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Nicaragua Travel Guide
Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see
Matagalpa, Nicaragua

Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. In the North it borders Honduras on the North and Costa Rica on the South. The Pacific Ocean borders the west of Nicaragua, while the Caribbean sea borders the Eastern side. The country is not really on the tourist's most wanted list. This has mainly to do with the the political turmoil it went through in the 80s; not with a lack of interesting things to see and do there.


Nicaragua is pretty stable now and for the traveler who is willing to go the extra mile to find the unexpected it is a great destination.

The capital city of Managua is the right in the center of the country. Many of the sights can be seen as a daytrip from there.

For real adventure head out to Bluefields the old pirates' nest on the Mosquito Coast. The atmosphere is Carribean there, with reggae and rum as central ingredients for a good time.

Spend time in the homes or visitors' cabins on the beautiful Miraflor Nature Reserve, near Esteli. Walk, ride, relax, swim in pools, look for quetzals and orchids; learn about fairtrade and organic coffee from the co-operative of small coffee producers and farmers, UCA Miraflor, which has an office in Esteli (website miraflor-uca.com). This is true community eco-tourism; young local guides have been learning English so you have a great visit even if your Spanish isn't up to much.

__________History
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Throughout it history Nicaragua has suffered from political instability, civil war, poverty, foreign intervention, and natural disasters. Governments since colonial times have been unable to bring stability and sustainable economic growth. Personal and foreign special interests have generally prevailed over the national interests and foreign intervention in Nicaraguan political and economic affairs, especially by the United States, has resulted in various forms of populist and nationalist reactions. The legacy of the past can be seen today in the attitudes toward foreign influence. Although the upper and middle classes tend to emulate North American life-styles and be supportive of United States policies, the Nicaraguan poor are highly suspicious of the culture and political intentions of the United States.

Since precolonial times Nicaragua's fertile Pacific coast has attracted settlers, thus concentrating most of the population in the western part of the country. The Caribbean coast, because of its proximity to the West Indies, has historically been the site of foreign intervention and non-Hispanic immigration from black and indigenous groups from the Caribbean and from British settlers and pirates. The resulting diverse ethnic groups that today inhabit the Caribbean coast have for centuries resisted Hispanic Nicaraguan governments and demanded political autonomy.

During most of the twentieth century Nicaragua has suffered under dictatorial regimes. From the mid-1930s until 1979 the Somoza family controlled the government, the military, and an ever expanding sector of the Nicaraguan economy. On July 19, 1979 Somoza rule came to an end after the triumph of an insurrection movement led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional--FSLN). However the predominance of the FSLN led to the development of a different kind of authoritarian regime that lasted for more than a decade.

During the 1980s Nicaragua was the center of Cold War confrontation in the Western Hemisphere with the former Soviet Union and Cuba, providing assistance to the Sandinista government and the United States supporting anti-government forces. A regional peace initiative brought an end to civil war in the late 1980s. The Sandinistas lost in the 1990 elections and a new government headed by President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro was installed in April 1990.

________Practical Information
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Currency

The local currency is the Nicaraguan Cordoba Oro (NIO)


________Economy
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Economy—overview: The Nicaraguan economy devastated during the 1980s by economic mismanagement and civil war is beginning to rebound. In 1991 President CHAMORRO launched an ambitious economic stabilization program that reduced inflation and obtained substantial economic aid from abroad. Economic growth rose sharply in 1995-97 due to surges in exports and efforts to enhance trade liberalization. The program however hit some snags and a 1994-97 IMF Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) signed by the CHAMORRO administration with the Fund lapsed in September 1996 due to non-compliance. In 1997 however the IMF resumed negotiations for an ESAF with the ALEMAN administration and agreed to an ESAF in 1998. IMF approval of the ESAF cleared the way for debt relief by the Paris Club later that year and has opened the way for debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. Implementation of a 1997 property accord—designed to resolve conflict over properties confiscated by the Sandinistas in the 1980s—should also help inspire international investor confidence. Strong growth is forecast for 1998 with implementation of a 1997 free trade agreement with Mexico expected to boost agricultural exports although the industrial sector may come under pressure from increased Mexican competition.

GDP: purchasing power parity—$9.3 billion (1997 est.)

GDP—real growth rate: 6% (1997 est.)

GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$2 100 (1997 est.)

GDP—composition by sector:

agriculture: 34%

industry: 21%

services: 45% (1995)

Inflation rate—consumer price index: 11.6% (1996)

Labor force:

total: 1.5 million

by occupation: services 54% agriculture 31% industry 15% (1995 est.)

