| About Nicaragua |
| For Maps of Nicaragua & Central America Zoom out to a map of Central America |
Background
The Pacific Coast of Nicaragua was
settled as a Spanish colony from
Panama in the early 16th century.
Independence from Spain was
declared in 1821 and the country
became an independent republic in
1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean
Coast in the first half of the 19th
century, but gradually ceded control
of the region in subsequent decades.
Violent opposition to governmental
The Pacific Coast of Nicaragua was
settled as a Spanish colony from
Panama in the early 16th century.
Independence from Spain was
declared in 1821 and the country
became an independent republic in
1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean
Coast in the first half of the 19th
century, but gradually ceded control
of the region in subsequent decades.
Violent opposition to governmental
manipulation and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and resulted in a
short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist Sandinista guerrillas to power in
short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist Sandinista guerrillas to power in
1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista contra
guerrillas through much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990, 1996, and again in 2001 saw the
Sandinistas defeated. The country has slowly rebuilt its economy during the 1990s, but was hard hit by
Hurricane Mitch in 1998.
Area & Location
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica
and Honduras. Slightly smaller than the state of New York - Total: 129,494 sq km - land: 120,254 sq
km - water: 9,240 sq km.
guerrillas through much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990, 1996, and again in 2001 saw the
Sandinistas defeated. The country has slowly rebuilt its economy during the 1990s, but was hard hit by
Hurricane Mitch in 1998.
Area & Location
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica
and Honduras. Slightly smaller than the state of New York - Total: 129,494 sq km - land: 120,254 sq
km - water: 9,240 sq km.
Attractions
Managua
The capital of Nicaragua is spread across the southern shore of Lago de Managua and is crowded with
more than a quarter of Nicaragua's population. It's been racked by natural disasters, including two
earthquakes this century, and since the 1972 earthquake the city has had no centre. Several of
Managua's attractions stand around the Plaza de la República, including the lakeside municipal cathedral.
Managua
The capital of Nicaragua is spread across the southern shore of Lago de Managua and is crowded with
more than a quarter of Nicaragua's population. It's been racked by natural disasters, including two
earthquakes this century, and since the 1972 earthquake the city has had no centre. Several of
Managua's attractions stand around the Plaza de la República, including the lakeside municipal cathedral.
Near the cathedral is the impressively restored Palacio Nacional, which has two giant paintings of
Augusto Sandino and Carlos Fonseca at the entrance.
Around Managua
The large volcano at the centre of Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya,
which still steams and belches, is surrounded by smaller volcanoes
and thermal springs. Legends say that the pre-Hispanic inhabitants
of the area threw young women into the boiling lava to appease
Chaciutique, the goddess of fire.
While the Spanish believed it was the entrance to hell, there are some heavenly bodies of water. Laguna
de Xiloá, a stunning crater lake northwest of the city is a favorite swimming spot. El Trapiche, to the
southeast, has spring water channeled into large outdoor pools surrounded by lush gardens.
Granada
Granada, nicknamed 'La Gran Sultana' (The Great Sultan) in reference to its Moorish namesake
in Spain, is Nicaragua's oldest Spanish city. Founded in 1524 by Conquistadors, it rumps up
against the imposing Volcán Mombacho on the northwest shore of Lake Nicaragua. With its access to
the Caribbean Sea via the lake and the Río San Juan, Granada
has always been a main trade centre. Today the town is relatively
quiet and a major literary centre, and retains its colonial
character. It's a wonderful walking city, with the cathedral and
Parque Colón near the plaza.
León
León is traditionally the most liberal of Nicaragua's cities and
remains the radical and intellectual centre of the country.
Monuments to the revolution, including bold Sandinista murals, are dotted all over town, and many
buildings are riddled with bullet holes.
Though scarred by earthquakes and war, the city is resplendent with many fine colonial churches and
official buildings. Its streets are lined with old Spanish-style houses that have white adobe walls,
red-tiled roofs, thick wooden doors and cool garden patios.
The Caribbean Coast (Nicaragua)
Unlike the rest of Nicaragua, the Caribbean coast was never colonised: It remained a British
protectorate until the late 1800s. The only part of the rain forest covered coast usually visited by
travellers is Bluefields, but some visitors also head out to the Corn Islands (Islas del Maíz). The
journey from Managua to Bluefields involves a five-hour boat trip down the Río Escondido. Bluefields'
mix of ethnic groups makes it an interesting place, and the people here definitely like to have a good
time; there are several reggae clubs and plenty of dancing on the weekends.
