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'''[[Nicaragua]]''' (officially the '''Republic of Nicaragua''' {{lang-es|República de Nicaragua}} {{IPA-es|reˈpuβlika ðe nikaˈɾaɣwa||República_de_Nicaragua.ogg}}) is a country in [[Central America]], bordering both the [[Caribbean Sea]] and the North [[Pacific Ocean]], between [[Costa Rica]] and [[Honduras]]. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America in square kilometers.
'''[[Nicaragua]]''' (officially the '''Republic of Nicaragua''' {{lang-es|República de Nicaragua}} {{IPA-es|reˈpuβlika ðe nikaˈɾaɣwa||República_de_Nicaragua.ogg}}) is a country in [[Central America]], bordering both the [[Caribbean Sea]] and the North [[Pacific Ocean]], between [[Costa Rica]] and [[Honduras]]. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America in square kilometers.


Nicaragua covers a total area of 130,370 square kilometers (119,990 square kilometers of which is land area) and contains a variety of climates and terrains. The country's physical geography divides it into three major zones: the Pacific lowlands, the wetter, cooler central highlands, and the Caribbean lowlands.
Nicaragua covers a total area of 130,370 square kilometers (119,990 square kilometers of which is land area) and contains a variety of climates and terrains.<ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia|year=|title=Nicaragua: a country study|publisher=[[Federal Research Division]], [[Library of Congress]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/94021664/|last=Gilbert|first=Dennis|date=1994|editor-last=Merrill|editor-first=Tim|edition=3rd|pages=55-60|isbn=0-8444-0831-X|oclc=30623751|postscript=. {{PD-notice}}|entry=Climate and terrain}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=August 11, 2021|date=August 11, 2021|title=Nicaragua|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/nicaragua/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-13|website=[[The World Factbook]]|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The country's physical geography divides it into three major zones: the Pacific lowlands, the wetter, cooler central highlands, and the Caribbean lowlands.<ref name=":0" />


==Natural regions==
==Natural regions==
Line 32: Line 32:


===Pacific lowlands===
===Pacific lowlands===
The Pacific lowlands extend about 75 kilometers inland from the Pacific coast. Most of the area is flat, except for a line of young [[volcano]]es, many of which are still active, running between the [[Golfo de Fonseca]] and [[Lago de Nicaragua]]. These peaks lie just west of a large crustal fracture or structural rift that forms a long, narrow depression passing southeast across the isthmus from the Golfo de Fonseca to the [[San Juan River (Nicaragua)|Río San Juan]].
The Pacific lowlands extend about 75 kilometers inland from the Pacific coast.<ref name=":0" /> Most of the area is flat, except for a line of young [[volcano]]es, many of which are still active, running between the [[Golfo de Fonseca]] and [[Lago de Nicaragua]].<ref name=":0" /> These peaks lie just west of a large crustal fracture or structural rift that forms a long, narrow depression passing southeast across the isthmus from the Golfo de Fonseca to the [[San Juan River (Nicaragua)|Río San Juan]].<ref name=":0" />


The rift is occupied in part by the largest freshwater lakes in Central America: [[Lake Managua|Lago de Managua]] (56 kilometers long and 24 kilometers wide) and Lago de Nicaragua (about 160 kilometers long and 75 kilometers wide). These two lakes are joined by the Río Tipitapa, which flows south into Lago de Nicaragua. Lago de Nicaragua in turn drains into the Río San Juan (the boundary between [[Nicaragua]] and [[Costa Rica]]), which flows through the southern part of the rift lowlands to the Caribbean Sea.
The rift is occupied in part by the largest freshwater lakes in Central America: [[Lake Managua|Lago de Managua]] (56 kilometers long and 24 kilometers wide) and Lago de Nicaragua (about 160 kilometers long and 75 kilometers wide).<ref name=":0" /> These two lakes are joined by the Río Tipitapa, which flows south into Lago de Nicaragua.<ref name=":0" /> Lago de Nicaragua in turn drains into the Río San Juan (the boundary between [[Nicaragua]] and [[Costa Rica]]), which flows through the southern part of the rift lowlands to the Caribbean Sea.<ref name=":0" />


