Regions of Nicaragua

Nicaragua is divided into 15 different departments (or states) and two autonomous regions. In the west, near the Pacific Coast are the departments of Rivas, Granada, Carazo, Masaya, Managua, León and Chinandega. Because the chain of volcanoes marches down the west coast, all 7 of Nicaragua's volcanoes are located in these departments. It is hotter and flatter in these areas expect for the volcanoes that rise up over the crops and cities. Because of its climate, this area produces a lot of bananas, mangos and other tropical fruit. On the coast there is also a lot of ocean fishing and shrimp farms.

The departments of Nueva Segovia, Madríz, Estelí, Jinotega, Matagalpa, Boaco and Chontales are located in the central region of the country. This region is mountainous, particularly in the north near the border with Honduras. In general, the economy in these deparments is based on the agriculture of corn, beans and a variety of vegetables. Coffee is grown in the north where the mountains are highest, while in the lower south the economy is based on cow ranching.

The two autonomous areas are located on the Atlantic Coast. This area is in the tropical lowlands with dense rainforest, swamps and a long coastline. The culture here is quite different than in the rest of Nicaragua. The last surviving indigenous groups, such as the Miskito and Rama, live in this area. They have been able to preserve their native languages despite centuries of persecution. There is also a large population of Afro-Nicaraguans who are the descendents of escaped slaves who established their new homes on this shore many centuries ago. Afro-Nicaraguans on the Atlantic Coast speak a criolle language based on English and have a rich tradition of music and dance.

Recently, large companies have discovered the riches of the Nicaraguan rainforest. With the new technology being developed it is now easier for them to penetrate the dense forest and log the very valuable hardwoods found there. Because, towns in the rainforest are few and far between, this logging activity is maintained away from the public eye and official regulations. This makes it easier for companies to exploit and destroy the environment without getting into legal problems. This destruction greatly affects the people living on the Atlantic coast as well as all of us who depend on the air this rainforest produces! ~ Belkis