An Introduction to Nicaragua

Nicaragua is located in Central America, and it borders Honduras to the North and Costa Rica to the South. Nicaragua also borders the Caribbean Sea to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. Nicaragua is divided into three geographical zones: the Pacific coastal plain, the central highlands, and the Caribbean lowlands. The Pacific coastal plain is a fertile region that is massively influenced by agriculture, and this zone accounts for most of the nation’s population and economic activity. The central highlands is a fairly mountainous region that is dominated by rainforests. This zone has significant cultivation of figs, bananas, and avacados; this zone also is the main producer of coffee for the entire nation. The Caribbean lowlands is not a good area for agriculture due to its dry climatic conditions, however, there is a significant Hispanic cultural influence on this region, making this zone unique from the others. Economically, the nation partakes in primary activities, and it ranks as the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Nicaragua’s population is around 5,890,000 citizens, and the national per capita GDP is $4,400. Around two-thirds of the nation’s population are mestizos. Lastly, 45% of Nicaraguans live below the poverty line, and 8% are unemployed.

The National Flag of Nicaragua