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130-531: The provincial capital is Alajuela . Other large cities include Quesada , Aguas Zarcas , Naranjo , Zarcero , Orotina , Sarchí Norte , Upala , San Ramón , Grecia and Los Chiles . Costa Rica has been inhabited for nearly 10,000 years, but little is known of its pre-Columbian history. Alajuela was occupied by several indigenous groups just before the arrival of the Spanish . Despite being between two major civilizations, indigenous groups sparsely populated

260-529: A rigged election . In 1941, during the Second World War , Nicaragua declared war on Japan (8 December), Germany (11 December), Italy (11 December), Bulgaria (19 December), Hungary (19 December) and Romania (19 December). Only Romania reciprocated, declaring war on Nicaragua on the same day (19 December 1941). No soldiers were sent to the war, but Somoza García confiscated properties held by German Nicaraguan residents. In 1945, Nicaragua

390-855: A branch of Nahuas who spoke the Nawat dialect and also came from Chiapas, around 1200 CE. Prior to that, the Nicaraos had been associated with the Toltec civilization. Both Chorotegas and Nicaraos originated in Mexico's Cholula valley, and migrated south. A third group, the Subtiabas , were an Oto-Manguean people who migrated from the Mexican state of Guerrero around 1200 CE. Additionally, there were trade-related colonies in Nicaragua set up by

520-705: A central place in Costa Rica's literary tradition , evidenced by the numerous authors raised in the country and their commitment to public libraries. There are 14 public libraries in Alajuela, more than any other province in the country. The University of Costa Rica maintains children's literature outreach centers primarily in Alajuela, in Grecia, San Ramón, Naranjo, Palmares and Zarcero. The municipality of Alajuela frequent holds storytelling contests and festivals, as well. Because of its rich literary tradition, San Ramón

650-510: A church constructed almost entirely of sheet metal. The sheet metal was bought by local investors and shipped from Belgium. Today, it is painted dark red. The province is home to many of Costa Rica's historic churches, including the gothic church in Sarchí , the neo-classical church of Nuestra Señora de las Piedades (Our Lady of Piety) in Naranjo, the neo-classical church of Templo San José in

780-614: A country later known as the Federal Republic of Central America. Nicaragua definitively became an independent republic in 1838. The early years of independence were characterized by rivalry between the Liberal elite of León and the Conservative elite of Granada, which often degenerated into civil war, particularly during the 1840s and 1850s. Managua rose to undisputed preeminence as the nation's capital in 1852 to allay

910-424: A decree increasing taxes and reducing benefits in the country's pension system. Local independent press organizations had documented at least 19 dead and over 100 missing in the ensuing conflict. A reporter from NPR spoke to protestors who explained that while the initial issue was the pension reforms, the uprisings that spread across the country reflected many grievances about the government's time in office, and that

1040-625: A farcical election in 1856; his presidency lasted less than a year. Military forces from Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua itself united to drive Walker out of Nicaragua in 1857, bringing three decades of Conservative rule. Great Britain, which had claimed the Mosquito Coast as a protectorate since 1655, delegated the area to Honduras in 1859 before transferring it to Nicaragua in 1860. The Mosquito Coast remained an autonomous area until 1894. José Santos Zelaya , President of Nicaragua from 1893 to 1909, negotiated

1170-617: A fear of armed opposition from Sandino, Somoza García ordered his assassination. Sacasa invited Sandino for dinner and to sign a peace treaty at the Presidential House on the night of February 21, 1934. After leaving the Presidential House, Sandino's car was stopped by National Guard soldiers and they kidnapped him. Later that night, Sandino was assassinated by National Guard soldiers. Later, hundreds of men, women, and children from Sandino's agricultural colony were murdered. Nicaragua has experienced several military dictatorships,

1300-495: A few families or groups of influential firms which reaped most of the benefits of the country's growth from the 1950s to the 1970s. When Somoza was deposed by the Sandinistas in 1979, the family's worth was estimated to be between $ 500 million and $ 1.5 billion. In 1961, Carlos Fonseca looked back to the historical figure of Sandino, and along with two other people, one of whom was believed to be Casimiro Sotelo, who

1430-454: A heart attack. His successor as president was René Schick Gutiérrez , whom most Nicaraguans viewed "as nothing more than a puppet of the Somozas". Somoza García's youngest son, Anastasio Somoza Debayle , often referred to simply as "Somoza", became president in 1967. An earthquake in 1972 destroyed nearly 90% of Managua, including much of its infrastructure. Instead of helping to rebuild