Culture
Earthquakes and war have obliterated much tangible evidence of Nicaragua's cultural heritage,
especially its colonial architecture - although León retains many fine old buildings. Poetry is one of
Nicaragua's most beloved arts, and no other Central American country can match its literary output.
Rubén Darío (1867-1916) is known as the 'Prince of Spanish-American literature,' and recent work by
Nicaraguan poets, fiction writers and essayists can be found in most bookshops. Bluefields, the largely
English-speaking town on the Caribbean coast, is a center for reggae music. The Archipiélago de
Solentiname in Lago de Nicaragua is famous as a haven for artists, poets and craftspeople. Sandinista
street art in the form of modernist murals is especially prominent in the university town of León.
Spanish is the language of Nicaragua, but English and a number of indigenous languages are spoken on
the Caribbean coast. The main religion is Catholicism, although there are a number of Protestant sects
such as the Pentecostals and the Baptists. The Moravian church, introduced by British missionaries, is
important on the Caribbean coast.
A typical meal in Nicaragua consists of eggs or meat, beans and rice, salad (cabbage and tomatoes),
tortillas and fruit in season. Most common of all Nicaraguan foods is gallo pinto, a blend of rice and
beans, with cooking water from the beans added to color the rice. Other traditional dishes include bajo,
a mix of beef, green and ripe plantains and yucca (cassava), and vigorón, yucca served with fried pork
skins and coleslaw. Street vendors sell interesting drinks such as tiste, made from cacao and corn, and
posol con leche, a corn-and-milk drink. Nicaragua boasts the best beer and rum in Central America.
Augusto Sandino and Carlos Fonseca at the entrance.
Around Managua
The large volcano at the centre of Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya,
which still steams and belches, is surrounded by smaller volcanoes
and thermal springs. Legends say that the pre-Hispanic inhabitants
of the area threw young women into the boiling lava to appease
Chaciutique, the goddess of fire.
While the Spanish believed it was the entrance to hell, there are some heavenly bodies of water. Laguna
de Xiloá, a stunning crater lake northwest of the city is a favorite swimming spot. El Trapiche, to the
southeast, has spring water channeled into large outdoor pools surrounded by lush gardens.
Granada
Granada, nicknamed 'La Gran Sultana' (The Great Sultan) in reference to its Moorish namesake
in Spain, is Nicaragua's oldest Spanish city. Founded in 1524 by Conquistadors, it rumps up
against the imposing Volcán Mombacho on the northwest shore of Lake Nicaragua. With its access to
the Caribbean Sea via the lake and the Río San Juan, Granada
has always been a main trade centre. Today the town is relatively
quiet and a major literary centre, and retains its colonial
character. It's a wonderful walking city, with the cathedral and
Parque Colón near the plaza.
León
León is traditionally the most liberal of Nicaragua's cities and
remains the radical and intellectual centre of the country.
Monuments to the revolution, including bold Sandinista murals, are dotted all over town, and many
buildings are riddled with bullet holes.
Though scarred by earthquakes and war, the city is resplendent with many fine colonial churches and
official buildings. Its streets are lined with old Spanish-style houses that have white adobe walls,
red-tiled roofs, thick wooden doors and cool garden patios.
The Caribbean Coast (Nicaragua)
Unlike the rest of Nicaragua, the Caribbean coast was never colonised: It remained a British
protectorate until the late 1800s. The only part of the rain forest covered coast usually visited by
travellers is Bluefields, but some visitors also head out to the Corn Islands (Islas del Maíz). The
journey from Managua to Bluefields involves a five-hour boat trip down the Río Escondido. Bluefields'
mix of ethnic groups makes it an interesting place, and the people here definitely like to have a good
time; there are several reggae clubs and plenty of dancing on the weekends.
Culture
Earthquakes and war have obliterated much tangible evidence of Nicaragua's cultural heritage,
especially its colonial architecture - although León retains many fine old buildings. Poetry is one of
Nicaragua's most beloved arts, and no other Central American country can match its literary output.
