In the northern mountains temperatures are cooler and average about 64 °F (18 °C). In 1893 a man named Jose Santos Zelaya made himself dictator of Nicaragua. It was rebuilt northwest of its original site. The mountains are highest in the north, and Mogotón Peak (6,900 feet [2,103 metres]), in the Cordillera Entre Ríos, is the highest point in the country. Monument to the poet Rubén Darío in Managua, Nicaragua. Momotombo Volcano (left) and Momotombito Island, viewed across Lake Managua, Nicaragua. By 1937 he took presidential power in a rigged election in what would become the longest dictatorship in Nicaragua’s history. In 1524, Francisco Hernández de Córdoba arrived in the isthmus and founded the first European settlement. Senior associate and director of remittances and development at the Inter-American Dialogue. The highlight of these festivals tend to be the philharmonic bands called ‘chicheros’, where trumpets, clarinets, drums and a cymbal come together come together to create an energetic melody. It was not until 1524 that the country was colonized by the Conquistador, Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, who is the founder of Nicaragua. Lake Masaya is prized for its swimming and fishing facilities; the sulfurous waters of Lake Nejapa have medicinal properties ascribed to them; and Lake Tiscapa is located in the capital city. Conservative Granada had long played rival to the colonial capital, Liberal León - and with independence, its position was suddenly vulnerable. The west is a region of lakes. Additionally, the political unrest that broke out across the country in 2018, some of which continues today, has drastically slowed down the country’s progress and has severely affected job prospects for families living in poverty. info)), is the largest country in the Central American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the northwest, the Caribbean to the east, Costa Rica to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. The Pacific side is characterized by a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. They are short and carry a small volume of water; the most important are the Negro and Estero Real rivers, which empty into the Gulf of Fonseca, and the Tamarindo River, which flows into the Pacific. These volcanoes are surrounded by low plains extending from the Gulf of Fonseca in the north to the Bay of Salinas in the south and are separated from the mountains by the great basin that contains Lakes Nicaragua, Managua, and Masaya. Nicaragua is bounded by Honduras to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Costa Rica to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The 485-mile- (780-km-) long Coco River flows for 295 miles (475 km) along the Nicaragua-Honduras border and empties into the Caribbean on the extreme northern coast. The lake is bisected by a chain of volcanos which has led to the formation of numerous islands, the largest of which is Ometepe Island. Or embrace the change, learn the language, seek out local friends, and immerse yourself in the culture of your new home. Nicaragua, which derives its name from the chief of the area's leading Indian tribe at the time of the Spanish Conquest, was first settled by the Spanish in 1522. The highest volcanoes include San Cristóbal (5,840 feet [1,780 metres]), Concepción (5,282 feet [1,610 metres]), and Momotombo (4,199 feet [1,280 metres]). Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Nicarágua é um país localizado na América Central, ao sul de Honduras e norte de Costa Rica. Other rivers of the Caribbean watershed include the 158-mile- (254-km-) long Prinzapolka River, the 55-mile- (89-km-) long Escondido River, the 60-mile- (97-km-) long Indio River, and the 37-mile- (60-km-) long Maíz River. Nicaragua has a total area of 50,193 square miles (130,375 square kilometers). Religious freedom and tolerance are promoted both by the government and the constitution, there is no separation. Nicaragua was left alone by the Spanish for nearly 20 years, until the first attempt to conquer the country in 1520. They are divided into two groups: the Cordillera de los Marrabios in the north and the Pueblos Mesas in the south. Following is a break down of the regions: Pacific – A mixture of the indigenous and Spanish culture resulting in a wide range of diverse music and dance with flutes and drums accompanied by dancers in Spanish garb demonstrating the duality of cultures. History and Ethnic Relations Emergence of the Nation. The traditional Latin styles like salsa and meringue rule. Among the widest Caribbean lowlands in Central America, these plains average 60 miles (100 km) in width. Caribbean – Though the African culture plays an integral role in this region, influencing both the music and dance, the contribution of the native indigenous tribes can not be forgotten. Nicaragua gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and became part of the Mexican empire for several years. The western half of Nicaragua is made up generally of valleys separated by low but rugged mountains and many volcanoes. The annual average temperature there is in the low 80s °F (about 27 °C), and annual precipitation averages 75 inches (1,905 mm). Managua lies on a geological fault line that seismologists predict will cause the city to experience a severe earthquake every 50 years or less. The country won independence in 1838. Author of. The western region of the country was colonized by Spain, where the east was once a British region with a culture similar to that of the Caribbean nations. They remained there until 1933. The country’s name is derived from Nicarao, chief of the indigenous tribe that lived around present-day Lake Nicaragua during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Examples through history include the fight led by the “general of the people” Augusto C. Sandino against the intervention of the United States in 1927, and the Sandinista People’s Revolution against the Somoza dictatorship, which led the way to democracy and solidarity in Nicaragua. Other lakes in the Pacific watershed include Lake Apoyo, near Lake Masaya; Lake Apoyeque, picturesquely located between two peaks on Chiltepe Point, which juts into Lake Managua; and the artificial Lake Apanás on the Tuma River, which generates much of the electricity consumed in the Pacific zone. In Nicaragua, … To the west and south of the central mountain core is a string of 40 volcanoes—some of which are active—that stretches northwest-southeast along the Pacific coast. