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Country Fact File : Nicaragua
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Country Fact File

Nicaragua Flag Nicaragua is best known not for its stunning landscapes or vast cultural treasures, but for a war in which a popular uprising was suppressed by a US-backed government. The after-effects of these and other setbacks have left the country in a state of shock from which it is gradually emerging. However, more than 18% of Nicaragua’s landmass is made up of natural forest reserves and a stunning mix of flora and fauna. The seemingly endless forests, lush greenery and crystal clear lakes have always been there -- it’s just that it took foreigners a while to discover it! A diverse eco-system that supports an animal kingdom made up of monkeys, iguana, deer and parrots and toucans is finally getting the notoriety it deserves. There’s so much to do and see in Nicaragua, an entire summer doesn’t provide enough time. Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast remains virtually untouched.

Location	Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras
Area	129,494 sq km
Border Countries	Costa Rica and Honduras
Climate	Tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands
Terrain	Extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes
Highest Point	Mogoton 2,438 m
Natural Hazards	Destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides; extremely susceptible to hurricanes
Environmental Issues	Deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution
Population	5,570,129 (July 2006 est.)
Ethnic Groups	Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Amerindian 5%
Religions	Roman Catholic 72.9%, Evangelical 15.1%, Moravian 1.5%, Episcopal 0.1%, other 1.9%, none 8.5% (1995 census)
Languages	Spanish 97.5% (official), Miskito 1.7%, other 0.8% (1995 census) note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast
Type of Government	Republic
Capital	Managua
Independence Day	15 September 1821 (from Spain)
Chief of State/ Head of Government	Chief of State: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10 January 2002); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
Currency	gold cordoba (NIO)
Time	GMT -6

Useful Numbers & Web Addresses

International dialing code: +505

Police tel: 118

Ambulance tel: 265 1761

British Honorary Consul: Managua, Apartado Postal (PO Box) 2382. Tel: (00) 505 254 5454 / 3839. Email: taboada@taboadalaw.com

Embassy in UK: Suite 31, Vicarage House, 58-60 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4DP. Tel: (020) 7938 2373.
Email: emb.ofnicaragua@virgin.net
Web: http://freespace.virgin.net/emb.ofnicaragua/