The valley of the Río San Juan forms a natural passageway close to sea level across the Nicaraguan isthmus from the Caribbean Sea to Lago de Nicaragua and the rift. From the southwest edge of Lago de Nicaragua, it is only nineteen kilometers to the Pacific Ocean. This route was considered as a possible alternative to the [[Panama Canal]] at various times in the past.
The valley of the Río San Juan forms a natural passageway close to sea level across the Nicaraguan isthmus from the Caribbean Sea to Lago de Nicaragua and the rift.<ref name=":0" /> From the southwest edge of Lago de Nicaragua, it is only nineteen kilometers to the Pacific Ocean.<ref name=":0" /> This route was considered as a possible alternative to the [[Panama Canal]] at various times in the past.<ref name=":0" />


Surrounding the lakes and extending northwest of them along the rift valley to the Golfo de Fonseca are fertile lowland plains highly enriched with [[volcanic ash]] from nearby volcanoes. These lowlands are densely populated and well cultivated. More directly west of the lake region is a narrow line of ash-covered hills and volcanoes that separate the lakes from the Pacific Ocean. This line is highest in the central portion near the cities of León and [[Managua]].
Surrounding the lakes and extending northwest of them along the rift valley to the Golfo de Fonseca are fertile lowland plains highly enriched with [[volcanic ash]] from nearby volcanoes.<ref name=":0" /> These lowlands are densely populated and well cultivated.<ref name=":0" /> More directly west of the lake region is a narrow line of ash-covered hills and volcanoes that separate the lakes from the Pacific Ocean.<ref name=":0" /> This line is highest in the central portion near the cities of León and [[Managua]].<ref name=":0" />


Because Western Nicaragua is located where two major [[tectonic plate]]s collide, it is subject to [[earthquake]]s and volcanic eruptions. Although periodic volcanic eruptions have caused agricultural damage from fumes and ash, earthquakes have been by far more destructive to life and property. Hundreds of shocks occur each year, some of which cause severe damage. The capital city of [[Managua]] was virtually destroyed in 1931 and again in 1972.
Because Western Nicaragua is located where two major [[tectonic plate]]s collide, it is subject to [[earthquake]]s and volcanic eruptions.<ref name=":0" /> Although periodic volcanic eruptions have caused agricultural damage from fumes and ash, earthquakes have been by far more destructive to life and property.<ref name=":0" /> Hundreds of shocks occur each year, some of which cause severe damage.<ref name=":0" /> The capital city of [[Managua]] was virtually destroyed in 1931 and again in 1972.<ref name=":0" />


===Central highlands===
===Central highlands===
The triangular area known as the central highlands lies northeast and east of the Pacific lowlands. These rugged mountains are composed of ridges 900 to 1,809 meters high and a mixed forest of oak and pine alternating with deep valleys that drain primarily toward the [[Caribbean]]. Very few significant streams flow west to the Pacific Ocean. Those that do are steep, short, and flow intermittently.
The triangular area known as the central highlands lies northeast and east of the Pacific lowlands.<ref name=":0" /> These rugged mountains are composed of ridges 900 to 1,800 meters high and a mixed forest of oak and pine alternating with deep valleys that drain primarily toward the [[Caribbean]].<ref name=":0" /> Very few significant streams flow west to the Pacific Ocean.<ref name=":0" /> Those that do are steep, short, and flow intermittently.<ref name=":0" />


The relatively dry western slopes of the central highlands, protected by the ridges of the highlands from the moist winds of the Caribbean, have drawn farmers from the Pacific region since colonial times. The eastern slopes are among the wettest places in the world, being too wet for agriculture, and have an economy dominated by timber extraction.
The relatively dry western slopes of the central highlands, protected by the ridges of the highlands from the moist winds of the Caribbean, have drawn farmers from the Pacific region since colonial times.<ref name=":0" /> The eastern slopes of the highlands are covered with rain forests and are lightly populated with pioneer agriculturalists and small communities of indigenous people.<ref name=":0" />