Unemployment rate: 16%; underemployment 36% (1996 est.)

Budget:

revenues: $389 million

expenditures: $551 million including capital expenditures of $NA (1996 est.)

Industries: food processing
chemicals metal products textiles clothing petroleum refining and distribution beverages footwear


___________Health

Before setting off, you might want to check the illnesses described below that occur here. The information is from the CDC and should be pretty accurate, but if you really think you have something, go see a doctor. If you're not sure where to find good medical attention, check with a the nearest international hotel, they are usually in the know (though the facilities they refer to might charge you a little bit more)
Malaria
Malaria in humans is caused by one of five protozoan species of the genus Plasmodium: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, or P. malariae. All species are transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Occasionally, transmission occurs by blood transfusion or congenitally from mother to fetus. Although malaria can be a fatal disease, illness and death from malaria are largely preventable.
[more]
Rabies

A dangerous and possible deadly disease, can be contracted from a wild animal to a human w/ a single bite. Please when visiting do not touch animals that do not seem tamed.

[more]
Tuberculosis

[more]
Typhoid
A very stong course of anti-biotics will wipe it out. After getting typhoid I was very weak for at least 3 months after the anti-biotic course. There is a vaccine that is good for three years. If you consume a large dose of typhoid there is a good chance of getting it regardless of the vaccine.
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a ids
As a physician in Belize and had Dengue myself. Ibuprofen works well for the fever and aches, and, in my opinion, is not a risk for hemmorhagic fever (which has never been seen in Belize, as far as I know).

::::::::::::Bluefields Travel Guide
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If you want to visit an original Pirates Nest, this is the place to go. Although Bluefiles is very much removed from the rest of the country physically and is not easy reachable it is worth the detour.

The Caribbean coast was dominated by the British from the 1500s until the mid 1800s and most people here speak English. The atmosphere is more Carribean than Latin American: Reggae is the music you will hear in every bar.

Unfortunately Bluefields suffered almost complete destruction by Hurricane Joan in 1988; none of the nice colonial structures stand any more. The beautiful tropical setting and unique culture remain however.
________Day Trips
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Rama Cay
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Rama Cay is another nice excursion.
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Pearl Lagoon
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Short boat trips can be made to nearby Pearl Lagoon.
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::::::::::::Boaco Travel Guide
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Located about 90 km from Managua in hilly cattle country, Boaco is also the seat of government of the Department of Boaco that was originally a part of the vast Department of Chontales. What was earlier a serene community on a mountain top is now a bustling city spreading down the flanks of the mountain and out into the countryside. There are currently several hundred autos serving as taxicabs, congesting the narrow streets, and choking the citizenry with pollutants and noise. During the rainy season, surrounding hills have the look of green velvet; during the dry season, they turn tan and crisp. The supply of water and electricity is irregular, and a new traffic signal often fails due to a power outage. This contrast between the modern and primitive is unsettling but interesting.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Personal visit.

:::::::::::Corn islands Travel Guide
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The Corn Islands (Las Islas del Maíz in Spanish) are a pair of islands belonging to the Nicaraguan region Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur (RAAS), Big Corn Island (Isla Grande del Maíz) and Little Corn Island (Isla Pequeña del Maíz). They lie in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 75 km east of the mainland.

_______Getting There
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Three major U.S. airlines ( American, Continental & Delta ) service Managua from Miami, Houston & Atlanta respectively. Also several Central American airlines such as Taca etc also offer service from the U.S. Iberia supplies service from Europe.

Service from Managua to Big Corn Island is offered twice daily by Atlantic Airlines and La Costena Airlines ( round trip fare currently about $164 U.S. ) Strongly recomend Atlantic. A C$36 tax is paid at the Managua regional terminal upon entering the waiting area.

In Corn Island, taxis cost C$15 per person anywhere on the island (17.5 cordobas = $1 USD). Some taxi drivers reveive commissions for driving pax to particular hotels. Be firm about going to your DESIRED/RESERVED hotel.

If traveling to Little Corn island, you will need to take a panga (small boat) from Big Corn. You can take a taxi from the airport on Big Corn to the municipal wharf where you catch this boat. It is a 20 minute ride in good weather, and about 45 minutes in poor weather, expect to get wet. Water taxi costs C$120 o/w.

::::::::::El castillo Travel Guide
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i_5

Situated on the San Juan river which markes the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, El Castillo is a little out of the way and is reached by boat from San Carlos, situated where the San Juan river and Lake Nicaragua meet.

