Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has grown at only 2.8 percent annually since 2005, resulting in little impact on widespread poverty. To alleviate poverty, the U.S. helps expand trade with Nicaragua through the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) which facilitates trade and investment, and further regional integration by eliminating tariffs, opening markets, reducing barriers to services, and promoting transparency. The U.S. also supports the development of a Nicaragua in which all citizens benefit from democratic governance, peace, security, and education.