Nicaragua is a multiethnic Central American nation. Spanish colonial rule has left its mark on the nation's architecture and culture. The country's capital, Managua, is Central America's third largest city. With coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Nicaragua has many striking beaches. Further inland the lakes, forests, and mountains provide diverse habitats for the nation's diverse wildlife.
In Nicaragua, a presidential republic, the President of the country leads the government and also is the head of state. The National Assembly and the government exercises legislative power. The executive power is vested in the government. An independent judiciary handles the federal judicial functions.
Managua, located on the shores of the Lake Managua, serves as the capital and most populous city of Nicaragua.
Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua, although English is also an important language spoken in the nation. The country has several indigenous languages, many of which have become extinct, while others are spoken by small groups of Nicaraguans.
The Nicaragua contras were right-wing rebels who opposed the socialist "Sandinista" government that was active in Nicaragua from 1979 until 1990. They included the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (Fuerza Democratica Nicaraguense or FDN). I
The official currency of Nicaragua is the Nicaraguan córdoba.
Managua is the capital and most populous city of Nicaragua with a population of over 2.2 million.
