Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. It has big lakes, many volcanoes, and wide forests. Nicaragua is sometimes called the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. It is a beautiful and rugged place.

Land and People

About 7 million people live in Nicaragua. The capital is Managua. Lake Nicaragua is the biggest lake in Central America and even has freshwater sharks! The country has over 40 volcanoes.

Map showing the old Nicoya region and its ancient cultures.
Map showing the old Nicoya region and its ancient cultures. (Rodtico21 / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Nicaraguans enjoy baseball and it is the national sport. Gallo pinto, which is rice and beans fried together, is eaten for breakfast almost every day. Folk dances and festivals are colorful and lively. People are very friendly and welcoming.

Fun Facts

  • Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake in the world with sharks and swordfish.
  • Nicaragua has over 40 volcanoes, some of which are still active.
  • Baseball, not soccer, is the most popular sport in Nicaragua.

Did You Know?

Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua has a lake of glowing lava inside its crater that you can actually see at night. People have called it the Mouth of Hell for hundreds of years. It is one of the few places where you can look down into an active lava lake.