===Caribbean lowland===
===Caribbean lowland===
The eastern Caribbean lowlands of Nicaragua form the extensive and exaggerated (occupying more than 50 percent of national territory) and still sparsely settled lowland area known as the Costa de Mosquitos ([[Miskito Coast]]). The Caribbean lowlands are sometimes considered synonymous with the former department of [[Zelaya (Nicaragua)|Zelaya]], which is now divided into the [[North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region]] (Región Autónoma de la Costa Caribe Norte, RACCN) and the [[South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region]] (Región Autónoma de la Costa Caribe Sur, RACCS) and constitutes about 45 percent of Nicaragua's territory.
The eastern Caribbean lowlands of Nicaragua form the extensive and exaggerated (occupying more than 50 percent of national territory) and still sparsely settled lowland area known as the Costa de Mosquitos ([[Miskito Coast]]).<ref name=":0" /> The Caribbean lowlands are sometimes considered synonymous with the former department of [[Zelaya (Nicaragua)|Zelaya]], which is now divided into the [[North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region]] (Región Autónoma de la Costa Caribe Norte, RACCN) and the [[South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region]] (Región Autónoma de la Costa Caribe Sur, RACCS) and constitutes about 45 percent of Nicaragua's territory.<ref name=":0" />


These lowlands are a hot, humid area that includes coastal plains, the eastern spurs of the central highlands, and the lower portion of the [[San Juan River (Nicaragua)|Río San Juan]] basin. The soil is generally leached and infertile. Pine and palm [[savanna]]s predominate as far south as the [[Laguna de Perlas]]. [[Tropical rain forest]]s are characteristic from the Laguna de Perlas to the Río San Juan, in the interior west of the savannas, and along rivers through the savannas.
These lowlands are a hot, humid area that includes coastal plains, the eastern spurs of the central highlands, and the lower portion of the [[San Juan River (Nicaragua)|Río San Juan]] basin.<ref name=":0" /> The soil is generally leached and infertile.<ref name=":0" /> Pine and palm [[savanna]]s predominate as far south as the [[Laguna de Perlas]].<ref name=":0" /> [[Tropical rain forest]]s are characteristic from the Laguna de Perlas to the Río San Juan, in the interior west of the savannas, and along rivers through the savannas.<ref name=":0" />


Fertile soils are found only along the natural levees and narrow floodplains of the numerous rivers, including the Escondido, the Río Grande de Matagalpa, the [[Prinzapolka]], and the [[Rio Coco|Coco]], and along the many lesser streams that rise in the central highlands and cross the region en route to the complex of shallow [[bay]]s, [[lagoon]]s, and [[salt marsh]]es of the Caribbean coast.
Fertile soils are found only along the natural levees and narrow floodplains of the numerous rivers, including the Escondido, the Río Grande de Matagalpa, the [[Prinzapolka]], and the [[Rio Coco|Coco]], and along the many lesser streams that rise in the central highlands and cross the region en route to the complex of shallow [[bay]]s, [[lagoon]]s, and [[salt marsh]]es of the Caribbean coast.<ref name=":0" />


==Climate==
==Climate==
Temperature varies little with the seasons in Nicaragua and is largely a function of elevation. The "hot land" is characteristic of the foothills and lowlands from sea level to about {{convert|750|m|ft|0|sp=us}} of elevation. At night temperatures drop to {{convert|21|to|24|°C|°F|1}} most of the year.
Temperature varies little with the seasons in Nicaragua and is largely a function of elevation.<ref name=":0" /> The ''tierra cliente,'' or "hot land", is characteristic of the foothills and lowlands from sea level to about {{convert|750|m|ft|0|sp=us}} of elevation.<ref name=":0" /> Here, daytime temperatures average {{convert|30|to|33|°C}}, and night temperatures drop to {{convert|21|to|24|°C|°F|1}} most of the year.<ref name=":0" />


The tierra templada, or the "temperate land," is characteristic of most of the central highlands, where elevations range between {{convert|750|and|1600|m|ft|0|sp=us}}.The "cold land" at elevations above {{convert|1600|m|ft|0|sp=us}}, is found only on and near the highest peaks of the central highlands. Daytime averages in this region are {{convert|22|to|24|°C|°F|1}}, with nighttime lows below {{convert|15|°C}}.
The ''tierra templada'', or "temperate land", is characteristic of most of the central highlands, where elevations range between {{convert|750|and|1600|m|ft|0|sp=us}}.<ref name=":0" /> Here, daytime temperatures are mild ({{convert|24|to|27|°C}}, and nights are cool ({{convert|15|to|21|°C}}).<ref name=":0" />
''Tierra fria'', the "cold land" at elevations above {{convert|1600|m|ft|0|sp=us}}, is found only on and near the highest peaks of the central highlands.<ref name=":0" /> Daytime averages in this region are {{convert|22|to|24|°C|°F|1}}, with nighttime lows below {{convert|15|°C}}.<ref name=":0" />


