Ocotal is a town with a population of 35,000 people and growing. It is situated in the wild, forested mountains of the northern part of Nicaragua, close to the border with Honduras in the Department of Nueva Segovia.

The local economy is based on cattle, timber and coffee. Around 59% of the land in Nueva Segovia is forest, another 39% is used for agriculture. Around half of the population are dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. An increasing number of factories and other commerce-related businesses are also being established as a means of diversifying from the traditional sources of income.

Despite the outstanding beauty of the region, Ocotal is generally poor, with 70% of the town's population unemployed. Until recently, inflation was calculated on a daily basis, making it difficult for the local population to secure a financially sound future. As a front line town, geographically as well as politically, much was lost during the civil war of 1979 as the country strived to rid itself of the brutal dictator, Somoza. The cost was even higher during the long years of the counter-revolution fought between the FSLN Government and the Contra forces.

These days, the country has come through and talk is now of reconciliation, and change of government is now through the ballot box, rather than the gun. The one common focus for all parties in Ocotal is to rebuild the town's economy and its community. For Swindon to be twinned with and involved with the courageous people of Ocotal is, without question, a privilege and honour and we are proud of our association with the town of Ocotal and all its people.

All the people from Swindon who have visited Ocotal speak of the hospitality and friendship extended to them, as well as the sense of community and determination to improve their quality of life. Our link with them has become far more than a civic formality - it represents a growing family of mutual friendship and respect.