Fact 1: The Largest Country in Central America
Nicaragua is the biggest country in Central America, measuring at about 130,373 square kilometers. It is bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. Despite being the largest, it's not the most populated country in the region, that title goes to neighboring Guatemala.
Fact 2: A Land of Lakes and Volcanoes
Nicaragua is often referred to as 'The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes' due to the numerous lagoons, lakes and impressive volcanoes that are scattered throughout the country. It has more than 50 volcanoes, many of which are still active, providing a unique landscape and attracting researchers and tourists from around the globe.
Fact 3: Home to the Only Dual Volcano in the World
In Nicaragua, you'll find Ometepe Island which is notable for being formed by two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, in Lake Nicaragua. This is the only place in the world where you can see a dual volcano that both consists of an active and a dormant cone, co-existing side by side.
Fact 4: The Nicaragua Canal Project
There has always been a plan to construct a canal through Nicaragua since the 19th century, similar to the Panama Canal, which would connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, although the plan has been approved several times, it has never actually been enacted, primarily because of environmental concerns.
Fact 5: Spanish Influence
Nicaragua was initially colonized by the Spanish in the early 1500s, and the influence is still strongly felt today. Spanish is still the official language of the country, and the majority of the architecture, cuisine, and customs also reflect this lasting Spanish imprint.
Fact 6: Unique "Baseball" Culture
Unlike many other Central and South American countries where football (soccer) dominates, in Nicaragua, baseball is the most popular sport. This interesting anomaly is due to the American occupation of the country in the early 20th century.
Fact 7: The National Dance
El Güegüense is a dramatic play that is known as the national dance of Nicaragua. UNESCO recognized this traditional drama in 2005 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Fact 8: Freshwater Sharks
Nicaragua is the only country in the world with freshwater sharks, specifically found in Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. These sharks, known as Nicaragua Sharks or Bull Sharks, were originally thought to be a separate species but have been found to navigate up the San Juan River from the Atlantic Ocean!
Fact 9: Vivid Literature Scene
Despite its small size, Nicaragua has a vibrant literary scene. The country is known for producing influential poets including Rubén DarÃo, considered the father of the modernismo literary movement.
Fact 10: The Iconic Cathedral of León
The Cathedral of León, also known as the Basilica of the Assumption of León, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most notable landmarks in Nicaragua. It's the largest cathedral in Central America and is the final resting place of many of Nicaragua's most famous poets and intellectuals, including Rubén DarÃo.
Fact 11: The Oldest City in Central America
Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in Central America, Granada, which was founded by the Spanish in the 1500s. Today, it's a popular tourist destination known for its beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture and the colorful streets.
Fact 12: Home to Bosawás Biosphere Reserve
Nicaragua is home to the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve in the northern part of the country, near the Honduras border. It is the second-largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, after the Amazon in Brazil.
Fact 13: Rum and Coffee are Big!
Nicaragua is a major producer of rum and coffee. Flor de Caña, Nicaragua’s premium rum, is a major export and is considered one of the best rums in Latin America. The country's coffee is also highly regarded around the world for its rich flavor profile.
Fact 14: Vibrant Native Crafts
Nicaragua has a rich heritage of handmade crafts, ranging from ceramics and leather goods to textiles. One of the most notable crafts is the production of high-quality handmade hammocks, which are exported all over the world.
Fact 15: The Pan American Highway
Running through Nicaragua is the Pan American Highway, the world’s longest motorable road, which runs from Alaska in North America to the southern tip of South America.
Fact 16: Largest Number of Cattle in Central America
Nicaragua has the largest cattle ratio in Central America, with cattle ranching being a significant part of the country's agricultural economy. Interestingly, the number of cows can often surpass the human population in certain areas of the country.
Fact 17: More than a Third Protected Areas
More than a third of Nicaragua’s territory is protected areas such as national parks, nature reserves, and biological reserves. This is part of the country's efforts to preserve its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Fact 18: Home to the “Nicarao”
The country's name, Nicaragua, derives from Nicarao, the name of the indigenous tribe that inhabited the shores of Lake Nicaragua before the Spanish conquest, and agua, the Spanish word for water, in reference to the country's many lakes and rivers.
Fact 19: Nicaraguan Currency
The official currency of Nicaragua is the Nicaraguan Córdoba, named after Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, the founder of Nicaragua. It was first issued in 1912 and has undergone many changes, such as several devaluations and redesigns over the years.
Fact 20: Politics: The Sandinista National Liberation Front
Nicaragua has a vibrant political history characterized by the influential Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), a socialist political party in Nicaragua. The Sandinistas first came to power in 1979 following a revolution and have had significant influence over the country's politics since then.