=== Rainfall ===
=== Rainfall ===
Rainfall varies greatly in Nicaragua. The Caribbean lowlands are the wettest section of Central America, receiving between {{convert|2500|and|6500|mm|in|1|sp=us}} of rain annually. The western slopes of the central highlands and the Pacific lowlands receive considerably less annual rainfall, being protected from moisture-laden Caribbean trade winds by the peaks of the central highlands.
Rainfall varies greatly in Nicaragua.<ref name=":0" /> The Caribbean lowlands are the wettest section of Central America, receiving between {{convert|2500|and|6500|mm|in|1|sp=us}} of rain annually.<ref name=":0" /> The western slopes of the central highlands and the Pacific lowlands receive considerably less annual rainfall, being protected from moisture-laden Caribbean trade winds by the peaks of the central highlands.<ref name=":0" />


Mean annual precipitation for the rift valley and western slopes of the highlands ranges from {{convert|1000|to|1500|mm|in|1|sp=us}}. Rainfall is seasonal—May through October is the rainy season, and December through April is the driest period.
Mean annual precipitation for the rift valley and western slopes of the highlands ranges from {{convert|1000|to|1500|mm|in|1|sp=us}}.<ref name=":0" /> Rainfall is seasonal—May through October is the rainy season, and December through April is the driest period.<ref name=":0" />


During the rainy season, Eastern Nicaragua is subject to heavy flooding along the upper and middle reaches of all major rivers. Near the coast, where river courses widen and river banks and natural levees are low, floodwaters spill over onto the floodplains until large sections of the lowlands become continuous sheets of water. River bank agricultural plots are often heavily damaged, and considerable numbers of savanna animals die during these floods.
During the rainy season, Eastern Nicaragua is subject to heavy flooding along the upper and middle reaches of all major rivers.<ref name=":0" /> Near the coast, where river courses widen and river banks and natural levees are low, floodwaters spill over onto the floodplains until large sections of the lowlands become continuous sheets of water.<ref name=":0" /> River bank agricultural plots are often heavily damaged, and considerable numbers of savanna animals die during these floods.<ref name=":0" />


The coast is also subject to destructive tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly from July through October. The high winds and floods, accompanying these storms often cause considerable destruction of property. In addition, heavy rains (called papagayo storms) accompanying the passage of a cold front or a low-pressure area may sweep from the north through both eastern and western Nicaragua (particularly the rift valley) from November through March.
The coast is also subject to destructive tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly from July through October.<ref name=":0" /> The high winds and floods, accompanying these storms often cause considerable destruction of property.<ref name=":0" /> In addition, heavy rains (called papagayo storms) accompanying the passage of a cold front or a low-pressure area may sweep from the north through both eastern and western Nicaragua (particularly the rift valley) from November through March.<ref name=":0" />


Hurricanes or heavy rains in the central highlands where agriculture has destroyed much of the natural vegetation also cause considerable crop damage and [[soil erosion]]. In 1988, [[Hurricane Joan-Miriam|Hurricane Joan]] forced hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans to flee their homes and caused more than US$1 billion in damage, most of it along the Caribbean coast. In November 2020, two major hurricanes: [[Hurricane Eta|Eta]] and [[Hurricane Iota|Iota]], made landfall on the nation in nearly same locations in consecutive weeks, causing hundreds of deaths throughout the caribbean region and causing millions of dollars in damage.
Hurricanes or heavy rains in the central highlands where agriculture has destroyed much of the natural vegetation also cause considerable crop damage and [[soil erosion]].<ref name=":0" /> In 1988, [[Hurricane Joan-Miriam|Hurricane Joan]] forced hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans to flee their homes and caused more than US$1 billion in damage, most of it along the Caribbean coast.<ref name=":0" /> In November 2020, two major hurricanes: [[Hurricane Eta|Eta]] and [[Hurricane Iota|Iota]], made landfall on the nation in nearly same locations in consecutive weeks, causing hundreds of deaths throughout the caribbean region and causing millions of dollars in damage.{{Fact|date=August 2021}}


