Nicaragua by Marina Miller

Ometepe Island

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This extraordinary island is located on Lago de Nicaragua and is formed by two joined volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas. Hiking, kayaking, cycling, and healthy food are the island’s main draws. Hiking the volcanoes is as hard as it appears; you’ll need to start really early or the midday heat will slow you down significantly (I learned this lesson the hard way). The volcano hikes cost around $20 USD if you’re part of a group or up to $40 if you’re by yourself (hike with a guide as it’s rather unsafe due to poorly maintained trails). Keep an eye out for all the monkeys—spotting them was more interesting than the hike!

Masaya Volcano

mcmiller0215 — 2017-02-14 04:03:45 UTC

Masaya volcano is one of Nicaragua's most active and usual volcanoes.
In contrast to most other volcanoes in subduction zones, it has been erupting mainly fluid basaltic lava. At the time of the Spanish Conquistadors, it contained an active lava lake and it is reported that there were attempts to extract the volcano's molten "gold."

History Fact

mcmiller0215 — 2017-02-14 04:03:45 UTC

Nicaragua gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and became part of the Mexican empire for several years. Then it joined a group of nearby countries with a central government in Guatemala City called Provinces of Central America. Nicaragua split from the group in 1838 and became fully independent.

Fun Fact

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Lake Managua is the only freshwater lake where sharks live. Bull sharks enter the lake by traveling up the Rio San Juan river from the Atlantic Ocean. The sharks can adapt to fresh water, but they are now rarely found in the lake.

Fun Fact

mcmiller0215 — 2017-02-14 04:03:45 UTC

The name Nicaragua comes from a combination of two words, "nicarao" and "agua". The Nicarao are the Indian tribe that were occupying the shores of Lake Nicaragua when the Spaniards arrived in the 1500's. "Agua" is the Spanish word for water.

Interestingly Enough

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Major Exports

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coffee, beef, shrimp and lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold, peanuts; cigars, automobile wiring harnesses, textiles and apparel

Corn Islands

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Great Corn is larger and peopled by a Creole population that lives in colorful wooden houses, many of which are sprinkled along the main road that encircles the island. And though tourism is the second-largest industry, behind lobster fishing, you won’t see mega-developments here. Little Corn, a tiny, jungled, car-less jewel, actually attracts more tourists, with most visitors heading for funky, creative beachside cabañas that are the perfect setting for Robinson Crusoe 2.0. The dive sites are more diverse on Little Corn, the jungle is thick and the food is outrageously good, which explains why so many ignore the larger island and indulge in car-free tranquility. But there is a catch. During high season there can be more foreigners than locals.

For more information visit:

http://www.bigcornisland.com/

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Poverty Within

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Major Cities

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1. Managua

2. León

3. Masaya

4. Tipitapa

5. Chinadega

Currency

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The currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba.

Terrain

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Extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes

Religions

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Roman Catholic 58.5%, Protestant 23.2% (Evangelical 21.6%, Moravian 1.6%), Jehovah's Witnesses 0.9%, other 1.6%, none 15.7%

Flag

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Languages

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The official language in Nicaragua is Spanish but other languages spoken here include Miskito (2.2%), Mestizo of the Caribbean coast (2%), and others (0.5%).

Population

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The population in Nicaragua as of 2013 was about 6 million people.

Capital

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The capital city of Nicaragua is Managua.

Climate

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Tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Brief History

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1522 - Gil Gonzalez Davila, a Spanish explorer, names Nicaragua for Nicarao, a local chief
1524 - Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba completes the Spanish conquest of Nicaragua
1821 - Nicaragua declares independence from Spain and joins the Mexican Empire. In 1823, it becomes part of the United Provinces of Central America
1838 - Nicaragua becomes fully independent
1893 - General Jose Santos Zelaya takes control. In 1909, U.S. troops help overthrow him
1937 - General Anastasio Somoza Garcia becomes president. His family holds power for more than 40 years
1979 - A rebel group called the Sandinistas overthrows the government. President Anastasio Somoza Debayle flees the country
1981 - The U.S. suspends aid to Nicaragua and supports fighters known as Contras. Fighting continues until 1988
1984 - Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega is elected president. The Sandinistas rule for six years
1988 - Hurricane Joan leaves 180,000 people homeless. Hurricane Mitch kills thousands and further weakens the economy in 1998
2006 - Ortega wins the presidential election and returns to power in 2007
2010 - Tensions rise between Nicaragua and Costa Rica over a disputed river border

Geographical Map

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Geographical Map

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