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The Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent republic in 1838.

Geography

Nicaragua, largest country in Central America. Nicaragua is sometimes called “the land of lakes and volcanoes,” and the largest lakes in Central America and a chain of volcanic peaks dominate the western part of the country. Lakes also fill the craters of many of the volcanoes.

Demographics

The population of Nicaragua is estimated in 5,570,129 (July 2006 est.)

Government

Government type is republic, Republic of Nicaragua.

Economy

Nicaragua's economy is based largely on agriculture, especially on crops grown for export. Coffee is the most important agricultural export, while corn is the major crop grown for domestic consumption.

Telecommunications

In 2004 Nicaragua had 40 telephone mainlines, 284 radio receivers, and 72 television sets for every 1,000 inhabitants. Most Nicaraguans rely primarily on radio or television for news. More than 100 radio stations broadcast, many of them from Managua, and several TV networks and cable TV stations operate in the country. In Managua the major daily newspapers are Nuevo Diario, La Prensa, and La Tribuna. Internet service was established in the mid-1990s.

Transportation

The paved roadways include part of the Pan-American Highway, which runs the length of the country from Honduras to Costa Rica.

Military

Nicaragua's army includes small air and naval components.

Transnational Issues

Nicaragua has international disputes against Honduras and Colombia over maritime boundarys

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