Rubén Darío (1867-1916) is known as the 'Prince of Spanish-American literature,' and recent work by
Nicaraguan poets, fiction writers and essayists can be found in most bookshops. Bluefields, the largely
English-speaking town on the Caribbean coast, is a center for reggae music. The Archipiélago de
Solentiname in Lago de Nicaragua is famous as a haven for artists, poets and craftspeople. Sandinista
street art in the form of modernist murals is especially prominent in the university town of León.
Spanish is the language of Nicaragua, but English and a number of indigenous languages are spoken on
the Caribbean coast. The main religion is Catholicism, although there are a number of Protestant sects
such as the Pentecostals and the Baptists. The Moravian church, introduced by British missionaries, is
important on the Caribbean coast.
A typical meal in Nicaragua consists of eggs or meat, beans and rice, salad (cabbage and tomatoes),
tortillas and fruit in season. Most common of all Nicaraguan foods is gallo pinto, a blend of rice and
beans, with cooking water from the beans added to color the rice. Other traditional dishes include bajo,
a mix of beef, green and ripe plantains and yucca (cassava), and vigorón, yucca served with fried pork
skins and coleslaw. Street vendors sell interesting drinks such as tiste, made from cacao and corn, and
posol con leche, a corn-and-milk drink. Nicaragua boasts the best beer and rum in Central America.
Environment
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central
America. It's bordered to the north by Honduras,
to the south by Costa Rica, to the east by the
Caribbean Sea and to the west by the Pacific
Ocean. The country has three distinct geographic
regions: the Pacific lowlands, the north-central
mountains and the Caribbean lowlands, also called
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central
America. It's bordered to the north by Honduras,
to the south by Costa Rica, to the east by the
Caribbean Sea and to the west by the Pacific
Ocean. The country has three distinct geographic
regions: the Pacific lowlands, the north-central
mountains and the Caribbean lowlands, also called
the Mosquito Coast or Mosquitía.
The fertile Pacific lowlands are interrupted by about 40 volcanoes, and dominated by Lago de
Nicaragua, which is the largest lake in Central America. The Mosquito Coast is a sparsely populated
rain forest area and the outlet for many of the large rivers originating in the central mountains. To
date, 17% of the country has been given national-park status.
Lago de Nicaragua supports unusual fish, including the world's only freshwater sharks, as well as a
huge variety of bird life. The cloud and rain forests in the northwest contain abundant wildlife
including ocelots, warthogs, pumas, jaguars, sloths and spider monkeys. Avian life in the forests is
particularly rich: the cinnamon hummingbird, ruddy woodpecker, stripe-breasted wren, elegant trogon,
shining hawk and even the quetzal, the holy bird of the Maya, can all be seen. The jungles on the
Caribbean coast contain trees that grow up to almost 200ft (60m) high and are home to boas,
anacondas, jaguars, deer and howler monkeys.
Nicaragua was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in November 1998, when more than a year's worth of
rain fell in just seven days. A series of violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the fall of 1999
didn't help the situation much.
People
Population: 5,359,759 (July 2004 est.) growth rate: 1.97% (2004 est.)
Age Structure: 0-14 years: 38.1% (male 1,038,887; female 1,001,518)
15-64 years: 58.9% (male 1,570,494; female 1,586,706) 65 years and over: 3% (male 71,125; female
91,029) (2004 est.)
Ethnic groups: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Amerindian 5%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant
Languages: Spanish (official) note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast.
Literacy: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 67.5% male: 67.2% female:
67.8% (2003 est.)
Comfortable travel in Nicaragua costs in the range of US $30 to US $50 a day. A moderate budget
will fall in the US $20 to US $30 a day range if you hire a car occasionally. Budget travelers can get
by on between US $15 and US $25 a day if they confine themselves to public transport. The
Caribbean Coast is a bit more expensive than elsewhere in the country.
With the rapid expansion of the banking system, traveler's checks have become easier to cash, but
outside the capital only a handful of banks provide this service. Casas de Cambio (currency exchange
offices) such as Pinolero and Multicambios provide the service, but it's not easy to find a bank that
will do so. All over Nicaragua, many moderately priced hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, and
in some parts of the country, even most of the cheapest places accept them. Note: That Nicaraguan
córdobas cannot readily be changed in any other country.
Most Nicaraguans do not leave tips in inexpensive restaurants. In good restaurants you could leave up
to 10% of the bill. Some restaurants include a service charge with the bill, and this is usually clearly
shown. Don't confuse a tip with the nationwide 15% value added tax that is shown on each bill. Be
certain to bargain in large outdoor markets.
