Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south, with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its volcanic landscapes, freshwater lakes, and rich biodiversity. Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America, is famous for being home to freshwater sharks.
- Capital
- Managua
- Continent
- Americas
- Region
- Central America
- Area
- 130,373 km²
- Coordinates
- 13° N, 85° W
Country facts
- Nicaragua is home to more than 19 volcanoes, several of which are still active.
- The country gained independence from Spain in 1821 as part of the Federal Republic of Central America.
- Spanish is the official language, though some Caribbean coastal communities speak English Creole and indigenous languages.
- Nicaragua's national bird is the turquoise-browed motmot, known locally as the guardabarranco.
- The country has two large lakes, Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua, which together form a significant portion of its geography.
Capital facts
- Managua has been the capital of Nicaragua since 1852, chosen as a compromise between the rival cities of León and Granada.
- A massive earthquake in 1972 devastated much of the city, destroying its historic downtown district.
- Lake Managua, also called Lake Xolotlán, lies directly along the city's northern shore.
- The Old Cathedral of Managua, damaged in the 1972 earthquake, still stands as a landmark and has never been fully restored.
- Managua is the political, economic, and cultural center of Nicaragua, housing the country's main government institutions.