About Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a nation in Central America that has had close ties to the United States for most of the 20th century. The country gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and after many years of struggle is now a democratic nation. The country is slightly smaller than the state of New York and has the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The country grows coffee, bananas and is known for its beef production, and while there is economic growth, it is not enough to keep up with population growth. The US is Nicaragua's largest trading partner and unlike most other Latin American nations, its national sport is baseball.

There are 5.8 million people in Nicaragua. They speak Spanish and while 58% of the people are Catholic, the 22% evangelical Christian population is growing quickly. The people have endured much hardship through dictatorship, civil war and poverty. Unemployment is not great, but 47% of the people are underemployed, not earning enough to bring their families out of poverty. Our experience is that the people are friendly and caring - there is a desire to see their lives improve.

Nicaragua is a beautiful country.	People work hard to provide for their families.	Transportation can be difficult!
The people are open and friendly.	There is a desire for strong marriages.	The children are wonderful! They love to have their photographs taken - even with the "big old gringo."