Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and shares its borders with Costa Rica and Belize. It was part of the vast Spanish Conquest of Central America, but it became an independent nation in 1850. Nicaragua is famous for its huge lakes and volcanoes. In fact, it features the world's largest freshwater volcanic island, called Ometepe. Its eastern coast, along the Caribbean Sea, is called "the Mosquito Coast."
Managua is Nicaragua's capital and largest city. The name "Managua" means "adjacent to the water," which refers to its position between the country's two largest lakes. The city suffered a major earthquake in 1972, and many of its buildings and bridges were badly damaged. However, the country has a surprisingly strong economy, largely due to trade with the United States.
"Padre Fabretto" is a program that provides a safe place for young school children of Nicaragua to stay after school. The county has so many students and so few classrooms and teachers that the average school day is only half as long as the average day in other countries. Padre Fabretto gives these school kids a place to play, learn, and grow.
Nicaragua Profile
Government Leader: President Daniel Ortega
Population: 5,603,000
Official Language: Spanish
Money: Gold Cordoba
People without Jobs: 6.9%
Agricultural products: Coffee, bananas, rice, corn, soybeans, beef, poultry
Religions: Roman Catholic 73%, Evangelical 15%, Moravian 2%, none 9%