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Central America · North America

Nicaragua

Nicaragua
Capital
Managua
Population
6.6M
Area
130,374 km²
Language
Spanish

Nicaragua is a country in Central America, North America. Its capital is Managua, with a population of approximately 6.6M and a total area of 130,374 km². The official language is Spanish and the currency is the Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO).

📊 Quick Facts about Nicaragua

👥
Population
6.6M
total residents
📐
Total Area
130,374 km²
land coverage
🏙️
Pop. Density
51/km²
people per km²
💰
GDP (nominal)
$15.8B
total output
💵
GDP per Capita
$2,394
per person
💱
Currency
Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)
legal tender
🗣️
Language(s)
Spanish
official
🌊
Coastline
910 km
total shore
🕐
Timezone
UTC-6
UTC offset
🎂
Independence
1821
established
🕐
Local Time in Managua

Nicaragua covers an area of 130,374 km² with a population density of 51/km² people per km². The country has a GDP of $15.8B ($2,394 per capita) and gained independence in 1821. It has a coastline of 910 km.

Did You Know?

Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake in the world that contains sharks — bull sharks adapted to fresh water by swimming up the San Juan River from the Caribbean. Nicaragua also has the world's only volcano you can surf down — Cerro Negro.

💡 Interesting Facts about Nicaragua

  1. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America.
  2. Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake in the world with sharks.
  3. Nicaragua has more volcanoes than any other Central American country — including active ones you can hike and surf down.
  4. Nicaragua is called the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.

✈️ Travel Information for Nicaragua

📅
Best Time to Visit
November–April
Tropical, dry season November–April
💸
Cost of Travel
💚 Low Budget
Budget — compared to global average
🍽️
Meal Cost
$3–7
average restaurant meal
🏨
Hotel Cost
$25–60
per night
🛂
Visa
Visa-free for most Western nationalities
entry requirements
🔌
Plug Type
Type A/B, 120V
electrical standard
🚗➡️
Driving Side
Right
side of the road

⚠️ Travel information is approximate and may change. Always verify visa requirements, entry rules and travel advisories with official government sources before travelling.

📍 Nicaragua on the Map

🌍
📍 Managua, Nicaragua

⚠ Coverage varies by country. Zoom in or drag to explore.

🏆 Nicaragua World Rankings

1st
Freshwater Sharks
Lake Nicaragua — world's only freshwater lake with bull sharks
1st
Volcano Surfing
Cerro Negro — world's only active volcano where you can surf down
1st
Central America Size
Largest country in Central America
1st
Colonial Cities
Granada — oldest colonial city in mainland Central America

🏛 Must-See Places in Nicaragua

🌋
Open Wikipedia ↗
Ometepe Island

A stunning island formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua — ancient petroglyphs and howler monkeys

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🏛️
Open Wikipedia ↗
Granada Colonial City

The oldest surviving colonial city in mainland Central America — colourful churches and horse-drawn carriages

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🏂
Open Wikipedia ↗
Cerro Negro Volcano

The world's only active volcano where visitors can sandboard down the ash slopes at speed

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia
🏝️
Open Wikipedia ↗
Corn Islands

Two idyllic Caribbean islands with white sand beaches, clear water and excellent diving

↗ Learn more on Wikipedia

🗺️ Countries Bordering Nicaragua

🇭🇳
Honduras
Tegucigalpa
🇨🇷
Costa Rica
San José

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Nicaragua

What is the capital of Nicaragua?

The capital of Nicaragua is Managua.

What language is spoken in Nicaragua?

The official language(s) of Nicaragua are Spanish.

What is the population of Nicaragua?

The population of Nicaragua is approximately 6.6M.

What currency does Nicaragua use?

Nicaragua uses the Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO).

What continent is Nicaragua in?

Nicaragua is located in North America, in the Central America region.

What is the GDP of Nicaragua?

Nicaragua has a GDP of $15.8B, with a GDP per capita of $2,394.

What is the best time to visit Nicaragua?

The best time to visit Nicaragua is November–April. The climate is Tropical, dry season November–April.

Do I need a visa for Nicaragua?

Visa-free for most Western nationalities

🌍 Explore More Countries in Central America

🇧🇿
Belize
Belmopan
🇨🇷
Costa Rica
San José
🇸🇻
El Salvador
San Salvador
🇬🇹
Guatemala
Guatemala City

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