Nicaragua

Nicaragua

Country statistics

area:	130,000sq km (50,193sq mi) 5,341,883
capital (population):	Managua (1,106,600)
government:	Multi-party republic
ethnic groups:	Mestizo 77%, White 10%, Black 9%, Native American 4%
languages:	Spanish (official)
religions:	Roman Catholic 91%
currency:	Córdoba oro (gold Córdoba) = 100 centavos

Republic in Central America. The Republic of Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. The Central Highlands rise in the nw Cordillera Isabella to more than 2400m (8000ft) and are the source for many of the rivers that drain the e plain. The Caribbean coast forms part of the Mosquito Coast. Lakes Managua and Nicaragua lie on the edge of a narrow volcanic region, which contains Nicaragua's major urban areas, including the capital, Managua, and the second-largest city, León. This region is highly unstable, with many active volcanoes, and is prone to earthquakes.

Climate and Vegetation

Nicaragua has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from June to October. The Central Highlands are cooler, and the wettest part is the Mosquito Coast, with c.4200mm (165in) of rain. Rainforests cover large areas in the e, with trees such as cedar, mahogany and walnut. Tropical savanna is common in the drier w.

History and Politics

Christopher Columbus reached Nicaragua in 1502, and claimed the land for Spain. Spanish colonization claimed the lives of c.100,000 Native Americans. By 1518 Nicaragua became part of the Spanish Captaincy-General of Guatemala. In the 17th century, Britain secured control of the Caribbean coast.

In 1821, Nicaragua gained independence, later forming part of the Central American Federation (1825–38). In the mid-19th century, civil war and US and British interference ravaged Nicaragua. The USA sought the construction of a trans-isthmian canal through Nicaragua. In 1855, William Walker invaded and briefly established himself as president. José Santos Zemalya's dictatorship (1893–1909) gained control of Mosquito Coast and formed close links with the British. Following his downfall, civil war raged once more. In 1912, US marines landed to protect the pro-US regime, and in 1916 the USA gained exclusive rights to the canal. Opposition to US occupation resulted in guerrilla war, led by Augusto César Sandino. In 1933, the US marines withdrew but set up a National Guard to help defeat the rebels.

In 1934 Anastasio Somoza, director of the National Guard, assassinated Sandino. Somoza became president in 1937. His dictatorial regime led to political isolation. Somoza was succeeded by his sons Luis (1956) and Anastasio (1967). Anastasio's diversion of international relief aid following the devastating 1972 Managua earthquake cemented opposition.

In 1979, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) overthrew the Somoza regime. The Sandinista government, led by Daniel Ortega, instigated wide-ranging socialist reforms. The USA, concerned about the Sandinista's ties with communist regimes, sought to destabilize the government by supporting the Contra rebels. A ten-year civil war devastated the economy and led to political dissatisfaction.

In 1990 elections, the National Opposition Union coalition, led by Violeta Chamorro, defeated the Sandinistas. Chamorro's coalition partners and the Sandinista-controlled trade unions blocked many of her reforms. In 1996 elections, Liberal leader Arnoldo Aleman defeated Chamorro. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch killed c.4000 people and caused extensive damage. Enrique Bolanos became president at elections in 2001. In 2003, former president Arnoldo Aleman was sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption.

Economy

Nicaragua faces problems in rebuilding its economy and introducing free-market reforms (GDP per capita, 2000 US$2700). Agriculture is the main activity, employing c.50% of the workforce and accounting for 70% of exports. Major cash crops include coffee, cotton, sugar and bananas. Rice is the main food crop. It has some copper, gold, and silver, but mining is underdeveloped. Most manufacturing is based in and around Managua.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://virgin.net/emb.ofnicaragua