El Castillo itself is a fort with great historical importance as it was the last line of defence against enemy armies and pirates wanting to raid Granada. It is a pleasant town with a few basic accomodation options and small museum in the fort itself.

______________Sights
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I have also just recently visited el castillo and heard there will be internet at the borders cafe, you have to try the amazing banana pinnaple shakes, a perfect cold drink after getting off that long boat ride. Also Yamil the owner can give you all sorts of local information about anything you could possibly need. Might want to check out the Nena Lodge and Tours, we had a very nice stay. Enjoy your stay!

______Getting There
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Anakapuana
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Getting to El Castillo, a small charming and historical town on the San Juan river.

EL CASTILLO is reachable by speed launches that can take about 50 persons from San Carlos, a town on the South-Eastern shore of Lake Nicaragua. The town is small enough: no need to give directions to the pier. There are several launches departures daily, less on Sundays. The trip downriver is VERY pleasant, in great parts like a walk through the jungle, without having to walk. The launch's outboard motor is astonishingly silent and our passage did not distrurb the numerous aquatic more..
type: By Sea
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address: Boquete Panama
email: pierrehervepiguet@gmail.com

:::::::::::::Granada Travel Guide
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photo

yestreen

Granada is situated on the port of Lago de Nicaragua. Lago de Nicaragua is a very large lake, the largest in Central America. It even has freshwater sharks. Next to the lake, in Granada, there is a park where people go for recreation/picnicking. They even use it as a beach. There are also good seafood restaurants in the area. The local fresh fish from the lake is called Guapote, and it is very tasty when it is fried and accompanied with rice, beans and vegetables. Nicaraguans eat mashed red beans... and also fried ripe plantains (which the eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner, literally!)

Granada's main street is very nice with well restored houses in colonial style and different colors. The Parque Central is also very nice, with a church in one end. Street wenders sell the traditional food in banana leaves.This food is called Vigoron, it is fried pork rings with boiled Yucca. (a starchy vegetable) At this Parque Central on a typical sunday you will see a lot of people just relaxing, playing dominoes. Surrounding this main square, you will also find many touristy/expensive souvenir shops. Many spanish language schools located in the area, so you will very likely run into a few foreign tourists.


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Isla Ometepe Travel Guide
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Finca Zopilote on Volcan Maderas

Finca Zopilote on Volcan Maderas

Josue Delgado
The Island of Ometepe was formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua in the Republic of Nicaragua. Its name derives from the Aztec words Ome = two and Tepelth = hills, meaning two mounts. The Volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, are joined by a low isthmus to form one island, giving it the form of an hourglass. Ometepe has an area of 276 km². It is 31 km long and 5 to 10 km wide. The island has a population of 35,000, and an economy based on livestock, agriculture, and tourism. Coffee and tobacco are the major crops. The Two Volcanoes Concepción volcano rose in the early Holocene Epoch and, through continual eruptions, now reaches an altitude of 1,610 m. This volcano is considered the most perfectly formed volcano cone in Central America. The volcano went through a long quiet period, but on 8 December 1880 Concepción came back to life. This eruption was extensive, and the volcano remained active for a year. More eruptions followed in 1883, 1889, 1902, 1907, and 1924. The most recent eruption was in 1957. This eruption was extremely violent; however few of the island's inhabitants heeded the order from the government in Managua to evacuate the island.

