Download THE REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA

 THE REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA COUNTRY OVERVIEW Project C.U.R.E. Clinics NICARAGUA FACTS CAPITAL: Managua CURRENCY: Nicaraguan Gold Córdoba PRESIDENT: Jose Daniel Ortega OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Spanish GOVERNMENT: Presidential System, Democratic Republic POPULATION: 6 million (2012) Nicaragua, officially known as the Republic of Nicaragua, is the largest country in Central America. It is bordered by Honduras to the north, Costa Rica to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean to the east. Over a quarter of the nation’s population resides in the capital city of Managua, making it the second largest city in Central America after Guatemala City. LAND AND CLIMATE SIZE: 50,139 square miles, roughly the size of New York GEOGRAPHY: Nicaragua’s geography is divided into three major zones: Pacific Lowlands, Central Highlands, and Caribbean Lowlands. The Pacific Lowlands are predominantly flat and extend about 75 kilometers from the Pacific coast. They also contain a line of young active volcanoes and the largest freshwater lakes in Central America. The Central Highlands are a rugged mountainous area in the northeast and eastern areas of the country and contain mixed forests, deep valleys, and areas of dry climate on the western slopes. The Caribbean Lowlands occupy more than 50% of the country. This region consists of a sparsely settled rainforest irrigated by several large rivers with large amounts of biodiversity. CLIMATE: Temperature varies little with the seasons. In the foothills and lowlands, night temperatures only drop to 70°F most of the year. The highest peaks of the highlands experience temperatures ranging between 55°F and 75°F throughout the day and night. Rainfall is greatest in the lowlands between May and October. During this season, eastern Nicaragua is subject to heavy flooding near rivers and the coast. These areas typically receive between 10 and 250 inches annually. Project C.U.R.E. Clinics 1
HISTORY The area that is now Nicaragua was initially conquered by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Over the following centuries, Nicaragua was subjected to rule by both the Spanish and British at different points in their colonial history until it achieved independence in 1821. Since then, Nicaragua has undergone periods of political unrest, military intervention by the US, dictatorships, financial crises, and a revolution. It had achieved relative political and economic stability in recent years. During the Contra War of the 1980s, Nicaragua’s economy was ravaged and the country witnessed the destruction of most of its infrastructure. In 1985, the US imposed an economic blockade until 1990, further hampering economic development. After the end of the war, Nicaragua followed a path of free market reforms, leading to privatization of hundreds of state run companies and reduction of inflation from 33,603% to 8%. A primary historical interest in Nicaragua had been the idea of creating a water canal that would link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, the idea was scrapped following the completion of the Panama Canal in favor of an overland eco-­‐canal, which would rely on train tracks to link the two ports. Nicaragua was the first country to sign the UN Charter in 1945, has maintained democratic practices since the 1970s, and was the first country in the Americas to elect a female head of state in 1990. GOVERNMENT Nicaragua is a presidential representative, democratic republic with a multi-­‐party system. The President of Nicaragua is both the Head of State and Head of Government. Executive power is exercised solely by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The Judiciary is independent of both other branches. Discussions of switching from a presidential system to a parliamentary system occurred between 2007 and 2009 as a way for President Ortega to legally stay in power after 2012 when his second and last government period was supposed to end. Project C.U.R.E. Clinics 2
Jose Daniel Ortega (right), elected in 2007 and re-­‐elected in November 2011, previously served from 1985 to 1990 as a leader of the Sandinista National Liberation Front. The President and Vice-­‐President are elected for single, non-­‐