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1560-515: A popular tourist stop on the way toward Volcán Arenal . Several schools in the province are also national monuments, including the art deco Escuela Jorge Washington in San Ramón built in 1931, the neo classical Escuela Pedro Aguirre Cerda in Poas, and the neo-colonial Escuela de Hacienda Vieja. The Escuela Central (Central School) of Atenas is national monument, built of galvanized steel. It

1690-516: A small oratory to unite the scattered settlers. The oratory was centered in the village of "La Lajuela," between the Ciruelas and Alajuela rivers. Because of its creation, the city of Alajuela was officially founded on 12 October 1782. In 1790, the first official parish of Alajuela was established, led by the priest Manuel López del Corral. The creation of a parish brought more settlers to the region. Soon, they began moving further and further toward

1820-503: A town known for its public topiary garden. Starting in the 1960s, gardener Evangelisto Blanco began transforming the bushes and cypress trees in Francisco Alvarado Park in the center of town. The town maintains Blanco's tradition and is now attractive. In Sarchí , national and international tourists can visit the country's traditional artisan shops. Geometrically painted oxcarts , furniture and other crafts are some of

1950-624: A well-developed tourist sector throughout the province. Tourism is promoted by the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) (Costa Rican Tourism Institute). However, some Alajuelan politicians would like to see a separate bureau for Alajuela. Alajuela has various national parks including Poás Volcano National Park , Arenal Volcano National Park , Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park , Juan Castro Blanco National Park , Los Ángeles Cloud Forest, and Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge , as well as other reserves and protected areas. Some of

2080-642: Is Spanish , though indigenous tribes on the Mosquito Coast speak their own languages and English . Originally inhabited by various indigenous cultures since ancient times, the region was conquered by the Spanish Empire in the 16th century. Nicaragua gained independence from Spain in 1821. The Mosquito Coast followed a different historical path, being colonized by the English in the 17th century and later coming under British rule. It became an autonomous territory of Nicaragua in 1860 and its northernmost part

2210-472: Is a combination of the words "Nican" (here), and " Ānāhuac ", which in turn is a combination of the words "atl" (water) and "nahuac", a locative meaning "surrounded". Therefore the literal translation of Nicanahuac is "here surrounded by water", fitting the theory that the etymology references the large bodies of water in and around the country, the Pacific Ocean , lakes Nicaragua and Xolotlan , and

2340-690: Is a private Adventist university in Ceiba. The Universidad Santa Lucía (Santa Lucia University) has a campus in the municipality of Alajuela and San Carlos . San Carlos also has a branch of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology . Founded in 1995, the Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales (UCEM) Business Science University is also located in Alajuela. In addition, there are other higher learning centers with campuses in Costa Rica, such as

2470-495: Is also a national monument. It is a natural formation that has been complemented to allow visitors to traverse. There are many examples of public art in the province—several statues dedicated to national hero Juan Santamaría . The most famous is the municipality of Alajuela, which was supported and initially financed by the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica . Funding for the statue was first approved in 1887 and it

2600-554: Is also the Botanical Orchid Garden which houses dozens of species of orchids, as well as other plants native to the region. The Butterfly Farm in La Guacima, is another tourist attraction that also exports butterfly eggs and species to scientists and researchers around the world. A popular destination on weekends, many Costa Ricans travel to this region to buy stone ornaments and decorative plants. Alajuela takes

2730-473: Is an art deco design built in the first half of the 20th century. In the municipality of Alajuela, there are three well-known churches. The Ermita de la Concepción en El Llano (The Hermitage of Plains Conception) is one of the only remaining adobe and cane churches left in the country. Built in 1881, a project for its restoration began in 2000. The current site of the Central Cathedral of Alajuela

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2860-666: Is an accepted version of this page Nicaragua , officially the Republic of Nicaragua , is the geographically largest country in Central America , comprising 130,370 km (50,340 sq mi). With a population of 7,142,529 as of 2024, it is the third-most populous country in Central America after Guatemala and Honduras . Nicaragua is bordered by Honduras to the north, the Caribbean Sea to

2990-552: Is generally split into two periods: the dry season, or summer, which goes from December to April, and the rainy season, or winter, from May until November. The winter corresponds with the Atlantic hurricane season , so rain can be a daily part of Alajuelan life. The highlands and the Northern Plains can vary significantly in temperature and precipitation. The base of the Alajuela's economy remains agricultural production. In

3120-455: Is headquartered in Alajuela. Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos exports products throughout Latin America and began exporting to China in 2013. Bebidas Florida, a drink manufacturer with a license to bottle Coca-Cola products, is also headquartered in Alajuela. Other businesses in the province include a butterfly egg and larvae exporter. Several major banks are headquartered in