==Statistics==
== Environment ==
⚫
Nicaragua is subject to destructive [[earthquake]]s, [[volcano]]es, [[landslide]]s, and occasionally severe [[hurricane]]s.<ref name=":1" /> It currently faces [[deforestation]], soil erosion, and water pollution. It is a party to the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change]], the [[Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol]], the [[Nuclear Test Ban]], and the [[Ozone Layer Protection]], and has signed but not ratified the [[Law of the Sea]].<ref name=":1" />
'''Area:'''
<br>''total:''
130,370&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>
<br>''land:''
119,254&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>
<br>''water:''
10,380&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>


'''Extreme points'''
== Extreme points ==


Northernmost point: North of [[Liwa Sirpe]]
* Northernmost point: North of [[Liwa Sirpe]]<ref name=":1" />
⚫
* Southernmost point: Trinidad, [[Río San Juan (department)|Río San Juan]]<ref name=":1" />
⚫
* Westernmost point: Pacific coast at [[Gulf of Fonseca]], [[Chinandega Department]]<ref name=":1" />
⚫
* Easternmost point: [[Miskito Cays]] archipelago, [[North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region]]<ref name=":1" /><br>Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m<ref name=":1" /><br>Highest point: [[Mogotón]] 2,438 m<ref name=":1" />


⚫
== Maritime claims ==
⚫
Southernmost point: Trinidad, [[Río San Juan (department)|Río San Juan]]


* Contiguous zone: {{convert|24|nmi|km mi|1|lk=in}}<ref name=":1" /><br />Territorial sea: {{convert|12|nmi|km mi|1}}<ref name=":1" /><br />[[Exclusive economic zone]]: {{convert|123,881|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1" />
⚫
Westernmost point: Pacific coast at [[Gulf of Fonseca]], [[Chinandega Department]]

⚫
Easternmost point: [[Miskito Cays]] archipelago, [[North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region]]<br>Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m<br>Highest point: [[Mogotón]] 2,438 m

'''Land use:'''
<br>''arable land:''
14.57%
<br>''permanent crops:''
1.76%
<br>''other:''
83.66% (2011.)

'''Irrigated land:'''
942.4&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> (2011)

''Total renewable water resources:'''
196.6&nbsp;km<sup>3</sup> (2011)

⚫
'''Maritime claims'''<br/>
''Contiguous zone'': {{convert|24|nmi|km mi|1|lk=in}} <br/>
''Territorial sea'': {{convert|12|nmi|km mi|1}} <br/>
''[[Exclusive economic zone]]'': {{convert|123,881|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}

==Environment==
⚫
Nicaragua is subject to destructive [[earthquake]]s, [[volcano]]es, [[landslide]]s, and occasionally severe [[hurricane]]s. It currently faces [[deforestation]], soil erosion, and water pollution. It is a party to the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change]], the [[Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol]], the [[Nuclear Test Ban]], and the [[Ozone Layer Protection]], and has signed but not ratified the [[Law of the Sea]].


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 122: Line 97:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*{{country study|country=Nicaragua|abbr=ni}}
*{{CIA World Factbook}}
*{{CIA World Factbook}}

==External links==
*[http://www.vianica.com/go/specials/9-nicaragua-volcanoes.html Photos and information about the volcanoes in Nicaragua]


{{Nicaragua topics}}
{{Nicaragua topics}}

Revision as of 12:53, 13 August 2021

Geography of Nicaragua
ContinentNorth America
RegionCentral America
Coordinates13°00′N 85°00′W / 13.000°N 85.000°W / 13.000; -85.000
AreaRanked 96th
 • Total130,370 km2 (50,340 sq mi)
 • Land92.04%
 • Water7.96%
Coastline910 km (570 mi)
BordersTotal border: 1,231 km (765 mi)
Highest pointMogotón
2,438 metres (7,999 ft)
Lowest pointPacific Ocean
0 metres (0 ft)
Longest riverCoco River
750 km (470 mi)
Largest lakeLake Nicaragua
8,264 km2 (3,191 sq mi)
Exclusive economic zone123,881 km2 (47,831 sq mi)
Land use map of Nicaragua, 1979
Topography of Nicaragua
Nicaragua map of Köppen climate classification zones

Nicaragua (officially the Republic of Nicaragua Spanish: República de Nicaragua [reˈpuβlika ðe nikaˈɾaɣwa] ⓘ) is a country in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America in square kilometers.

