Nicaragua

Central America

Nicaragua is a country in Central America, home to 7 million people, with an area of 130,373 km². Its capital is Managua.

Capital: Managua
Population: 7 million
Area: 130,373 km²
Region: Central America
Density: 53.7 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Nicaragua · Central America · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Nicaragua is known for

Nicaragua is best known for Granada, Masaya Volcano National Park and Corn Islands.

Nicaragua is a country located in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. It has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Nicaragua is known for its diverse natural beauty, including volcanoes, lakes, rainforests, and beaches.

Nicaragua at a glance

Language: Spanish is the official language, with indigenous languages also spoken in some areas
Currency: Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO)
Religion: The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, with Protestantism and other religions also practiced
National dish: Gallo pinto, a dish made from rice and beans, is a staple in Nicaraguan cuisine
Climate: Nicaragua has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The Caribbean coast is humid and rainy year-round, while the Pacific coast is drier
Main industries: Agriculture, including coffee, sugarcane, and bananas; textiles and apparel; mining, including gold and silver; and tourism
GDP: $13.6 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Nicaragua is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 128 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Nicaragua

Some of the main tourist attractions in Nicaragua include:

Granada a colonial city on Lake Nicaragua, known for its colorful architecture and historic landmarks.
Masaya Volcano National Park home to the Masaya volcano, which is one of the few active volcanoes in the region.
Corn Islands a pair of tropical islands off the Caribbean coast known for their pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving.
Ometepe Island an island in Lake Nicaragua known for its unique twin volcanic peaks and natural beauty.
San Juan del Sur a coastal town on the Pacific coast known for its beaches and surf culture.
Leon another colonial city known for its architecture and historic landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Leon.
Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve a nature reserve located on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano, with hiking trails, zip lines, and coffee plantations.
Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge a protected area in the south of the country known for its diverse wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and caimans.
Laguna de Apoyo a crater lake located between Granada and Masaya, known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic views.
Estelí a city in the north of the country known for its tobacco industry and artisanal handicrafts.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Nicaragua has to offer. The country is also known for its rich culture, with traditional music, dance, and art.

Nicaragua in pictures

Nicaragua on video

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Nicaragua compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Central America.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Nicaragua	7 million	130,373 km²	Managua
El Salvador	6.4 million	21,041 km²	San Salvador
Costa Rica	5.1 million	51,100 km²	San José
Panama	4.5 million	75,417 km²	Panama City