15 Interesting Facts About Nicaragua

Introduction:

Nicaragua is the largest Central American nation located in the middle of South and Central America. It boasts a rich history that dates back to the early inhabitants of Mesoamerica. Despite its relatively modest size, Nicaragua has played a significant role in world history. It was one of the earliest Spanish colonies in the New World, and has since experienced a controversial civil war marked by wars of international intervention. Nicaragua remains one of the most culturally vibrant countries in the region, and has produced a series of well-known writers, musicians, and artists. Join us as we explore the country in depth by looking at 15 interesting facts about Nicaragua.

Fact 1: Nicaragua was the last place in the Americas to be colonized by Europeans.

The Spanish arrived in Nicaragua in the early 16th century, more than 200 years after they colonized other parts of the Americas. Nicaragua had been inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Chibcha, Mayans, and Toltecs from centuries before the Spanish arrival. The country was even invaded by the English for a brief period of time before finally falling under Spanish rule. This long period of colonial non-intervention allowed Nicaragua to develop its unique colonial culture and architecture, which is still quite evident today.

Fact 2: Nicaragua is home to the largest freshwater lake in Central America.

Lake Nicaragua is the largest freshwater lake in Central America, covering an area of 8,264 square kilometres and containing over 4000 small islands. The lake is home to numerous species of fish, and its shores boast magnificent colonial towns like Granada and Rivas. It is also the site of the fishing town of San Juan del Sur.

Fact 3: The Nicaraguan currency is named after an indigenous leader.

The official currency in Nicaragua is the Cordoba, named after 16th century indigenous leader, Francisco Hernández de Córdoba. He was a leader in the resistance to Spanish rule and a great advocate of the Nicaraguan people.

Fact 4: Nicaragua is one of the greenest countries in the world.

Nicaragua is renowned for its lush vegetation, with 25% of the country still covered in dense jungle. Such dense vegetation is unusual for a tropical country of its size. Consequently, Nicaragua has been considered one of the greenest countries in the world in terms of plant diversity and carbon emissions.

Fact 5: Nicaragua is home to the largest active volcano in Central America.

The Masaya Volcano is the largest and most active volcano in Central America. It is located just outside the capital city of Managua and has been continuously erupting since 1825. The volcano is considered a natural wonder, and locals often visit it with great reverence.

Fact 6: Nicaragua is the birthplace of the most popular alcoholic drink in Central America.

Tona beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Central America. It was first brewed in the 1950s in the town of Leon, Nicaragua, and has since become the regions go-to drink. It is said that the beer’s unique flavor comes from the volcanic soils of the region.

Fact 7: Nicaragua has one of the world’s most active distributions of wildlife.

Nicaragua is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including over 800 known species of birds, 150 known species of mammals, and thousands of species of reptiles, fish, and insects. This makes Nicaragua one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Not surprisingly, the country is also a hotspot for ecotourism.

Fact 8: Nicaragua has one of the greatest concentrations of freshwater bodies in Central America.

The country is home to some of the largest freshwater lakes and reservoirs in Central America, including Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua. It is also dotted with numerous smaller bodies of water, such as the San Juan River and numerous crater lakes. Such a concentration of water bodies makes Nicaragua a great place for water sports, such as kayaking, fishing, and boating.

Fact 9: Nicaragua was one of the first Latin American countries to gain independence.

In 1821, Nicaragua was one of the first countries in the region to achieve independence from the Spanish. The country was part of the United Provinces of Central America, a short-lived nation made up of five former Spanish colonies. This union lasted until 1841, when Nicaragua declared independence from the United Provinces. Since then, Nicaragua has been an independent nation.

Fact 10: Nicaragua has one of the oldest cities in the Americas.

Granada is the oldest Spanish-settled city in the Americas, with its history dating back to 1524. Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada is one of the most historically significant cities in Central America. It is home to numerous colonial-era monuments and facades, such as the Cathedral of Granada and the San Francisco Convent.

Fact 11: Nicaragua is the birthplace of three Nobel Prize winners.

Famous Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1904, becoming the first Latin American to be awarded the prestigious prize. In 1979, Nicaraguan diplomat Adolfo Perez Esquivel shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Mother Teresa of India, while the nation’s former president Danilo Sanchez won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.

Fact 12: Nicaragua is one of the most seismically active countries in the world.

Due to its location in the Ring of Fire, Nicaragua is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The country experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, with some of the largest natural disasters in Latin America having occurred in Nicaragua.

Fact 13: Nicaragua is the birthplace of Nicaraguan literature.

Nicaragua is home to a myriad of famous writers and poets, such as Ruben Dario, Roberto Sosa, and Joaquin Pasos. Their works have earned great acclaim nationally and internationally, with Dario even earning the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Fact 14: Nicaragua is home to the longest canal in Central America.

The San Juan River runs through the length of Nicaragua and is the longest canal in Central America. It is dotted with numerous fortresses and settlements, making it a great sight-seeing ground for tourists.

Fact 15: Nicaragua is home to the oldest church in Latin America.

The Iglesia de Uxmal is the oldest church in Latin America, having been built in 1517. The church is located in the historic town of Granada, Nicaragua, and said to be constructed completely from stone. It remains a popular tourist attraction to this day.

Conclusion

Nicaragua is a fascinating country with a rich history and vibrant culture. From its roots in the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, to its lords, heroes, and Nobel Prize winners, Nicaragua has left an indelible mark on the world. Join us in uncovering these 15 interesting and lesser known facts about Nicaragua as we dive into its past and present.