Global - Technology - Review

Nicaragua, ‘Land of Lakes and Volcanoes’, is the largest Central American nation. After the devastating earthquake of 1972, and subsequent civil war, Nicaragua has now achieved political stability. The southern plains are dominated by active volcanoes as well as the huge freshwater Lake Nicaragua. The lake produces shrimp and lobsters, and is the home of the world’s only freshwater shark. Omtepe Island in the lake has two volcanoes and a diverse flora and fauna. As well as the capital, Managua, there is Granada, America’s oldest colonial city. The forested highlands are the main area of coffee production. Nicaragua also produces bananas, tobacco and sugarcane. La Mosquitia Forest on the Caribbean coast is the largest rainforest north of the Amazon. The birdlife is famous, including toucans, parakeets and macaws. The Corn Islands with their coral reefs attract divers. Their culture, and that of the eastern coastal area, is distinctively Caribbean, and features the sensuous dance music known as Palo de Mayo. Gallo Pinto, fried rice and beans with onion and peppers, is the national dish. Baseball is the most popular sport. Managua celebrates ‘Carnaval’ every March, while in August there is the religious festival of San Domingo de Guzman.