Nicaragua is the largest Central American country yet also one of the least visited. It does not have the archaeological ruins or the national parks that attract visitors to other parts of Central America; rather, its strongest assets are its vibrant, unpretentious way of life and its natural beauty that remains largely untouched. This is not to say that Nicaragua is without its attractions: the country lays claim to Central America’s largest lake, Lago de Nicaragua, and the oldest Spanish city in the continental Americas, Granada. Nicaragua also offers nature reserves brimming with wildlife, uncrowded beaches, well-preserved colonial architecture, and a growing number of excellent ecotourism opportunities.

Five and a half-million people call Nicaragua home, with one-fourth of the country’s population residing in Managua, the nation’s sprawling capital of over one million. The country’s two other main cities, León and Granada, retain the relaxed air of large towns and are favorites with visitors for their colonial architecture and numerous sites of cultural and historical distinction.

Nicaragua has the smallest population in Central America, but it is also the fastest-growing country in the region. It is a diverse country, multiethnic and multi-cultural. The population is 69% Mestizo, 17% white, 9% black and 5% indigenous.

Nicaragua has no official religion, even though most Nicaraguans identify themselves as Catholics. The country's religious breakdown is Roman Catholic 72.9%, Evangelical 15.1%, Moravian 1.5%, Episcopalian 0.1%, other 1.9%, none 8.5%.

Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua, and it is spoken by 97% of the population. English and indigenous languages, including Miskito, are spoken on the Caribbean coast. The English of the Caribbean coast has developed a unique regional personality, though locals will often use a more standard form of English when speaking with foreigners. The country’s literacy rate is 67% for both men and women.

Nicaragua is divided into three distinct geographic regions: the Pacific Lowlands in the southwest part of the country, the Northwest Highlands, and the Atlantic Coast in the east. The country itself is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Caribbean Sea on the east, Honduras on the north and Costa Rica on the south

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