Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a country in Central America and the largest of the Central American republics.

Nicaragua is a country in Central America and the largest of the Central American republics. Its capital and largest city is Managua, and it is bordered by Honduras, Costa Rica, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Nicaragua has a largely agricultural economy and a political history marked by periods of authoritarian rule and conflict.

Geography

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America by area, covering 130,370 km². It lies between Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country is known for its lakes, including Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua, and its volcanoes.

History

Indigenous peoples lived in the region long before Spanish arrival. Nicaragua was colonized by both Spain and Britain, making its colonial history unusual in Latin America. It was under Spanish rule until the early 1820s, later became fully independent in 1838, and experienced major political conflict in the 20th century, including Sandinista rule and the Contra conflict.

Government and politics

Nicaragua is a unitary presidential republic with a single legislative chamber. The provided sources list Daniel Ortega as president. The country has a long history of centralized and often contested political power.

Economy

Nicaragua has been described as a developing economy with agriculture playing a major role. Sources also note light industry and trade, along with persistent economic and regional inequalities. The currency is the córdoba (NIO).