Fun Facts about
Nicaragua
The name Nicaragua comes from the name
of Chief Nicarao, who ruled the area in the late 1400's and early
1500's.
Christopher Columbus arrived in Nicaragua in 1502 on his fourth trip to the New World. However, long before his arrival, the area was inhabited by the Nicaraos, Chorotegas, Chontales, and Miskitos.
After the arrival of Columbus, more Spanish conquerors came to Nicaragua. The currency of Nicaragua, the Córdoba, was named for Hernández de Córdoba, who discovered Lake Nicaragua and established a few cities. One of the cities, now in ruins, is Viejo Leon (Old Leon). It's the oldest city in Central America.
Long after the Spanish arrived, the British showed up in Nicaragua and Belize. They claimed it as a British Protectorate in 1625 and called the place The Mosquito Kingdom.
Nicaragua obtained independence in 1825. It is the largest country in Central America and has the lowest population density.
Nicaraguans produce coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, and tobacco. They also raise beef, pork, and poultry. However, when they aren't hard at work, they play baseball and soccer.
The dual volcanic island of Omepete, located in Lake Nicaragua, is one of the largest lake islands in the world. (The largest is Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, Ontario.)
Christopher Columbus arrived in Nicaragua in 1502 on his fourth trip to the New World. However, long before his arrival, the area was inhabited by the Nicaraos, Chorotegas, Chontales, and Miskitos.
After the arrival of Columbus, more Spanish conquerors came to Nicaragua. The currency of Nicaragua, the Córdoba, was named for Hernández de Córdoba, who discovered Lake Nicaragua and established a few cities. One of the cities, now in ruins, is Viejo Leon (Old Leon). It's the oldest city in Central America.
Long after the Spanish arrived, the British showed up in Nicaragua and Belize. They claimed it as a British Protectorate in 1625 and called the place The Mosquito Kingdom.
Nicaragua obtained independence in 1825. It is the largest country in Central America and has the lowest population density.
Nicaraguans produce coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, and tobacco. They also raise beef, pork, and poultry. However, when they aren't hard at work, they play baseball and soccer.
The dual volcanic island of Omepete, located in Lake Nicaragua, is one of the largest lake islands in the world. (The largest is Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, Ontario.)
Bianca Jagger, married to Mick Jagger
from 1971-79, is from Nicaragua.