Government
Republic: Republic of Nicaragua
Capital: Managua
Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
Legal System: Civil Law System; Supreme Court may review administrative acts.
Executive Branch: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10 January 2002); Vice President Jose
RIZO Castellon (since 10 January 2002); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government.
Legislative Branch: National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (92 seats; members are elected by
proportional representation and party lists to serve five-year terms; one seat for previous President,
one seat for runner-up in previous Presidential election - elections last held 4 November 2001 (next
to be held by November 2006).
Judicial Branch: Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (16 judges elected for five-year terms by the
National Assembly).
Diplomatic representation in the US: Chief of Mission: Ambassador Salvador Stadthagen (since 5
December 2003) consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York - Fax: [1]
(202) 939-6542 - Telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570 - Chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20009
Diplomatic representation from the US: Chief of Mission: Ambassador Barbara Calandra Moore -
Embassy: Apartado Postal 327, Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur, Managua, Nicaragua - Mailing address:
APO AA 34021 - Telephone: [505] 266-6010, 266-2298, 266-6013 - Fax: [505] 266-9074
Communications
Telephone System: General Assessment: Inadequate system being upgraded by foreign investment
domestic: low-capacity microwave radio relay and wire system being expanded; connected to Central
American Microwave System International: country code - 505; satellite earth stations - 1
Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean).
Telephones - 171,600 (2002)
Mobile Cellular - 202,800 (2002)
Transportation
Highways: Total: 19,032 km - paved: 2,094 km - unpaved: 16,938 km (2000).
Airports: with paved runways: Total: 11
International Airports: 1 in Managua
Industries
Food Processing, Chemicals, Machinery and Metal Products, Textiles, Clothing, Petroleum Refining and
Distribution, Beverages, Footwear and Lumber.
Agricultural Products
Coffee, Bananas, Sugarcane, Cotton, Rice, Corn, Tobacco, Sesame, Soy, Beans, Beef, Veal, Pork,
Poultry, Dairy Products.
Military
Army (includes Navy), Navy
Nicaragua Flag
Summary
Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between
Costa Rica and Honduras.
Richest Countries in Central America: #1 – Costa Rica - GDP - per capita $9,100, #2 – Panama -
$6,300, #3 – Belize - $4,900. Nicaragua - GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $2,500
(2002 est.)
Return Home
The fertile Pacific lowlands are interrupted by about 40 volcanoes, and dominated by Lago de
Nicaragua, which is the largest lake in Central America. The Mosquito Coast is a sparsely populated
rain forest area and the outlet for many of the large rivers originating in the central mountains. To
date, 17% of the country has been given national-park status.
Lago de Nicaragua supports unusual fish, including the world's only freshwater sharks, as well as a
huge variety of bird life. The cloud and rain forests in the northwest contain abundant wildlife
including ocelots, warthogs, pumas, jaguars, sloths and spider monkeys. Avian life in the forests is
particularly rich: the cinnamon hummingbird, ruddy woodpecker, stripe-breasted wren, elegant trogon,
shining hawk and even the quetzal, the holy bird of the Maya, can all be seen. The jungles on the
Caribbean coast contain trees that grow up to almost 200ft (60m) high and are home to boas,
anacondas, jaguars, deer and howler monkeys.
Nicaragua was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in November 1998, when more than a year's worth of
rain fell in just seven days. A series of violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the fall of 1999
didn't help the situation much.
People
Population: 5,359,759 (July 2004 est.) growth rate: 1.97% (2004 est.)
Age Structure: 0-14 years: 38.1% (male 1,038,887; female 1,001,518)
15-64 years: 58.9% (male 1,570,494; female 1,586,706) 65 years and over: 3% (male 71,125; female
91,029) (2004 est.)
Ethnic groups: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Amerindian 5%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant
Languages: Spanish (official) note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast.
Literacy: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 67.5% male: 67.2% female:
67.8% (2003 est.)
Comfortable travel in Nicaragua costs in the range of US $30 to US $50 a day. A moderate budget
will fall in the US $20 to US $30 a day range if you hire a car occasionally. Budget travelers can get
by on between US $15 and US $25 a day if they confine themselves to public transport. The
Caribbean Coast is a bit more expensive than elsewhere in the country.
