Nicaragua is a country located in Central America. Geographically, Honduras is located to the north and Costa Rica to the south. This country is ranked the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, after Haiti. The majority of the population lives in abject poverty. This country has traditionally relied on agriculture to sustain its economy. The country is striving to overcome the aftermath of dictatorship, civil war and natural disasters (BBC Country Profile).
Nicaraguan Folk Art by Carmen Garcia
Despite the turmoil, the Nicaraguan people are warm and welcoming to visitors and value their rich traditional culture. Few countries can boast of a unrivaled national passion for poetry by producing the most important poets in the history of Spanish language. These literary figures are seen as demi-gods to the people living there. Nicaraguan culture has its own forms of dance, music and festivals. The food is infused with tropical fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, homemade cheeses, and handmade tortillas (Footprints Travel Guide).
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| Poneloya Beach, Southern Pacific Coast |
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| La Ceiba, outside Leon, Nicaragua |
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| La Ceiba, outside Leon, Nicaragua |
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| Active Volcanoes surrounding the city of Leon, Nicaragua |
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| Catedral de Leon |
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| Leon, Nicaragua |
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| streets of Leon |
Fun Facts (according to Footprints Travel Guide):
- The country makes up more than 10% of the planet's biodiversity
- Two of the largest Rainforest reserves are found here, forming 83 national protected areas that cover nearly 20% of its landmass
- There are more than 50 volcanoes
- There are beautiful beaches on both along the Pacific coast and turquoise Caribbean Sea
- Sea turtles lay their eggs here and the babies hatched on beaches
- National language is Spanish
- The largest cathedral in Central America is found here in Leon
- Christopher Columbus sailed here on his fourth and final voyage in 1502
- 40% of the people live on less than $2 a day
Bosque de Lapas y Tucanes
José Ignacio Fletes Cruz (Leon, Nicaragua)
José Ignacio Fletes Cruz (Leon, Nicaragua)
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