Full country name: Republic of Nicaragua                                                            
Capital: Managua
Area: 130,373 km2 (50,173 sq mi)
Population: 5,570,129
Major Industries: Agriculture, principal export items being coffee, cotton, sugar, bananas, beef, tobacco, sesame seed, rice, corn, beans and sorghum

Location
It border to the north with Honduras, to the south with Costa Rica, to the east with the Caribbean Sea and to the west with the Pacific Ocean.

Climate
Nicaragua has a diverse climate, due to the mountains chain that runs diagonally through Central America from northwest to southeast. Nicaragua’s climate varies according to altitude. The Pacific lowlands are always extremely hot, but the air is fresh and the countryside green during the rainy season (May to November); the dry season (December to April) brings winds which send clouds of brown dust across the plains. The Caribbean coast is hot and wet; it can rain heavily even during the brief dry season (March to May). The mountains of the north are much cooler than the lowlands. The average annual temperature is 27C.

GOVERNMENT
Nicaragua has a two-party system and smaller minority groups still struggle to achieve electoral success against them. Managua is the capital of the country and the seat of the government. The president is elected for a six-year term.

CURRENCY
Córdoba (C$)

Banking
Prior to 1978, consisted of the Central Bank of Nicaragua and several domestic- and foreign-owned commercial banks. In 1979, the country’s banking system was nationalized in an attempt to promote community banking and support the rural poor. Currently, at least seven private banks are operating and since the late 1990s, a small stock market began operations as well.

LANGUAGES
Spanish is the official language but English is well developed in the business sector.

Religion
Roman Catholics make up the majority of the population.

Shopping
Nicaragua has some very impressive shopping centers and markets.  Main shopping centers and malls are located mainly in Managua. Some of the locally manufactured items for sale in Nicaragua include gold, embroidery, leather, shoes, artwork and paintings.

Culture
The country has strong folklore, music and religious traditions, profoundly influenced by the Iberian Peninsula culture but also with the influence and flavor of the Amerindian. Nicaragua has historically been an important source of poetry in the Hispanic world, with internationally renowned contributors such as Ruben Dario.

Restaurants
Nicaragua has a wide number of restaurants and cafes to satisfy any appetite. Other Nicaraguan restaurants focus on local cuisine.

Entertainment
Nicaragua has beautiful beaches along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, as well as a number of inland lakes and rivers to enjoy. Nicaragua has 78 nature reserves, parks and wildlife sanctuaries full of amazing diversity.  Sightseeing in Nicaragua is directed more toward natural attractions rather than ancient buildings as many historical sites have been destroyed by earthquakes and military conflicts. Yet many nature lovers find that trekking or hiking are all part of the adventure and are happy to participate in these activities in order to enjoy the wildlife in Nicaragua. Also, visiting museums is a great way to gain understanding and insight into the many customs that the country offers. 

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Electric energy: 125
Emergency: 128
Water office: 127
Fire Department: 115-120
Police: 118
International Long Distance: 00 code to dial out.  505 to dial in
Local operator assistance:  110
International operator assistance: 116
Directory Assistance: 113

SCHOOLS

There are many commercial schools and eight universities throughout the country. Also there is a variety of private schools with international programs. Some of the schools operate with the U.S. school calendar (from August/September to June); while others operate with the Nicaraguan school calendar (from February to December).

Some of the most popular schools are:

• American Nicaraguan School: www.ans.edu.ni
• Lincoln International Academy: www.lincoln.edu.ni
• Nicaragua Christian Academy:  www.nca.edu.ni
• Instituto Loyola: www.loyola.edu.ni

IMMIGRATION PROCESS

There are two main types of residency in Nicaragua: permanent and temporary. Under these two main types, there are also a series of subcategories with varying requirements.  The best source of information on Nicaraguan residency requirements is the Nicaraguan government and/or a specialized immigration company. 
The following requirements are common to most categories of residency:

• Residency request form (available at the Immigration office)
• Your passport (valid for at least an additional six months)
• Photocopy of every used page of your passport
• 2 Nicaraguan passport-size photographs
• Criminal background certificate (requirement waived for minors)
• Health certificate
• Birth certificate
• Fees ranging from approximately $12.00 for the residence card to $30.00 for the residency fee.

The application process takes approximately 2 months.
Important Immigration Links:

• American Consulate: http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov/
• Nicaraguan-American Chamber of Commerce: http://www.amnic-cc.org/
• National Police: www.policia.gob.ni/

HOUSING

Today, in Nicaragua the construction, real estate and tourist industries are among the fastest growing sectors of the economy. Land prices are still low by US standards and good investments opportunities exist throughout the country.
The most recommended residential areas are Santo Domingo, Las Colinas, Carretera Masaya, Carretera Sur and Villa Fontana. Rental prices range from:

• 1 bed apartment: $900USD- $1,200USD
• 2 bed/2 bath apartment: $1,400USD - $1,700USD
• 3 bed apartment: $2,000USD - $2,800USD

HOLIDAYS

New Year’s Day: January 1st
Holly Thursday: Apr
Holly Friday: Apr
Labor day: May 1st
The Sandinista Revolution Day: July 19th
Fiestas Patronales de Managua: August 1st & 10th
Independence Day: September 14th & 15th
All Saints Day: November 2nd
Immaculate Conception Day: December 8th
Christmas Day: December 25th

Technical Information:
Voltage: In Nicaragua we use 110 to 120 kilo watts.
Plugs: Standard American Plugs.
Television system: NTSC. “Cable Coaxial” system