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Places / North & Central America

Nicaragua

Visited

At a glance

Region
Central America
Capital
Managua
Population
7 million (2025)
Area
130,373 km²
Languages
Spanish
Currency
Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+505
Visited: Nicaragua

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Before you go

Overview

The Republic of Nicaragua is located in Central America. It is the largest country in the country on the continent.

The country recorded a population of 6.466 million in 2018 and covers an area of 129,999 km2.

Its capital city, which is also the largest city, is Managua. Its landmarks include the Nicaragua Cathedral, Carlos Fonseca tomb, National Palace and National Museum.

The beach at San Juan Del Sur.

History

It gained full independence in 1838 from the British. Britain, however, remained in control of the country’s Caribbean coast, which it surrendered in 1860.

Food & culture

Culture is greatly influenced by Spanish culture.

The major crops grown in the country are beans, sorghum, rice, cassava, plantains, fruits, vegetables and corn. The common dishes include corn, beans, deep-fried plantains, rice, cabbage and yucca.

Wildlife

Common wildlife animals are puma, deer, margays, peccaries, ocelots, jaguars, reptiles and monkeys.

Festivals & events

The common events held in the country are Nicaragua’s Independence Day, Dia de Los Muertos, International Poetry Festival, Holy Week and La Purisima and La Griteria.

Things to see

Masaya Volcano is in Masaya national park and is the largest national park in the country.

Islets of Grenada in Lake Nicaragua are a tourist attraction site.

Mombacho is a 1,344 m high stratovolcano Nicaragua.

Other must visit sites are Cerro Negro, Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve, Lake Managua and Maderas.

Interesting facts

It is the second poorest country in the Americas after Haiti.

It has the largest lake in Central America.

It is the largest country in Central America.

It had the first female head of state.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nicaragua

1 of 2 visited. See every site I've been to.

My videos from Nicaragua

  • Turtle hatchling heading to the sea
    Nicaragua

My photos from Nicaragua

January 2020 Central America

Isla, Granada, Tola, León, Isla Venado, Ometepe, Altagracia, San Jorge and 1 more

Whole trip gallery
  • The yellow cathedral of Granada under a blue sky.
  • The colonial church of El Calvario in León.
  • Mangrove forest on the water's edge on Nicaragua's Pacific coast.
  • A smiling bearded man crouching on black sand.
  • Ornate white baroque church facade with a large arched wooden door under blue sky.
  • An orange sun setting behind a line of trees over calm water.
  • Waves washing onto wet sand reflecting golden evening sunlight.
  • A person in a yellow jumpsuit sliding down a steep black volcanic ash slope.
  • A two-storey colonial building with arches and balconies in warm light.
  • Colourful umbrellas suspended above outdoor café tables on a sunny street.
  • The sun setting over Lake Nicaragua from Ometepe.
  • A smiling man with curly windswept hair taking a selfie in the mist on a volcano summit.

Plan your trip to Nicaragua

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Nicaragua