The Chinese were thought to have arrived in Nicaragua in the late 19th century, the majority of which came from China’s Gu?ngd?ng (??) province.[4] They were unsubstantiated until the second census (in 1920) revealed 400 citizens of Chinese nationality. According to documents the population of Puerto Cabezas in the R.A.A.N. department was formed not only by the Miskitos but communities of Jamaicans, Germans and also Chinese in 1925.[5] Also, the community of Chinese immigrants in Bluefields was thought to be the largest in Central America.[6] The first Chinese consul came to Nicaragua in 1930.[7]
Many Chinese in Nicaragua committed themselves to the commerce industry and opened up businesses.[5] They also dedicated themselves to the candy, soap, and clothing industries. They dominated the commerce of the main coastal towns on the Caribbean coast prior to 1979.