Nicaragua and Costa Rica are so similar and still so different. Nicaragua has everything Costa Rica has and more, and cheaper, with less tourists. But the cause for that is of course political instability, whereas Costa Rica doesn’t even have a military and is perfectly prepared for tourists and expats. This slideshow, including personal commentary, gives you an impression of what these countries look like.
Nicaragua and Costa Rica in pictures

Painting of Sandinista in Revolution museum in Leon, Nicaragua