Tourists visiting this volcano are accompanied by noisy howler monkeys and green parrots. Maderas volcano, at the other end of the island, also arose in the Holocene Epoch, and rises 1,394 m above sea level. The last eruption occurred in the 13th century. It is considered extinct or dormant. A large lagoon formed in its crater, and was discovered on 15 April 1930 by the farmer Casimiro Murillo. It is covered with coffee and tobacco plantations and the remaining rain forest. This volcano is a perfect destination for the ecotourist. The volcanic ash has made the soil of this island extremely fertile, allowing continuous planting without fallowing. The volcanoes are visible from everywhere on the island, and life on Ometepe revolves closely around them. They also play an important part in the myths and legends of the island, which once served as an Indian burial ground. The inhabitants of Ometepe The island first became inhabited in the Dinarte phase (ca 2000-500 BC), although evidence is sketchy. The first known inhabitants were Nahuas Indians from Mexico. In their footsteps came the Niquirano Indians, who established an important settlement on the island. Their ceramics and monuments still amaze. Traces of this past can still be found in petroglyphs and stone idols on the northern slopes of Maderas volcano. The oldest date from 300 BC. After the Spaniards had conquered the Central American region in the 16th century, pirates began prowling Lake Nicaragua. They came in from the Caribbean Sea via the San Juan River. The inhabitants of Ometepe were hard hit. The pirates robbed them of their women, animals, possessions and harvest. They also erected settlements on the shore, making it their refuge. This made the local population, seeking shelter, move to higher grounds on the volcanoes. Ometepe was finally annexed, through settlement, by the Spanish conquistadors at the end of the 16th century. But French, English (such as Francis Drake) and Dutch pirates still endangered the island till the late 17th century. The most important villages on the island are Moyogalpa, with its harbour, and Altagracia on the eastern side of the island. Many traditions are kept alive. They celebrate more religious and folkloristic festivals than anywhere in Nicaragua. Today, Ometepe is developing tourism and ecotourism, with the archaeological past and the bounty of its nature sanctuary, the exotic vegetation, animal and bird life as trump cards. More recently in 2005, an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale occurred as a result of increasing pressure within the active Concepcion volcano. Cracks appeared in the roads on Ometepe and advice to leave the island was issued. This was the first minor eruption since 1999.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.wikipedia.org

::::::::::::Jinotega Travel Guide
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3000 feet up in Northern Nicaraguan surrounded by 5000 foot mountains and Lake Apanas to the north. Jinotega is 3 hours by expreso bus from Mercado Mayoreo in Managua or 4 hours East of Leon or 1 hour North of Matagalpa. Google earth map and many city locations available on www.Jinotega.com/maps

The road from Matagalpa to Jinotega has spectacular views over the valleys and mountains of the Northern sierras.

Jinotega is cool with temperatures almost never going over 84F and usually requiring 1 blanket in the evening. January to April, you may need 2 blankets. Almost nobody has a/c.

Hotels range from Hotel Cafe from $45 to Hotel rosa at $1.50. Restaurants range from la Perreras international cuisine $10+ to the fritangas on the streets near the cathedral at about $1.50.

Stay in touch with home through the phone offices of Llamadas-Heladas for about 10 cents a minute or use skype from one of the 20 internet cafes for about 50 cents an hour.

Hundreds of unmarked walking trails and rentable horses can provide exercise and tranquility. Borrow a bike and ride the steep hills for a little adventure.

:::::::::::::La Paz Centro Travel Guide
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photo
La Paz Centro is Municipal of Leon. It is located in a hot dry northwest part of Nicaragua. This central region is home to approximitely 10,000 people. La Paz Centro has several small villages called comarcas. La Paz Centro straddles the continental divide. It is also known for its pottery.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: el pueblo

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Lake nicaragua Travel Guide
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Lago Nicaragua

Lago Nicaragua

Vani

Did you know Nicaragua has one of the biggest lakes in Latin America? Lake Nicaragua, Lago de Nicaragua in Spanish or the natives call it Cocibolca ``The Sweat Sea``, is the second biggest lake in Latin America behind Lake Titicaca. Lago De Nicaragua was part of the Pacific Ocean , but Volcanic activity made the land rise forming Lake Nicaragua. The freshwater of Lake Nicaragua contains fish usally associated with saltwater, including tuna and sharks, which have adapted to the environmental change. Lake Nicaragua has the only species of freshwater sharks in the whole world. The last was seen a few years ago, and the people think they are living in the deep water near Solentiname only.

Lake Nicaragua is 100 miles long and up to 45 miles wide, also reaches a depth of 84 feet. Lago De Nicaragua has several large islands, the largest is isla de Ometepe which has several small volcanoes rising from its surface.

::::::::::::Masaya Travel Guide
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Top of Volcan Masaya (2005)

Top of Volcan Masaya (2005)

illych

In Masaya you can find two markets. One of them you can buy everything from live poultry to clothes and fast-food. The other one, called the old market, is a bit calmer and much more touristy. There you can buy all kinds of arts and crafts from Nicaragua and surrounding coutries.

If you want to get a bit more active, and off the market crowd, onthe side of town you see the small lake Masaya, and out in the distance you will see the Mayasa Volcano. You shold head out to the park where the Masaya Volcano is located. It is not far from town...the views are very nice, and you will get to see an active volcano... you can see the warm fumes coming out of it as well as the lush vegetation in the area.

A little further south, on the way to Granada, visit the town of Santa Catarina. You should check out their lake... it is actually the volcanic crater filled with water...the view is breathtaking... be sure to bring your camera along.

