more than you'd predict. What's up?
Daniel Ortega, the former Marxist revolutionary leader, took more than 70 percent of the vote. Earlier this year, the courts essentially blocked his main opponent from seeking office.
Daniel Ortega is poised to extend his lengthy rule and has elevated his wife to his vice presidential running mate. Critics say he has eliminated all serious opposition.
One consequence of improved relations is that Cubans believe it will soon be harder to immigrate to the U.S. This year has seen the largest influx of Cubans in more than two decades.
Thousands from the island, fearful the U.S. will change its preferential immigration policy, are trying to come here from the south — but many are stuck at the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border.
A few years ago, Nicaragua was almost totally dependent on imported fuel. Now the country's fierce winds, sun and volcanoes generate nearly half the country's electricity, and perhaps 80 percent soon.