IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

NICARAGUA

1st January, 2024 Geography

NICARAGUA

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • At least 20 passengers from Gujarat who were on the Nicaragua-bound flight, which was pulled back mid-route from France recently, were questioned by the authorities in an attempt to expose a potential illegal immigration network.

About Nicaragua

  • It is the largest of the Central American republics and a country in the region.
  • Borders: Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south encircle the nation.
  • The country's eastern border is shared by the Caribbean Sea while its western border is provided by the Pacific Ocean.
  • History: It was the only Latin American nation to have experienced simultaneous Spanish and British colonisation.
  • After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, it spent a number of years as a part of the Mexican Empire.
  • Then it joined the Provinces of Central America, a confederation of neighbouring nations centred on Guatemala City.
  • In 1838, Nicaragua broke away from the group and attained complete independence.
  • Form of Government:
  • It is a Republic. The president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term.
  • Power is divided among four governmental branches: the executive, legislative, judicial, and Supreme Electoral Council.
  • Capital: Managua
  • Official Languages: Spanish, English, indigenous languages
  • Currency: Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO)
  • Population:
  • It is made up mostly of mestizos(people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry).
  • Most people live in the western Pacific lowland region between the Pacific coast and Lake Managua.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Which of the following bodies of water does Nicaragua border?

A) Mediterranean Sea

B) Atlantic Ocean

C) Indian Ocean

D) Caribbean Sea

Answer: D