Nicaragua, officially the Republic of Nicaragua, is the largest country in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. Its capital and largest city is Managua. Known as the "land of lakes and volcanoes," Nicaragua boasts the two largest freshwater lakes in Central America, Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua. The country's fertile soil has also earned it the nickname "the breadbasket of Central America".
Nicaragua is known for its biological diversity, tropical climate, and active volcanoes, making it a growing tourist destination. Popular attractions include the colonial city of Granada, Masaya Volcano National Park, and Ometepe Island with its two volcanoes. However, in recent years, Nicaragua has faced political unrest and has been described as an authoritarian dictatorship. Since 2018, the government has intensified actions against civil society, including the closing of many NGO's and media outlets. Furthermore, in January 2026, Nicaragua's National Assembly ratified a constitutional amendment eliminating dual citizenship.
