8 Interesting Facts About Nicaragua
The Central American country of Nicaragua is known for its unbridled nature, exotic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unique indigenous cultures. Here are some of the fascinating facts associated with this beautiful country.
8. Central America’s Largest Lake Is In Nicaragua
Lake Nicaragua is a freshwater lake of tectonic origin located in Nicaragua. With an area of 8,264 square km, it is Central America’s largest lake and the 19th largest globally by area. Lake Nicaragua has a maximum depth of 26 m. The San Juan River drains the lake into the Caribbean Sea. Despite being a freshwater lake, sharks, tarpon, and sawfish live in it. The lake also has over 400 volcanic islands.
7. Nicaragua Is Highly Prone To Natural Disasters
Nicaragua is located in a highly tectonically active zone and is extremely susceptible to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. A spine of volcanoes stretches along the length of the country. Many of them are active and some have even erupted in the 21st century. However, it is not just threats from below that bothers Nicaragua, hurricanes and tropical storms also wreak havoc on the country quite frequently.
6. Nicaragua Is Central America’s Largest Country
With a total area of 130,375 square km, Nicaragua is Central America’s largest county. It is located in the Central American isthmus where it is bordered by Honduras to the northwest and Costa Rica to the south. The Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea border Nicaragua to the southwest and east respectively. However, the size of the country is roughly the size of the US state of New York.
5. Nicaragua Has A Mosquito Coast That Is Not Named After Mosquitos
The Mosquito Coast of present-day Nicaragua in the eastern coast of the country is not named after mosquitos but derives its name from the indigenous Miskito Amerindians who lived in the area. The size of the Mosquito Coast varied depending on the extent of the Kingdom of the Miskitos and included parts of today’s Nicaragua and Honduras. In 1894, the entire Mosquito Coat was incorporated into Nicaragua but in 1960, a part of this territory was granted to Honduras by the International Court of Justice.
4. Nicaragua Is The Ideal Destination For The Intrepid Traveller
The pristine raw natural beauty of Nicaragua provides an ideal backdrop for engaging in extreme adventure sports and outdoor activities. Here, one can zipline through the cloud forests or hike up the Mombacho Volcano. Volcano boarding through the volcanic terrain is an extreme sport in Nicaragua that only a few can dare to try.
3. America’s First Elected Female Head Of State Is From Nicaragua
Violeta Chamorro is a Nicaraguan politician who served as the president of the country from April 25, 1990, to January 10, 1997. She is credited with ending the Contra War that was the final chapter of the Nicaraguan Revolution. She is known for her contribution in bringing peace to the country after years of deadly internal conflicts and violence. After winning the elections on February 25, 1990, she became the first elected female head of state in the entire Americas.
2. You Can Easily Get Lost Here
In Nicaragua streets have no names and the Nicaraguans do not seem to mind at all! The country has a unique address system. Ask anyone directions and they will tell you the same based on reference points from where you start. Known buildings, churches, hotels, etc., are used as reference points and directions from such points to the final destination are provided to reach the target. No numbers and street names are used while giving such directions. It is easy for those who know the local language and landmarks to navigate using such directions but for a stranger, it becomes a gigantic task. Getting lost is thus quite easy.
1. Nicaragua Is A Land Of Incredible Natural Beauty
Varied and beautiful landscapes encompassing volcanic features, freshwater and marine habitats, tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and mangroves, makes Nicaragua a paradise for nature lovers. The diverse habitats of the country house a variety of species including 170 species of birds. A variety of unusual mammals like the Geoffroy's spider monkey, jaguarundi, margay, three-toed sloth, northern tamandua, and armadillos live in the country. Nesting populations of sea turtles are found along the coastline of the country. Lake Nicaragua and the San Juan River of the country have bull sharks living in them.
