Republica de Nicaragua
Map:
The capital of Nicaragua is Managua. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and is slightly bigger in area than New York state.
Flag:
The 5 volcanoes represent the original 5 member states of the United Provinces of Central America, the Cap of Liberty represents national freedom, and the rays of the sun and the rainbow are symbolic of the bright future to come.
Language:
The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish; however, Nicaraguans on the Caribbean coast speak indigenous languages and also English.
Religion:
Over 90% of Nicaragua’s population are members of Christian denominations. Approximately 73% of Nicaraguans follow the Roman Catholic religion and about 15% attend evangelical churches. Another 2% belong to a variety of religious groups including Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and Amish or Mennonite communities.
Population:
The population of Nicaragua is about 5.8 million.
Unique Animals:
The guardabarranco is the national bird of Nicaragua!
Lake Managua is the only freshwater lake where sharks live. Bull sharks enter the lake by traveling up the Rio San Juan river from the Atlantic Ocean. The sharks can adapt to fresh water, but they are now rarely found in the lake.
There are over 70 protected areas in the country, which help preserve the habitats of many endangered species. The Bosawas Biosphere Reserves has a cloud forest that protects 12 kinds of poisonous snakes.
Special Foods:
Gallo Pinto: most people in Nicaragua eat this almost daily and it is considered a national symbol. It is composed of a mixture of fried rice with onion and sweet pepper, red beans boiled with garlic. They are mixed and fried all together.
Cool Geography:
Lago de Nicaragua, the largest of several freshwater lakes in southwestern Nicaragua, is the dominant physical feature of the country. It is also the largest lake in Central America. Its indigenous name is Cocibolca, and the Spanish called it Mar Dulce—both terms mean “sweet sea.”
Nicaragua has 19 active volcanos! 
Nicaraguans can use the steam from the depths of the volcanoes as geothermal energy.
Fun things to do:
Many people like to go Volcano Boarding! People hike to the top of a volcano then slide down!
There are many old, beautiful buildings in Nicaragua.
Prayer:
I pray for the large portion of the Nicaraguan population that lives below the poverty line. I pray that the money and resources possessed by these people will be multiplied and extended. Lord, I pray You will provide for their needs and be glorified through that. I also pray for the indigenous people. I pray you will open their hearts and minds to the Gospel and that they will be shown your love, hope, and grace.