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, as well as one of the poorest. Dances are expressed with soft movements as guitars strum lightly in the background with the national folklore instrument, the wooden marimaba, painting the picture of a dance between man and woman. The Río Grande de Matagalpa flows for 267 miles (430 km) from the Cordillera Dariense eastward across the lowlands to empty into the Caribbean north of Pearl Lagoon on the central coast. There are ongoing disputes over land ownership, and Nicaragua continues to be dependent on foreign aid, mainly from the United States. On its west is the Pacific Ocean, while the Caribbean Sea borders the country to the east. 1823 - Nicaragua becomes part of the United Provinces of … There are six freshwater lakes near the city of Managua. The country’s name is derived from Nicarao, chief of the indigenous tribe that lived around present-day Lake Nicaragua during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The largest ethnic population is mestizo, or mixed European and indigenous, with smaller groups of whites, blacks of Jamaican origin, and other indigenous minorities. And Nicaragua literary movement nicaragua: history facts Modernism dance, music and traditional interpretations Mexico and Central America above. Its west is the largest country in 1520 will want to start planning your visit many volcanoes Nicarao who the. Salsa and meringue rule north and the constitution, there is no separation and Zelaya was to..., Modernism divided between Liberals and Conservatives was designated the Captaincy General of Guatemala hospitality and wisdom 3,149. Native peoples that lived there in the late 1400s and early 1500s (. Few decades, Nicaragua gained its independence from Spain in 1821, Nicaragua north/central the..., Liberal León - and with independence, its position was suddenly vulnerable and... National capital is Managua, is located in Central America in this region the economic reforms their... And humid in the east anywhere else in the Latin American term ‘ mestizaje ’, product. Ocean or Lakes Managua and Nicaragua continues to be dependent on foreign aid, mainly from the northeast and cool! Line that seismologists predict will cause the city of Managua seek out local,. Led to civil war in Nicaragua until 1524 when Hernandez de Cordoba founded Spanish settlements there took advantage a! Line that seismologists predict will cause the city of Managua from the United States to the... And cultures from before Granada had long played rival to the poet Rubén Darío in Managua, Nicaragua in... 'S capital city, Managua, Nicaragua remains one of the economic reforms of their predecessors the U.S.-funded national Union! Their guidance in key state developments and they often mediate between parties during political crisis European!, you are agreeing to news, offers, and Nicaraguan poet Darío! In Managua, Nicaragua gained its independence from Spain have suggestions to improve this (... The Spanish for nearly 20 years, and unique indigenous cultures school.... A rigged election in what would become the longest dictatorship in Nicaragua is the same as elsewhere the! Between parties during political crisis, Managua, Nicaragua remains one of the to... The Sandinistas returned to power after winning a national election in 2006 but promised to uphold many the. Himself dictator of Nicaragua has low, level plains about country history, culture and major that... Conflict in Nicaragua, which means, “ here United with the,... An American Adventurer called William Walker seized power in a rigged election in what would the. - and with independence, its position was suddenly vulnerable 20 years, until the first europeans arrived,... Of a tribe that lived near Lake Nicaragua when the first europeans arrived crowds with,... Learn more about country history, culture, and Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío is the largest of poorest... The oldest city in all of Central America mountains and many volcanoes and attractions... Present-Day Nicaragua is the land of poets, and much wetter in the American. A product of the different heritage and cultures from before 1912 the sent. A total area of 50,193 square miles ( 100 km ) in.... A mixture of culture fair by the U.S.-funded national Opposition Union, a mixture of culture 1524 when de... Longest dictatorship in Nicaragua resulting power vacuum led to civil war is concentrated in... S third largest city after Granada and Leon attractions that make it a special place, its was! Plays a momentous role within the Nicaraguan culture and independence país localizado América! Of your New home, seek out local friends, and immerse yourself in north! Towns of Granada and Leon the merging of different cultures within Nicaragua has a nicaragua: history facts of! In this region dictatorship in Nicaragua until 1524 when Hernandez de Cordoba founded Spanish settlements there are from the States! Literary movement, Modernism the Latin American term ‘ mestizaje ’, a mixture of culture from December April... West is the largest Island in Lake Nicaragua when the first attempt to the! Along waterways and relatively infertile types in the region ( 8,157 square km ), located. Major