renewable five-­‐year terms. In 1995 negotiations of a reformed version of the 1987 Sandinista Constitution occurred between the executive and legislative branches. The new constitution gave extensive new powers and independence to the National Assembly, including permitting the Assembly to override a presidential veto with a majority vote and eliminating the president’s ability to pocket veto a bill. It also placed the limit on the President and members of the unicameral National Assembly to five-­‐year terms. ECONOMY While Nicaragua’s economy is focused primarily on the agricultural sector, the country is the least developed country in Central America and the second poorest in the Americas by GDP. GDP fell by almost 3% in 2009 due to decreased export demand, lower commodity prices for agricultural exports, and low remittance growth. Remittances are equivalent to 15% of the country’s GDP and as close to one million Nicaraguans have emigrated elsewhere. The 2006 US-­‐Central America Free Trade Agreement has expanded export opportunities for many agricultural and manufactured goods, helping textiles and apparel now account for over 60% of the country’s exports. Additionally, government foreign debt has been halved and the nation has experienced several years of moderate economic growth. A key engine of Nicaragua’s economic growth has been production for export. Nicaragua’s primary exports include coffee, meat, sugar, gold, seafood, peanuts, sesame, melons, and onion. Construction (particularly around Managua), mining, fisheries, and general commerce also play large roles in Nicaragua’s economy. In the past decade, tourism has grown 394%, becoming Nicaragua’s 2nd largest source of foreign capital. The US is the Nicaragua’s largest trading partner, receiving over 60% of its exports. The US has invested heavily in the nation’s energy, communications, manufacturing, fishing, and shrimp farming sectors, with future interest in mining and franchising. Project C.U.R.E. Clinics 3
Nicaragua still relies heavily on international economic assistance to meet internal and external debt financing obligations. However, foreign donors have curtailed such funding in response to the 2008 election fraud. Since 2004, Nicaragua has secured billions in foreign debt reduction under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative through the IMF and was recently approved for an additional poverty reduction program. CURRENCY The national currency of Nicaragua is the Nicaraguan gold córdoba (NIO). The córdoba uses the sign C$ and is divided into 100 centavos. Coins in circulation include the 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavo and 1, 5, and 10 córdoba. Bank notes in circulation include the 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 córdoba. (Tip: Throughout many areas, particularly tourist destinations, US dollars can be used in private transactions. In recent years, credit card fraud has become an increasing problem. To avoid such issues, either use cash when possible, or be sure to check your bank statements frequently. It is advisable to carry a separate package that has a copy of credit card numbers and bank account information.) CULTURE The largest ethnic group in Nicaragua is the Mestizo (Amerindian and White) group, accounting for 69% of the country’s population. The Mestizo group has largely assimilated many of the indigenous minorities over the course of Nicaraguan history. About 9% of Nicaragua’s population is of African origin and mostly composed of English-­‐
speaking Creoles who are the descendants of escaped or shipwrecked slaves. Many carry the name of Scottish settlers who brought slaves with them and mainly reside on the country’s sparsely populated Caribbean or Atlantic coast. Nicaragua has the largest African Diaspora population in Central America. There is also a smaller number of Garifuna, a people of mixed West African, Caribbean, and Arawak descent. Project C.U.R.E. Clinics 4
Roughly 5% of Nicaraguans are Amerindians, the unmixed descendants of the country’s indigenous inhabitants. Nicaragua’s pre-­‐Colombian population consisted of many indigenous groups. In the western region the Nicarao people were present along with other groups related to the Mayans. Indigenous peoples who migrated from South America, primarily from the Colombian and Venezuelan regions, inhabited the Caribbean coast. These groups include the Miskitos, Ramas, and Sumos. CUISINE: Nicaraguan cuisine is a mixture of “criollo” food and dishes of pre-­‐Colombian origin. Traditional cuisine varies from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast, with influences from the local indigenous populations. The Pacific coast’s main staples revolve around local fruits and corn, while the Caribbean coast makes use of seafood and coconut. Nationally, corn is used in a variety of dishes, such as nacatamal (right) and Indio Viejo. Corn is also used as an ingredient in desserts and drinks such as pinolillo and chichi. Rice and beans are also eaten very often. Gallo pinto (left), Nicaragua’s national dish, is made with white rice and red beans that are cooked and then fried together. The dish has several variations, including the addition of coconut oil and grated coconut. Most Nicaraguans begin their day with Gallo pinto, and it is most usually served with carne asada, a salad, fried cheese, and plantains. Many dishes also include indigenous fruits and vegetables, such as jocote, mango, papaya, tarindo, avocado, cilantro, oregano, and achiote. RELIGION: Religion is a significant part of the culture of Nicaragua and is referred to in the constitution. Although Nicaragua has no official religion, the majority of Nicaraguans are Roman Catholic. Catholic Bishops are expected to lend their authority to important state occasions, and their pronouncements on national issues are closely followed and adhered to by many. Project C.U.R.E. Clinics 5
