Nicaragua

1524 (April 12, Monday): Spanish colonization of Nicaragua begins with the founding of Granada

1821 (September 15, Thursday): Nicaragua declares independence from Spain

1838 (April 30, Monday): Nicaragua formally becomes a sovereign state, independent from the Federal Republic of Central America

1849 (December 1, Saturday): William Walker, an American filibuster, captures Nicaragua’s presidency in an effort to annex the country to the United States

1855 (May 1, Tuesday): The Battle of Rivas, leading to the defeat of William Walker’s forces and his eventual execution

1909 (December 10, Friday): U.S. Marines land in Nicaragua to protect U.S. interests

1934 (December 21, Friday): Assassination of General Augusto César Sandino, a leader of the Nicaraguan resistance against U.S. occupation

1979 (July 19, Thursday): Nicaraguan Revolution: The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) overthrows the Somoza dictatorship, establishing a socialist government

1980s (Decade): U.S. involvement in the Contra War, supporting anti-Sandinista guerrillas

1998 (October 30, Friday): Hurricane Mitch hits Nicaragua, causing widespread damage and loss of life

2009 (July 2, Thursday): San Cristóbal Volcano erupts, leading to evacuations and minor property damage

2014 (April 10, Thursday): Earthquake in Managua: A magnitude 6.2 earthquake strikes Managua, causing significant damage to infrastructure

2018 (April 18, Thursday): 2018 Nicaraguan protests: Anti-government protests escalate into violent clashes, leading to hundreds of deaths

2020 (November 3, Tuesday): Hurricane Eta strikes Nicaragua, causing widespread flooding and damage in the northern regions

2020 (November 16, Monday): Hurricane Iota devastates Nicaragua, especially the RAAN region, worsening the aftermath of Eta

Continent: Central America
Location: Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north, Costa Rica to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east
Capital: Managua
Language: Spanish (official), indigenous languages (Miskito, Sumo, etc.)
Currency: Córdoba (NIO)
Population: ~6.8 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6)

Borders: Honduras (north), Costa Rica (south)
Landscape: Volcanoes, lakes, mountains, tropical rainforests, beaches
Major Rivers: Río San Juan, Río Coco, Río Escondido, Río Tipitapa
Major Mountains: San Cristóbal, Concepción, Masaya, Mombacho
Deserts: No true deserts
Lakes: Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua), Lake Xolotlan
Volcanoes: Masaya, Concepción, Telica, San Cristóbal, Mombacho
Highest Point: Mogotón (2,438 m / 7,999 ft)
Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea (sea level)
Climate: Tropical climate with a wet and dry season, the wet season (May to November) and dry season (December to April)
Geological Features: Volcanic activity, volcanic lakes, tropical rainforests, earthquake-prone zone

Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (majority), indigenous peoples (Miskito, Sumo, etc.), Afro-descendants
Religion: Roman Catholic (approx. 58%), Evangelical Protestant (approx. 23%), non-religious (approx. 18%)
Urban Population: ~60% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~8% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Volcanic landscapes, colonial architecture, art, and traditional folklore
Cuisine: Gallo pinto (rice and beans), Nacatamales, indio viejo (traditional stew), Quesillo
Arts: Folk music, visual arts, traditional dances (Palo de Mayo), literature (Rubén Darío)
Sports: Baseball, football (soccer), boxing, basketball, volleyball

Economy Type: Developing, mixed economy
GDP: Approx. $14.5 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (coffee, sugar, bananas), textiles, tourism, mining
Key Exports: Coffee, gold, beef, sugar, tobacco
Unemployment Rate: ~7.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Agriculture-based economy with primary activities in the Pacific region

Government Type: Unitary presidential republic
Head of State: President Daniel Ortega (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Daniel Ortega (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly
Constitution: Constitution of Nicaragua, in effect since 1987

Granada: Colonial architecture, Lake Cocibolca
León: UNESCO World Heritage site, historic churches, volcanic landscapes
Ometepe Island: Volcanoes Concepción and Maderas, freshwater lake
San Juan del Sur: Popular beach destination on the Pacific coast
Masaya Volcano National Park: Active volcano, crater lake, and indigenous culture
Corn Islands: Idyllic Caribbean islands, beautiful beaches, and marine life