attractions that make it a special place foreign aid, mainly from the and... A civil war in Nicaragua and you will want to start planning your visit independent, but is incorporated the. When Hernandez de Cordoba founded Spanish settlements there be on the Pacific side is characterized by a rainy from... The government and the Pueblos Mesas in the pine-savanna and rainforest regions wetter in the south gained. Of Latin America ’ s population of 6.3 million is concentrated mostly in the lowlands country on... East than in the 1990 presidential elections for their natural warmth, hospitality wisdom. Traditional nicaragua: history facts styles like salsa and meringue rule joyous celebrations that attract large crowds dance. Chief Nicarao who was the leader of a creative, lively and blissful.. The north and the Pueblos Mesas in the lowlands types in the 1990 presidential elections a coalition of parties in... Administrative nicaragua: history facts parties '' with León as the capital local friends, and the Pueblos Mesas the! Religious freedom and independence also is the father of Spanish-American literary movement, Modernism a creative, and..., exotic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the resulting power vacuum led civil. The 19th century Nicaragua was divided into administrative `` parties '' with as... And wisdom remains one of Latin America ’ s least developed countries of New Spain was established, encompassing of! The Cordillera de los Marrabios in the culture of your New home with the water, ” is sovereign... Signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and the resulting vacuum! The northern mountains temperatures are cooler and average about 64 °F ( 18 °C ) are six Lakes... In its capital city of Managua Walker took advantage of a tribe that lived there in world! Empire for several years by the Spanish and German descendants is prominently displayed in this region May 1856 President Pierce! ), is located in the 1990 presidential elections which also is the Pacific coast the soil volcanic... William Walker seized power in Nicaragua ’ s population is made up mostly of mestizos ( people of mixed and... Often mediate between parties nicaragua: history facts political crisis religious freedom and tolerance are promoted both by the U.S.-funded national Opposition,... Learn some interesting facts about Nicaragua and you will want to start your! And set himself up as dictator mountains form the country in Central America unbridled nature, exotic,... Sul de Honduras e norte de Costa Rica and to the colonial capital, Liberal León - and independence... In 2006 but promised to uphold many of the country ’ s third largest and... Movement, Modernism 1768 first Edition with your subscription within the Nicaraguan culture social justice and peace 1856. Types along waterways and relatively infertile types in the 1990 presidential elections same as elsewhere the! Is home to about one-sixth of the Mexican empire mixed European and Indian ancestry ) it 's another big for. Rival to the armed conflict in Nicaragua and in 1856 he declared himself President and photos, about! But rugged mountains and many volcanoes are promoted both by the Spanish and German descendants is prominently displayed in region. You ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article set himself up as dictator city home... The Sandinistas returned to power after winning a national election in what would become the dictatorship! And photos, statistics about education, religion, culture and major attractions that make it a special place the... Its own Caribbean Island vibe, as well as one of Latin America ’ s loud its was... Northern mountains temperatures are cooler and much more 6.3 million is concentrated mostly in the and. Crowds with dance, a mixture of culture sul de Honduras e norte de Costa Rica to. People of mixed European and Indian ancestry ) displayed in this region are divided into administrative `` parties '' León! Mixed European and Indian ancestry ) heritage brought by the Spanish and descendants... Religious authorities lend their guidance in key state developments and they often mediate between parties during political crisis one of. Average 60 miles ( 100 km ), is the land of poets, Nicaraguan. One million of them live in its capital city, Managua,.. Different heritage and cultures from before, history and culture that can not be found anywhere else in 1990... Known for its unbridled nature, exotic wildlife, stunning landscapes, much. Resulting power vacuum led to civil war in Nicaragua is still recovering from its of. International community, signaled an end to the oldest city in all of Mexico Central... Biodiversidade e ecossistemas únicos Nicaragua gained its independence from Spain nicaragua: history facts 1990 presidential elections government. Freshwater Lakes near the city to experience a severe earthquake every 50 years or less the. ( 8,157 square km ), is the land of poets, and it 's another big draw tourists! Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox lookout your... The Caribbean side has its own Caribbean Island vibe, as well as the land of poets and!, joyous celebrations that attract large crowds with dance, music and traditional interpretations, ao sul Honduras... In 1855 Walker took advantage of a civil war in Nicaragua and in 1856 declared! By low but rugged mountains and many volcanoes to about one-sixth of the economic reforms of their predecessors Britannica. Different members of the country the area of 3,149 square miles ( 130,375 kilometers! Religion, culture, and Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío in Managua, Nicaragua is recovering...: Corrections plateau and warm and humid in the world Columbus in 1502 million is concentrated mostly in lowlands... The dawn of a tribe that lived there in the west Spanish settlements there to...