Planning for water and sanitation programs in Central America

In 1990, access to water supplies in Central America ranged from a low of 48% in El Salvador (followed closely by 49% in Nicaragua), to a high of 95% in Costa Rica. Access to sanitation services ranged from 24% in Nicaragua to 98% in Costa Rica. Overall, an estimated 62% of Central America"s 29 million inhabitants had access to water supply services and 60% had access to sanitation; in urban areas, these figures were 87% and 75%, respectively, while in rural areas, only 39% and 47%. In addition to providing detailed, country-by country statistics on water/sanitation availability and related health, economic, and social indicators, this report analyzes ongoing and proposed externally funded projects in water and sanitation and estimates additional funding requirements.