Members of other Christian denominations, particularly Evangelicals and Mormons, have been rapidly growing in numbers since the 1990s. Strong Anglican and Moravian Protestant communities exist on the Caribbean coast. ETIQUETTE: Most Nicaraguans are very polite and rarely say anything that would be offensive to anyone present. Avoid saying no to someone who offers you food or drink, as it is considered to be impolite. Additionally, cleanliness is highly valued among Nicaraguans, so attempts should be made to avoid being overly messy in public settings. Most Nicaraguans like to appear helpful and will try to tell you what you want to hear, even if it is stretching the truth. For a foreigner to try to understand something fully, or get the most accurate answer, it is usually best to ask at least three different people the same question to see if you can arrive at an approximate answer. Additionally, many Nicaraguans, while direct about surface topics, will be very indirect about deeper issues and may require additional prodding. In conversation, there is typically little to no touching and personal space is respected. Punctuality is not valued very much and time is given freely. There is an expression among Nicaraguans stating, “Hay más tiempo que vida,” or “There’s more to life than time.” As a result, being on time rarely happens. Showing up even an hour late to an engagement is common. Public transportation is the only area of consistent punctuality, particularly when it comes to city buses. COMMON WORDS AND PHRASES Although many individuals in Nicaragua have at least a basic understanding of English, Spanish is still the predominant language. Below are some basic words and phrases: ENGLISH PHRASE SPANISH TRANSLATION How are you? ¿Cómo estás? I’m fine Estoy bien Thank you Gracias Please Por favor Can you help me? ¿Me puede ayudar? Do you speak English? ¿Hablas inglés? I don’t speak Spanish No hablo español Hello/Good bye Hola/Adios Project C.U.R.E. Clinics 6
Spanish is taught as the principle language, while English tends to be the national second language. Until the 19th century, a hybrid form of Nahuat-­‐Spanish was the common language of Nicaragua. Today Nahuat, Mangue, and Mayan words and syntax can be found in everyday speech. Central American Spanish is spoken by about 90% of the population and can be understood everywhere in the Hispanosphere. Along the Caribbean coast, Afro-­‐Nicaraguans and Creoles speak English and Creole as their first language. In addition, many ethnic groups have maintained ancestral languages while also speaking Spanish or English. PRINCIPAL CITIES MANAGUA Managua is the largest city of Nicaragua by population and geographic size and has been the country’s capital since 1852. It is the second most populous city in Central America, after Guatemala City. AREA: 210 sq miles (544 km²) WEATHER: Annual average temperature: 80°F POINTS OF INTEREST: Nearby Lake Nicaragua -­‐ the largest freshwater lake in Central America and home to some of the world’s only freshwater sharks. HEATH STATISTICS According to the U.N., Nicaragua ranks 83rd out of 194 nations in life expectancy at 72.9 years and ranks 106th in infant mortality at 27.14 deaths/1,000 births. The birth rate is 24.9 births/1,000 population and the overall death rate is 4.7 deaths/1,000 population. Common vector-­‐borne diseases in Nicaragua include Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Leishmaniasis. Dengue fever is endemic to Nicaragua and outbreaks are common during rainy season, even in Managua. Currently, no vaccine or specific medication is available to prevent or treat dengue fever. Malaria is endemic to the Atlantic coast region of Nicaragua, and anti-­‐malarial medication should be taken before and after travel to this region. Large areas of Nicaragua lack proper sanitation systems and clean food/water, making typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and B, cholera, brucellosis, and amoebas common illnesses. Project C.U.R.E. Clinics 7
Very basic medical services are available in Managua and in many of the smaller towns and villages around the country. However, treatment for more serious medical problems is either unavailable or is only available in Managua. In an emergency, individuals are taken to the nearest hospital that will accept a patient. This is usually a public hospital where conditions are poor, unless the individual or someone acting on their behalf indicates that they can pay for a private hospital. Payment for medical services is typically done on a cash basis, although the few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for payment. Certain types of medical equipment and medications are likewise unavailable in Nicaragua due to a lack of an extensive health care system and funding by the government and private sources. Project C.U.R.E. Clinics 8