Then you can head toward Granada, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. This one is a colonial city.... very scenic. Check out the Granada section for more information.

__________Getting There
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Transnica
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The Transnica bus brings to from Costa Rica to Nicaragua. The bus leaves at the Texaco gasstation on the road from managua to granada. Tickets can be bought at the Transnica office next to the Texaco gasstation.
type: By Road
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:::::::::::Popoyo Beach Travel Guide
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Surfing Competetions every year, just 30 Min from San Juan Del sur.

:::::::::::Ruins of León Viejo Travel Guide
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Statue of Francisco Hernández de Córdoba

Statue of Francisco Hernández de Córdoba

Jana Albrecht

León Viejo, one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas, is located in the department of León in North-Western Nicaragua at the shore of lake Managua (Xolotlán) and the Momotombo volcano. This site was added to the World Cultural Heritage list in December 2000.

In 1524 a group of Spaniards, led by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, landed on the west coast of Nicaragua and made their way to the native community of Imabite (which is now the village of Puerto Momotombo and the location of the León Viejo ruins). The Spaniards decided to construct a settlement on this site due to its strategic location at the lake and its proximity to numerous indigenous settlements where cheap labour forces could be obtained.

But the town was very hot and overrun and so by the year 1570 the majority of the inhabitants had already moved to Subtiava, the spot of present-day León. This also led to a decline in the availability of labour. Another important factor for the abandonment of the site were the regular eruptions of the Momotombo volcano. In 1610, only 86 years after its foundation, León Viejo was completely abandoned.

The abandonment undoubtedly is responsible for the town's excellent state of preservation. In the last few years archaeological interest in the site has increased significantly and there are great opportunities for future research and excavations.

Visitors to the ruins can expect to find the original settlement structure. The majority of the remains, such as the church and the governer's house, are located along the main avenue that leads west from the main plaza. On the plaza the statue of Hernández de Córdoba, the founder of León Viejo, can be found. At the end of the Avenue the convent and the Iglesia de la Merced can be found. Walking up a hill, one can reach the place where once the fortress was located.

::::::::::Solentiname Islands Travel Guide
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Solentiname is situated in the southern end of Lake Nicaragua. They can be reached from San Carlos by either aranging private transport or using the twice-weekly boat. They are the centre for Nicaragua's primitivist art scene and other crafts. They feel very remote and are somewhat off the beaten path. They also have a few interesting legends and some petroglyphs. There are a couple places to stay on the islands.
Questo articolo è rilasciato sotto i termini della GNU Free Documentation License
Esso utilizza materiale tratto da  http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicaragua

Cronologia/Autori:  http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nicaragua&action=history

Nicaragua

Da Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.

 
 
Nota disambigua - Se stai cercando altri significati del termine Nicaragua, vedi Nicaragua (disambigua).
 Nicaragua
Motto: Per il bene del mondo
Informazioni
Nome completo: Nicaragua
Nome ufficiale: República de Nicaragua
Lingua ufficiale: spagnolo
Capitale: Managua  (1.617.096 ab. / 2004)
Anni dalla fondazione: {{{anninumero}}}
Politica
Governo: Repubblica Presidenziale
Presidente: Enrique Bolaños
Capo di governo:  
Indipendenza: Dalla Spagna il 15 settembre 1850
Ingresso all'ONU: 24 ottobre 1945 1
Area
Totale: 129.494 km²
Pos. nel mondo: 115°
% delle acque: 2,9 %
Popolazione
Totale: 5.628.517 ab.
Pos. nel mondo: 131°
Densità: 38,8 ab./km²
Geografia
Continente: America
Fuso orario: UTC -5
Economia
Valuta: Córdoba
Energia:  
Varie
TLD: .ni
Prefisso tel.: +505
Sigla autom.: NIC
Inno nazionale: Salve a tí
Festa nazionale:  
1È uno dei 51 Stati che hanno dato vita all’ONU nel 1945.

Il Nicaragua è la seconda nazione dell'America centrale a livello territoriale con una superficie di (129.494 km²); ma è anche il paese più povero dell'America centrale. All'interno del proprio territorio si trova il più importante bacino idrografico dell'America centrale, composto: da il Lago Nicaragua (il più grande del centro America),il Lago Managua ( dove si afffaccia la capitale Managua). Essi sono collegati tra di loro tramite il fiume Titi-tapa. Ha una popolazione di 5.128.517 abitanti.

