Central America.

GMT - 6.

120,254 sq km (46,430 sq miles).

5.1 million (2005 census).

42.4 per sq km.

Managua. Population: 1.4 million (2005 census).

Nicaragua borders Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. To the east lies the Caribbean, and to the west the Pacific. In the north are the Isabella Mountains, while the country’s main feature in the southwest is Lake Nicaragua, 148km (92 miles) long and about 55km (34 miles) at its widest. The island of Ometepe is the largest of the 310 islands on the lake. These islands have a reputation for great beauty and are one of the country’s main tourist attractions. Lake Managua is situated to the northwest. Volcanoes, including the famous Momotombo, protrude from the surrounding lowlands northwest of the lakes. The country’s main rivers are the San Juan, the lower reaches of which form the border with Costa Rica, and the Rio Grande. The Corn Islands (Islas del Maiz) in the Caribbean are two small beautiful islands fringed with white coral and palms. They are very popular as holiday resorts with both Nicaraguans and tourists. The majority of Nicaragua’s population lives and works in the lowland between the Pacific and western shores of Lake Nicaragua, the southwestern shore of Lake Managua and the southwestern sides of the range of volcanoes. It is only in recent years that settlers have taken to coffee growing and cattle farming in the highlands around Matagalpa and Jinotega.

Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1821.

President Daniel Ortega since 2007.

Former president Daniel Ortega beat conservative rival Eduardo Montealegre in the October 2006 presidential elections. Ortega previously led the country from 1979 to 1990, during which time around 50,000 people died in the civil war. His opponents are concerned he will take the country back to the days of the conflict, although he insists he has changed.

Spanish. Along the Mosquito Coast (Costa de Mosquito), there are English-speaking communities in which African or mixed African and indigenous Indians predominate.

75% Roman Catholic; 15% Protestant; 10% other.

110 volts AC, 60Hz.

Dress is informal.

Photography: Avoid photographing military sites or personnel.