Nicaragua covers a total area of 130,370 square kilometers (119,990 square kilometers of which is land area) and contains a variety of climates and terrains.[1][2] The country's physical geography divides it into three major zones: the Pacific lowlands, the wetter, cooler central highlands, and the Caribbean lowlands.[1]

Natural regions

Shaded relief map of Nicaragua
Political map of Nicaragua
Economic activity map of Nicaragua, 1979

The natural regions are the following:

Pacific lowlands

The Pacific lowlands extend about 75 kilometers inland from the Pacific coast.[1] Most of the area is flat, except for a line of young volcanoes, many of which are still active, running between the Golfo de Fonseca and Lago de Nicaragua.[1] These peaks lie just west of a large crustal fracture or structural rift that forms a long, narrow depression passing southeast across the isthmus from the Golfo de Fonseca to the Río San Juan.[1]

The rift is occupied in part by the largest freshwater lakes in Central America: Lago de Managua (56 kilometers long and 24 kilometers wide) and Lago de Nicaragua (about 160 kilometers long and 75 kilometers wide).[1] These two lakes are joined by the Río Tipitapa, which flows south into Lago de Nicaragua.[1] Lago de Nicaragua in turn drains into the Río San Juan (the boundary between Nicaragua and Costa Rica), which flows through the southern part of the rift lowlands to the Caribbean Sea.[1]

The valley of the Río San Juan forms a natural passageway close to sea level across the Nicaraguan isthmus from the Caribbean Sea to Lago de Nicaragua and the rift.[1] From the southwest edge of Lago de Nicaragua, it is only nineteen kilometers to the Pacific Ocean.[1] This route was considered as a possible alternative to the Panama Canal at various times in the past.[1]

Surrounding the lakes and extending northwest of them along the rift valley to the Golfo de Fonseca are fertile lowland plains highly enriched with volcanic ash from nearby volcanoes.[1] These lowlands are densely populated and well cultivated.[1] More directly west of the lake region is a narrow line of ash-covered hills and volcanoes that separate the lakes from the Pacific Ocean.[1] This line is highest in the central portion near the cities of León and Managua.[1]

Because Western Nicaragua is located where two major tectonic plates collide, it is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.[1] Although periodic volcanic eruptions have caused agricultural damage from fumes and ash, earthquakes have been by far more destructive to life and property.[1] Hundreds of shocks occur each year, some of which cause severe damage.[1] The capital city of Managua was virtually destroyed in 1931 and again in 1972.[1]

Central highlands

The triangular area known as the central highlands lies northeast and east of the Pacific lowlands.[1] These rugged mountains are composed of ridges 900 to 1,800 meters high and a mixed forest of oak and pine alternating with deep valleys that drain primarily toward the Caribbean.[1] Very few significant streams flow west to the Pacific Ocean.[1] Those that do are steep, short, and flow intermittently.[1]

The relatively dry western slopes of the central highlands, protected by the ridges of the highlands from the moist winds of the Caribbean, have drawn farmers from the Pacific region since colonial times.[1] The eastern slopes of the highlands are covered with rain forests and are lightly populated with pioneer agriculturalists and small communities of indigenous people.[1]

Caribbean lowland

The eastern Caribbean lowlands of Nicaragua form the extensive and exaggerated (occupying more than 50 percent of national territory) and still sparsely settled lowland area known as the Costa de Mosquitos (Miskito Coast).[1] The Caribbean lowlands are sometimes considered synonymous with the former department of Zelaya, which is now divided into the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region (Región Autónoma de la Costa Caribe Norte, RACCN) and the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region (Región Autónoma de la Costa Caribe Sur, RACCS) and constitutes about 45 percent of Nicaragua's territory.[1]