Confina a

Il Nicaragua è una repubblica presidenziale. La lingua ufficiale è quella spagnola. Abitanti: nicaraguènsi.

Indice

[nascondi]

 

Etimologia

Il nome Nicaragua deriva dalla frase del dialetto indigeno Nàhuatl "NIC-ANAHUAC", che significa "fino qui al anàhuac di liegò". Un altro possibile significato si pensa che sia "terra circondata da acqua".

 

Bandiera

La bandiera è composta da tre bande orizzontali di uguali dimensioni, due di colore blu e una centrale di colore bianco. Le due fasce blu rappresentano i due oceani che bagnano il paese, mentre la fascia centrale bianca rappresenta la terra e la purezza del Nicaragua. Nello stemma centrale compaiono cinque vulcani che simboleggiano le originarie cinque Province Unite dell'America Centrale (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua e Costa Rica).

 

Storia

 

Storia precolombiana

In epoca precolombiana era abitato da popoli diversi: i Chorotegas o Mangue, i Nicarao (provenienti dal Messico), i Maya, i Chibcha, i Misquitos o Miskitos.

 

La scoperta occidentale

Il paese fu esplorato da Gil Gonzáles Dávila (1522-23) e colonizzato l'anno successivo dagli spagnoli, che vi fondarono le città di León e Granada.
Nel 1625 gli inglesi occuparono la regione della Mosquitia, che proclamarono protettorato britannico nel 1687. La Spagna riuscì a far riconoscere i propri diritti sulla zona con la pace di Versailles (1783).

 

Indipendenza

Dichiarata il 15 settembre 1821 e riconosciuta il 25 luglio 1850.

Nel 1822 si sottrasse al dominio spagnolo con la creazione dell'Impero Messicano, del quale fece parte fino al 1823, entrando nella Repubblica Federale dell'America Centrale.
La federazione si sciolse nel 1839, ed il Nicaragua divenne repubblica, entrando in un periodo di lotte interne sanguinose tra conservatori e liberali, di cui approfittarono il Regno Unito (che si impossessò della regione di Mosquito nel 1840) e gli USA, che si garantirono il controllo del paese, organizzando l'intervento militare di William Walker, riconosciuto presidente nel 1856. La capitale viene trasferita a Managua, nel tentativo di porre fine alle lotte tra Granada e León.

 

Storia moderna

Il paese passò sotto governi conservatori (1857-1893) che, con un'adeguata politica agricola, permisero un miglioramento delle condizioni economiche.
Nel 1893 il liberale Zelaya, con l'appoggio dei militari, rovesciò il presidente Sacasa, assumendo il potere, ma fu a sua volte destituito dall'esercito USA nel 1907, in quanto contrario all'ingerenza statunitense nell'America centrale. Gli USA inviarono nuovamente le proprie truppe in Nicaragua (dal 1912 al 1933), su richiesta del presidente Diaz, presidiando il paese quasi ininterrottamente. Le lotte si riaccesero ad opera dei liberali, guidati dal generale Sandino, che scatenarono una violenta guerriglia antigovernativa, che terminò solo con l'arrivo al potere di Moncada, sostenuto dagli USA.

L'importanza dei militari crebbe, venne creata una guardia nazionale che deteneva il controllo su tutto il paese, che portò al potere il suo comandante Anastasio Somoza García, dal 1933 al 1956, anno in cui morì a seguito di un attentato. Somoza esercitò un potere dittatoriale, perseguendo una politica di avvicinamento agli Stati Uniti d'America e di opposizione ai governi di sinistra dell'America centrale, contro i quali intervenne attivamente.
A lui, successe il figlio Luis Somoza Debayle, confermato dalle elezioni per altri 6 anni. Con alterne vicende, la famiglia Somoza riuscì a mantenere a lungo il potere in Nicaragua, mentre andava rafforzandosi il Fronte Sandinista oppositore al governo, che avviò una campagna di lotta armata nel tentativo di liberare il paese dal monopolio dei Somoza.
La guerra civile si estese in tutto il paese e vide costantemente la guerriglia all'offensiva.
Quando ormai i sandinisti controllavano quasi tutto il paese e alcuni quartieri della capitale (1979), Somoza diede le dimissioni e si rifugiò negli USA.

