Introduction to Geography of Nicaragua
Nicaragua, or Republic of Nicaragua, a country in Central America. It lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and is bordered by Honduras and Costa Rica. Across the narrow Gulf of Fonseca lies El Salvador. Nicaragua is roughly triangular in shape and occupies about 50,000 square miles (130,000 km 2), about the same area as New York. It is the largest country of Central America.
Facts in brief about NicaraguaCapital: Managua.Official language: Spanish.Area: 50,193 mi2 (130,000 km2). Greatest distances—north-south, 293 mi (472 km); east-west, 297 mi (478 km). Coastlines—Pacific, 215 mi (346 km); Caribbean, 297 mi (478 km).Elevation: Highest—Pico Mogoton, 6,913 ft (2,107 m) above sea level. Lowest—sea level along the coasts.Population: Current estimate—5,458,000; density, 109 per mi2 (42 per km2); distribution, 59 percent urban, 41 percent rural. 2005 census—5,142,098.Chief products: Agriculture—beans, beef and dairy products, coffee, corn, cotton, peanuts, rice, sugar cane, tobacco. Manufacturing—food and beverage products, clothing, textiles.National holiday: Independence Day, September 15.Flag and coat of arms: Nicaragua's flag was adopted in 1908 from that of the United Provinces of Central America. This union of the early 1800's consisted of Nicaragua and four other nations. The flag has three horizontal stripes of blue and white. The coat of arms has volcanoes that stand for the Central American union, the triangle for equality, the rainbow for peace, and the cap for liberty.Money: Basic unit—gold cordoba. One hundred centavos equal one gold cordoba.Physical Geography
Nicaragua is the largest country of Central America.Three geographic regions—the eastern, central, and western—make up Nicaragua. The eastern region is a largely undeveloped plain as much as 100 miles (160 km) wide. The coastal area of the plain, called the Mosquito Coast, is indented with many bays and inlets. The central region is a wedge-shaped area of mountain ranges. Here is Mogotón, Nicaragua's highest peak; it reaches a height of 7,999 feet (2,438 m). The western region consists of a lowland with scattered volcanoes and low mountain ranges. Two large lakes, Nicaragua and Managua, cover about half of the western region. This region is the most heavily populated section of the country.
Lakes Nicaragua and Managua were once bays of the Pacific Ocean. The rivers that enter these lakes from the interior are relatively small, as are all other west-coast rivers. The nation's largest rivers are on the east coast and flow into the Caribbean Sea. These rivers are relatively long and partially navigable, but are little used because they flow through a sparsely inhabited area. The longest are the Coco (or Segovia), the Grande, the Escondido, and the San Juan.
Nicaragua lies in the subtropics and has a generally warm and humid climate with little seasonal change in temperature. In the lowland areas temperatures average about 80° F. (27° C.) throughout the year. The highland areas are somewhat cooler. Rainfall is abundant, with the heaviest rains falling from May to November. The eastern plain and mountain slopes receive 100 to 250 inches (2,540 to 6,350 mm) a year, the amounts varying with location. The west is drier, with annual rainfall of 60 to 70 inches (1,520 to 1,780 mm) in most areas.
Animals include jaguars and pumas; monkeys; deer; colorful tropical birds such as parrots and macaws; and a wide variety of reptiles, such as alligators, large lizards, and snakes. The two large lakes contain sharks, swordfish, and other marine life that has adapted to freshwater.
Economy
Nicaragua's economy was severely damaged by a civil war during 1978-79 and continuing strife throughout the 1980's. Major changes took place in the 1980's. Much of the nation's industry was nationalized and agrarian reforms, including land redistribution, were introduced. A change in government in the early 1990's led to an emphasis on the denationalization of many industries.
Nicaragua's basic currency unit is the córdoba oro.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. It accounts for about 35 per cent of the workforce, about 25 per cent of the gross domestic product, and more than 70 per cent of the nation's exports. Commercial crops include beef and dairy products, cotton, coffee, sugar cane, peanuts, and bananas. They are grown mostly on large state farms and cooperatives and on privately owned estates. The chief crops grown for local use are corn, beans, rice, and sorghum. They are grown mostly on small plots by farmers living at the subsistence level.
Farming is done largely in the western lowlands. Cattle ranching is increasingly important, especially in the east. Much beef is exported.
Manufacturing grew rapidly after the 1950's, particulary after the establishment of the Central American Common Market. By the time of the civil war, manufacturing was one of Nicaragua's leading economic activities. During the 1980's, however, manufacturing declined significantly. In 1989 it accounted for less than 15 per cent of the gross domestic product. During the early 1990's, after internal conflict subsided, manufacturing began to expand.
The processing and packaging of agricultural goods such as processed foods and beverages are the chief manufacturing activities. Also important are the manufacture of chemicals, metal products, textiles, and clothing. Managua is the main industrial center.
Forests cover slightly more than a quarter of the country. Trees that are commercially harvested include mahogany, cedar, and rosewood. Overharvesting and the wide-spread use of wood for fuel have caused deforestation. Commercial fishing is of growing importance. Tuna, shrimp, and lobsters are the chief catch.
Service industries are a leading industry in Nicaragua, particularly the marketing of farm products and government activities.
Mining plays a minor role in the economy. Copper, gold and silver are produced in small amounts.
Roads are generally poor. A road across Nicaragua links the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Almost all other major roads are on the west coast. The Inter-American Highway, part of the Pan American Highway system, connects Nicaragua with its neighbors. The only railway, which is owned by the government, runs through Managua, north to Corinto and Chinandega, and south to Granada and Diriamba. Augusto César Sandino Airport, near Managua, is the main international airport. AERONICA is the national airline.
There is a small merchant marine. The most important port is Corinto, on the west coast. The Caribbean coast has good natural harbors, but the ports serve mainly local needs.
The People
About 69 per cent of the people of Nicaragua are of mixed Spanish and Indian descent. Those of European descent account for about 17 per cent, and Indians for only 5 per cent. About 9 per cent are descendants of blacks brought from Jamaica in the 19th century. Nicaragua's population density is about 87 persons per square mile (34 per km 2). Some three-fourths of the people live in the Pacific coast area. About half of the people live in urban areas.
Spanish is the official language. Indian dialects and English are spoken in part of the Caribbean plain.
ReligionNearly 90 per cent of the people of Nicaragua are Roman Catholics. There are various Protestant denominations, mainly on the eastern coast.
EducationPrimary education begins at age seven and lasts six years. Secondary education lasts up to five years, consisting of a two-year cycle followed by a three-year cycle. Institutions of higher learning include the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, with campuses at León and Managua; the Central American University, a Roman Catholic institution in Managua; the Polytechnic University of Nicaragua, in Managua; and the National University of Engineering, in Managua. The literacy rate is about 70 per cent.
Government
Under a constitution ratified in 1987 and extensively amended in 1995 and 2000, Nicaragua is a republic. The legislative body, called the National Assembly, has 90 members, who serve five-year terms. The president's term is also five years. The president is allowed to serve more than one term, but the terms cannot be consecutive. The president and the legislature share responsibility for appointing the 16 Supreme Court justices, who serve five-year terms.
For purposes of administration, Nicaragua is divided into 15 departments and 2 autonomous regions. The departments are divided into municipalities, which are governed by elected councils.