Nicaragua

     From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Nicaragua is a republic in Central America.

Republica de Nicaragua

(In Detail) (Full size)
National motto: En Dios Confiamos (In God We Trust)
Official language	Spanish
Capital	Managua
President	Enrique Bolanos
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 115th 129,494 km² 2.9%
Population  - Total  - Population density>Density	Ranked 131st 5,128,517 38,80/km²
Independence  - Declared - Recognized	From Spain September 15, 1821 July 25, 1850
Currency	Cordoba
Time zone	UTC -5
National anthem	Salve a ti
Internet TLD	.NI
Calling Code	505

Table of contents

1 History 2 Politics 3 Departments 4 Geography 5 Economy 6 Demographics 7 Culture 8 Miscellaneous topics

History

Main article: History of Nicaragua Colonized by Spain in 1524, Nicaragua achieved independence as an independent state in 1821 and joined the United Provinces of Central America. It separated from the federation in 1838, becoming a completely sovereign republic in 1854.

The nation's early history was marred by lengthy periods of military dictatorship, the most infamous being the rule of the Somoza family for much of the early 20th Century. In 1979 the Somoza family was deposed, and a multi-factional coalition took control of the government. Conflicts within the conflict eventually resulted in power being consolidated by Daniel Ortega, who became President in 1985. Ortega and his Sandinista followers implemented a series of ambitious socialist reforms to the country, but the new president's rule was undermined by increasing civil war between varying politicial fractions.

Multi-party elections were held in 1990, and the country has retained a fairly stable democracy since then.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Nicaragua Nicaragua is a constitutional republic with an elected president holding executive power. The unicameral legislative body is the National Assembly, which has 93 members elected for 5-year terms. The President, and the runner-up are both members of the National Assembly, as well, and the government operates according to pseudo-parliamentary rules.

• List of Presidents of Nicaragua

Departments of Nicaragua

Geography

Main article: Geography of Nicaragua

• List of cities in Nicaragua

Economy

Main article: Economy of Nicaragua

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Nicaragua

Culture

Main article: Culture of Nicaragua

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in Nicaragua
• Transportation in Nicaragua
• Military of Nicaragua
• Foreign relations of Nicaragua

See also: Lake Nicaragua