 

Storia contemporanea

I primi 18 mesi del nuovo governo furono caratterizzati da un'intensa attività, che permise di risollevare l'economia del paese, attenuare la disoccupazione e avviare la lotta all'analfabetismo.
Nell'estate del 1982 la situazione si aggravò, quando ai contras (formazione guerrigliera antisandinista e anticomunista) si unì l'esercito dell'Honduras (su pressione degli USA).
Solo con le elezioni presidenziale del 25 febbraio 1990, il Nicaragua arrivò alla pacificazione; viene eletta alla presidenza Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, che sconfigge contro ogni previsione il candidato sandinista Ortega; sandinisti e contras firmano un accordo per la smobilitazione delle forze di guerriglia. Nel 1998 l'uragano Mitch sconvolge il paese, arrecando gravi danni.

 

Geografia

 

Geografia fisica

La parte orientale del paese ha coste basse, spesso orlate da lagune; a queste, segue una pianura fertile larga circa 60 km, la Costa de los Mosquitos, coperta da foreste.
Procedendo verso l'interno, troviamo un altopiano di origine vulcanica (Cordigliera Isabella, Cordigliera di Darién, Monti Huapí), con un'altitudine media di 1.200 m.
Questi altopiani sono incisi da vallate in cui scorrono i fiumi atlantici: Rio Coco (480 km), Río Grande (320 km), Rio San Juan (190 km), Prinzapolca (190 km).
Gli altopiani separano la costa dall'interno, formato da una vasta depressione, che si estende dal golfo di Fonseca alla Bahía Matina, in cui si trovano i laghi Managua e Nicaragua.
Le coste occidentali sono dominate da una serie di vulcani, da nord verso sud: Cocigüina (1.158 m), Momotombo (1.111 m), Masaya (660 m), Madera (1.329).

 

Morfologia

Il Nicaragua fa parte di una delle zone più instabili e "giovani" geologicamente della Terra, l'istmo centroamericano; la sua struttura cominciò a formarsi nel Miocene, consentendo l'unione dei subcontinenti americani, grazie soprattutto all'attività vulcanica unita alla orogenesi che ha portato alla formazione di possenti catene che orlano l'Oceano Pacifico. Il Nicaragua ospita l'elemento più caratteristico dell'istmo, la "grande depressione", un ampio solco tettonico che fa da confine tra il nordamerica e il sudamerica. Rappresenta un elemento di divisione anche per il Nicaragua stesso, creando due aree diversissime. La regione posta tra la fossa tettonica e la costa caraibica, che rappresenta i 2/3 del territorio nazionale, appartiene alla zona antillana.
Questa zona è costituita da formazioni precambriane granitiche e metamorfiche, parzialmente ricoperte da sedimenti mesozoici e da rocce effusive cenozoiche, soprattutto basalti e andesiti.
La vasta pianura litoranea che si affaccia sul Mar delle Antille, la Costa dei Mosquitos, è costituita da depositi alluvionali quaternari, la costa è monotona, bassa, importuosa ed orlata da lagune. Verso l'interno si trovano una serie di altipiani profondamente incisi dall'erosione, sovrastati da alcune dorsali (Cordigliera Isabelia, Serranias Huapí, Cordigliera Chontaleña, ecc.) disposte a ventaglio da ovest a est, alcune cime superano i 1.700 m. L'ambiente occidentale del Nicaragua è completamente diverso, caratterizzato da una notevole attività vulcanica passata e presente.
Tra la strettissima cimosa costiera pacifica e la fossa tettonica, si allineano i Marrabios, una ventina di vulcani sorti durante il Quaternario; il più recente, il Cerro Negro (350 m), risale al 1850.
Dal lago Nicaragua, si elevano due coni gemelli, il Concepción e il Maderas, che, uniti da un istmo, formano l'isola di Ometepe e il cono dello Zapatera dell'isola omonima.
Sulla sponda nord-occidentale del lago, si trova l'edificio vulcanico del Mombacho. Il più noto vulcano del paese è il Momotombo, responsabile di violente eruzioni esplosive, tanto da ridurlo in tempi recenti, da oltre 1.600 m agli attuali 1.280 m.; è fiancheggiato dal più piccolo Momotombito. Altri vulcani sono: Choncho, San Cristobal (o El Viejo o Chinandega, 1.745 m), Rota, Hoyo. Nel promontorio di Cosigüina, che chiude il golfo di Fonseca, si apre una vasta caldera del diametro di circa 1 km, testimonianza della spaventosa esplosione che nel 1835 squarciò il vulcano Cosigüina. In Nicaragua i terremoti sono frequenti e spesso disastrosi, come nel 1931 e nel 1972, quando fu colpita la capitale, riducendola ad un cumulo di rovine.

Approfondimento in Vulcani del Nicaragua e Laghi del Nicaragua.

