Population: 5 million - Capital City: Managua (pop. 1.1m)
- Time difference: -6 hours GMT
- Language: Spanish
Nicaragua is the largest Central American country but one of the least visited. It also lays claim to the region’s largest lake - Lake Nicaragua, and oldest colonial city - Granada.
In spite of the celebration of a decade of peace, tourism in the country is still in its infancy. A limited infrastructure and a lack of promotion are the legacy of years of political and economic instability. However, for the more adventurous traveller Nicaragua has a lot to offer and is becoming increasingly popular.
There are seventeen volcanoes, picturesque lakes, unexplored mountains and vast swathes of pristine rainforest brimming with wildlife which is testament to the country’s biodiversity.
The Pacific beaches are unspoiled and a haven for surfers, while the markets offer good quality arts and crafts, especially hammocks, basketwork, wood-carvings and ceramics.