These lowlands are a hot, humid area that includes coastal plains, the eastern spurs of the central highlands, and the lower portion of the Río San Juan basin.[1] The soil is generally leached and infertile.[1] Pine and palm savannas predominate as far south as the Laguna de Perlas.[1] Tropical rain forests are characteristic from the Laguna de Perlas to the Río San Juan, in the interior west of the savannas, and along rivers through the savannas.[1]

Fertile soils are found only along the natural levees and narrow floodplains of the numerous rivers, including the Escondido, the Río Grande de Matagalpa, the Prinzapolka, and the Coco, and along the many lesser streams that rise in the central highlands and cross the region en route to the complex of shallow bays, lagoons, and salt marshes of the Caribbean coast.[1]

Climate

Temperature varies little with the seasons in Nicaragua and is largely a function of elevation.[1] The tierra cliente, or "hot land", is characteristic of the foothills and lowlands from sea level to about 750 meters (2,461 ft) of elevation.[1] Here, daytime temperatures average 30 to 33 °C (86 to 91 °F), and night temperatures drop to 21 to 24 °C (69.8 to 75.2 °F) most of the year.[1]

The tierra templada, or "temperate land", is characteristic of most of the central highlands, where elevations range between 750 and 1,600 meters (2,461 and 5,249 ft).[1] Here, daytime temperatures are mild (24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F), and nights are cool (15 to 21 °C (59 to 70 °F)).[1]

Tierra fria, the "cold land" at elevations above 1,600 meters (5,249 ft), is found only on and near the highest peaks of the central highlands.[1] Daytime averages in this region are 22 to 24 °C (71.6 to 75.2 °F), with nighttime lows below 15 °C (59 °F).[1]

Rainfall

Rainfall varies greatly in Nicaragua.[1] The Caribbean lowlands are the wettest section of Central America, receiving between 2,500 and 6,500 millimeters (98.4 and 255.9 in) of rain annually.[1] The western slopes of the central highlands and the Pacific lowlands receive considerably less annual rainfall, being protected from moisture-laden Caribbean trade winds by the peaks of the central highlands.[1]

Mean annual precipitation for the rift valley and western slopes of the highlands ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 millimeters (39.4 to 59.1 in).[1] Rainfall is seasonal—May through October is the rainy season, and December through April is the driest period.[1]

During the rainy season, Eastern Nicaragua is subject to heavy flooding along the upper and middle reaches of all major rivers.[1] Near the coast, where river courses widen and river banks and natural levees are low, floodwaters spill over onto the floodplains until large sections of the lowlands become continuous sheets of water.[1] River bank agricultural plots are often heavily damaged, and considerable numbers of savanna animals die during these floods.[1]

The coast is also subject to destructive tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly from July through October.[1] The high winds and floods, accompanying these storms often cause considerable destruction of property.[1] In addition, heavy rains (called papagayo storms) accompanying the passage of a cold front or a low-pressure area may sweep from the north through both eastern and western Nicaragua (particularly the rift valley) from November through March.[1]

Hurricanes or heavy rains in the central highlands where agriculture has destroyed much of the natural vegetation also cause considerable crop damage and soil erosion.[1] In 1988, Hurricane Joan forced hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans to flee their homes and caused more than US$1 billion in damage, most of it along the Caribbean coast.[1] In November 2020, two major hurricanes: Eta and Iota, made landfall on the nation in nearly same locations in consecutive weeks, causing hundreds of deaths throughout the caribbean region and causing millions of dollars in damage.[citation needed]

Environment

Nicaragua is subject to destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasionally severe hurricanes.[2] It currently faces deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. It is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, the Nuclear Test Ban, and the Ozone Layer Protection, and has signed but not ratified the Law of the Sea.[2]

Extreme points

Maritime claims

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az Gilbert, Dennis (1994). "Climate and terrain". In Merrill, Tim (ed.). Nicaragua: a country study (3rd ed.). Washington, D.C.: Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. pp. 55–60. ISBN 0-8444-0831-X. OCLC 30623751. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l August 11, 2021 (August 11, 2021). "Nicaragua". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 2021-08-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link) Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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