Capital:
Managua

Location:
In the middle of America, borders To the North Honduras, to the South Costa Rica, to the East the Caribbean Sea and to the west the Pacific Ocean. There is a volcanic chain crossing the country on the Pacific side and there is also a mountain chain at the central area. There are coastal lowlands on both pacific and Caribbean side. Over half the population lives on the plain Pacific coast, this has fertile volcanic soils.

Time Zone:
Nicaragua is the same as US Central Standard Time (GMT -6). Nicaragua does not know winter or summer time.

Territory:
81,210.6 sq. miles

Population:
5,5 million inhabitants (approximately).

Currency:
Cordoba is the official currency. US dollars are accepted throughout the country. You can exchange money at the International Airport, banks and hotel receptions.

Exchange Rate:
C$ 18.30 Córdobas per US$ 1 Dollar.

Credit Cards:
The most accepted credit cards are Visa, Master Card and American Express.

Travelers Checks:
Most banks change American Dollar Traveler’s Checks.

Languages:
Spanish is the official language. English is spoken along with Miskito and other indigenous languages mostly on the Caribbean side.

Ethnic Groups:
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and White) 69%, White 17%, Black 9% and Amerindian 5%.

Climate:
Nicaragua is a tropical country and experiences only two seasons: wet and dry. The dry season is generally between late November and April, and the wet season last the rest of the year and rains for a few minutes on the Pacific area. The Pacific coast tends to be dry most of the year. Temperatures vary little between seasons; the average is 27.5 degrees Celsius on the Pacific. On the Caribbean raining is more intense all year.

Clothing:
Pack light clothes for your travels. The highland areas can be cooler, so pack a sweater if you are going there. For the lowland area light, loose-fitting shirts and pants are essential. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are recommended for the beach.

Electricity:
110-volt, 60Hz.

Water:
The water is safe to drink in all mayor cities of the country.

Work Hours:
Government offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commercial offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stores and other businesses from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Banks are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and do not close for lunch.

Churches:
Like all Latin American countries, Nicaragua is predominantly Catholic, but other denominations are found throughout the country.