 

Idrografia

L'elemento idrografico caratteristico è dato dalla presenza dei laghi Managua e Nicaragua (il più esteso dell'America centrale).
I due laghi occupano la depressione centrale e comunicano tra loro attraverso il fiume Tipitapa. In tempi passati i due laghi erano insenature dell'Oceano pacifico. L'accumulo di materiale derivante dell'attività vulcanica ha creato una diga che li ha separati dal mare. Rimasero tributari dell'oceano, finché lo spartiacque non venne modificato nel Quaternario, a causa dell'abbassamento della costa caraibica, facendo cambiare il deflusso delle acque. Nel Pacifico si gettano solo brevi corsi d'acqua a carattere torrentizio (Estero Real, Rio Grande del Sur). Più lunghi i fiumi che vanno verso il Mar dei Caraibi, come il Rio Coco (o Segovia, 750 km), che segna il confine con l'Honduras, il Rio Grande de Matagalpa, l'Escondido, il Rio San Juan.

 

Clima

Per la sua posizione, tra 11° e 15° di latitudine nord, il Nicaragua ha un clima tropicale, anche se influenzato in modo importante dagli alisei di nord-est. Lungo la fascia costiera caraibica, la temperatura media è di 26° C con lievi escursioni termiche, sia diurne che stagionali. L'aliseo investe costantemente la costa, portando piogge abbondanti, più copiose a sud (4.500 mm annui tra i fiumi Rio San Juan ed Escondido), che scemano man mano che ci si sposta verso nord e verso l'interno (2.600 - 2.200 mm da Escondido verso Rio Coco, 1.500-2.000 mm nelle zone più interne dell'altopiano).
Alcune aree, alle spalle dell'area collinosa della Costa del Mosquitos, ricevono precipitazioni scarse, con temperature superiori ai 30° C. Al di sopra dei 600-800 m di altitudine le temperature si assestano su una media di 14° C nelle zone più elevate e di 22° C nelle valli. Sul versante pacifico il clima è di tipo subtropicale, con precipitazioni più ridotte(1.500 mm annui); vi è anche una stagionalità accentuata, con una stagione secca tra dicembre e aprile-maggio.

 

Temperatura e precipitazioni

Nicaragua
Temperature e precipitazioni mensili

 

Geografia umana

 

Popolazione

Densità: 38,8 per km²
 

 

Etnie

Il popolo del Nicaragua è composto per il 86% europei e meticci (bianchi e amerindi), 9% discendenti degli schiavi africani, 5% popolazioni indigene [1]

 

Religione

La religione prevalentemente praticata è quella cristiano cattolica (88%). Ma nella repubblica del Nicaragua si trovano anche chiese protestanti quale la pentecostale e la battista. Riveste un ruolo di particolare importanza sulla costa caraibica la chiesa dei Fratelli moravi, introdotta da missionari inglesi.

 

Geografia politica

Nicaragua: divisione amministrativa
Dipartimento Capoluogo Abitanti
capoluogo
Superficie
km²
Abitanti Densità
Boaco Boaco 7.757 4.271 117.900 27
Carazo Jinotepe 23.538 1.097 150.000 137
Chinandega Chinandega 67.792 4.789 330.500 69
Chontales Juigalpa 25.625 6.324 129.600 20
Estelí Estelí 30.635 2.173 169.100 78
Granada Granada 88.636 992 162.600 164
Jinotega Jinotega 12.354 9.640 175.600 18
León León 100.982 5.243 344.500 66
Madriz Somoto 6.721 1.612 88.700 55
Managua Managua   3.368 1.026.100 304
Masaya Masaya 74.946 690 230.800 334
Matagalpa Matagalpa 36.983 6.929 322.300 46
Nueva Segovia Ocotal 10.797 3.594 122.100 34
Río San Juan San Carlos 3.094 7.402 52.200 7
Rivas Rivas 14.279 2.190 149.800 68
Zelaya Bluefields 17.008 60.035 298.900 5

 

Geografia economica

Prodotto Nazionale Lordo: 410$ pro capite (143° posto della classifica mondiale).
Bilancia dei pagamenti: -671 milioni di $.
Inflazione: 11,6%.
Disoccupazione: 13,00%. Punti di forza. Esportazioni di caffè, zucchero e grano. Punti di debolezza. Alto debito estero. Le principali esportazioni sono soggette alla fluttuazione dei prezzi delle materie prime. Alta disoccupazione.

 

Risorse

Produzione di energi