With the rapid expansion of the banking system, traveler's checks have become easier to cash, but
outside the capital only a handful of banks provide this service. Casas de Cambio (currency exchange
offices) such as Pinolero and Multicambios provide the service, but it's not easy to find a bank that
will do so. All over Nicaragua, many moderately priced hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, and
in some parts of the country, even most of the cheapest places accept them. Note: That Nicaraguan
córdobas cannot readily be changed in any other country.
Most Nicaraguans do not leave tips in inexpensive restaurants. In good restaurants you could leave up
to 10% of the bill. Some restaurants include a service charge with the bill, and this is usually clearly
shown. Don't confuse a tip with the nationwide 15% value added tax that is shown on each bill. Be
certain to bargain in large outdoor markets.
Government
Republic: Republic of Nicaragua
Capital: Managua
Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
Legal System: Civil Law System; Supreme Court may review administrative acts.
Executive Branch: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10 January 2002); Vice President Jose
RIZO Castellon (since 10 January 2002); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government.
Legislative Branch: National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (92 seats; members are elected by
proportional representation and party lists to serve five-year terms; one seat for previous President,
one seat for runner-up in previous Presidential election - elections last held 4 November 2001 (next
to be held by November 2006).
Judicial Branch: Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (16 judges elected for five-year terms by the
National Assembly).
Diplomatic representation in the US: Chief of Mission: Ambassador Salvador Stadthagen (since 5
December 2003) consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York - Fax: [1]
(202) 939-6542 - Telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570 - Chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20009
Diplomatic representation from the US: Chief of Mission: Ambassador Barbara Calandra Moore -
Embassy: Apartado Postal 327, Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur, Managua, Nicaragua - Mailing address:
APO AA 34021 - Telephone: [505] 266-6010, 266-2298, 266-6013 - Fax: [505] 266-9074
Communications
Telephone System: General Assessment: Inadequate system being upgraded by foreign investment
domestic: low-capacity microwave radio relay and wire system being expanded; connected to Central
American Microwave System International: country code - 505; satellite earth stations - 1
Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean).
Telephones - 171,600 (2002)
Mobile Cellular - 202,800 (2002)
Transportation
Highways: Total: 19,032 km - paved: 2,094 km - unpaved: 16,938 km (2000).
Airports: with paved runways: Total: 11
International Airports: 1 in Managua
Industries
Food Processing, Chemicals, Machinery and Metal Products, Textiles, Clothing, Petroleum Refining and
Distribution, Beverages, Footwear and Lumber.
Agricultural Products
Coffee, Bananas, Sugarcane, Cotton, Rice, Corn, Tobacco, Sesame, Soy, Beans, Beef, Veal, Pork,
Poultry, Dairy Products.
Military
Army (includes Navy), Navy
Nicaragua Flag
Summary
Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between
Costa Rica and Honduras.
Richest Countries in Central America: #1 – Costa Rica - GDP - per capita $9,100, #2 – Panama -
$6,300, #3 – Belize - $4,900. Nicaragua - GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $2,500
(2002 est.)
Return Home
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Money & Costs
Currency: Córdoba
Meals
Currency: Córdoba
Meals
- Budget: US $1.50-4
- Mid-range: US $4-8
- High: US $8-12
- Deluxe: US $12+
- Budget: US $3-10
- Mid-range: US $10-15
- High: US $15-25
- Deluxe: US $25+
Activities
The Selva Negra (Black Forest) near Matagalpa, the mountains in the north
and the islands in Lago de Nicaragua offer great hiking. Among the many
spectacular volcanoes of interest for climbers are Volcán Masaya and the
two volcanoes on Isla de Ometepe, Madera and Concepción. Lago de
Nicaragua offers fantastic opportunities for fishing, and surfing is popular
at Poneloya beach, near León, and at Playa Popoyo, near Rivas.
The Selva Negra (Black Forest) near Matagalpa, the mountains in the north
and the islands in Lago de Nicaragua offer great hiking. Among the many
spectacular volcanoes of interest for climbers are Volcán Masaya and the
two volcanoes on Isla de Ometepe, Madera and Concepción. Lago de
Nicaragua offers fantastic opportunities for fishing, and surfing is popular
at Poneloya beach, near León, and at Playa Popoyo, near Rivas.