3250-685: Is home to the Liga Deportiva Alajuelense , one of Costa Rica's most successful soccer clubs . La Liga was founded in 1919 and became a founding member of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol (National Football League) two years later. Between 1928 and 2018, La Liga won 29 national championships. La Liga plays at the Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, which has served as a national stadium and seats 18,000 spectators. Frequent Costa Rica First Division teams in

3380-539: Is less dangerous for animals than in other parts of the world, and Alajuela is no exception. Every January in Palmares , bullfighting is the center of the city's annual festival. In 2013, an amateur rodeo clown was killed while trying to annoy the bulls in the Palmares bullfighting ring. The speedway track in La Guacima is often the site of such bullfighting events. Other smaller events are staged at festivals throughout

3510-661: Is often called "la Tierra de las poetas" ("land of poets"). Many poets and authors were born in the San Ramón area, including José Joaquín Salas Pérez, Carlomagno Araya, Ema Gamboa, and Feliz Ángel Salas. San Ramón's favorite son is often listed as Lisímaco Chavarría. Born in 1878, Chavarría's romantic and naturalist poetry brought him into correspondence with many well-known Latin American authors, such as Rubén Darío , José Enrique Rodó and Joaquín García Monge . Born in 1915, author and naturalist illustrator Rafael Lucas Rodríguez

3640-624: Is often called "lady of the night" in Spanish. In 1853, German traveler Wilhelm Marr commented that the bridge was a "spectacular mix of nature and art." Reconstructed, the bridge still stands on the old highway to Puntarenas , providing an avenue for farmers to transport coffee to the Pacific coast, as it did in the past. Outside of Grecia , El Puente de Piedra (the Stone Footbridge) has given rise to so many folk-tales and legends that it

3770-408: The 1990 Nicaraguan general election , a coalition of anti-Sandinista parties from both the left and right of the political spectrum led by Violeta Chamorro , the widow of Pedro Joaquín Chamorro Cardenal, defeated the Sandinistas. The defeat shocked the Sandinistas, who had expected to win. Exit polls of Nicaraguans reported Chamorro's victory over Ortega was achieved with a 55% majority. Chamorro

3900-742: The Alajuela Province of Costa Rica . As the seat of the Municipality of Alajuela canton, it is awarded the status of city. By virtue of being the city of the first canton of the province, it is also the capital of the Province of Alajuela. Because of its location in the Costa Rican Central Valley , Alajuela is nowadays part of the conurbation of the Greater Metropolitan Area . The city is

4030-562: The Archbishop of Alajuela and the Apostolic Vicar of Limón . A seminal event in Alajuela's history was the 1968 eruption of Volcán Arenal . Residents previously referred to it as Mount Arenal. In the years before the eruption, residents reported rises in groundwater temperature and slight tremors. Beginning on 28 July 1969, residents of surrounding towns reported constant tremors. The eruptions began on 29 July, spewing ash into

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4160-576: The CIA to help the Contra rebels with funding, weapons, and training. The Contras operated from camps in the neighboring countries of Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. They engaged in a systematic campaign of terror among rural Nicaraguans to disrupt the social reform projects of the Sandinistas. Several historians have criticized the Contra campaign and the Reagan administration's support for

4290-480: The Campaign of 1856-1857 . On 11 April 1856, Santamaría sacrificed himself to burn filibuster William Walker 's stronghold at Santa Rosa , asking only that his mother be taken care of. Settlement of the northern portion of Alajuela only began in earnest in the latter half of the 19th century and did not reach grand proportions until the second half of the 20th century, owing mainly to the difficult access. Much of

4420-520: The Carter administration provided $ 60 million in aid to Nicaragua under the Sandinistas, but the aid was suspended when the administration obtained evidence of Nicaraguan shipment of arms to El Salvadoran rebels. Most people sided with Nicaragua against the Sandinistas. In response to the Sandinistas, various rebel groups collectively known as the " Contras " were formed to oppose the new government. The Reagan administration ultimately authorized

4550-622: The Filibuster War in 1856 to remove invaders threatening Costa Rica's sovereignty, was born in Alajuela. This historical event is celebrated and remembered every year on 11 April and it is a national holiday. The area often experiences earthquakes. The 2009 magnitude 6.1 earthquake caused several landslides. The main exports of the region are coffee, sugar-cane, maize, beans, tobacco, citrus fruits, strawberries, tubers like cassava, flowers and ornamental plants. Other commercial activities include poultry farming, beekeeping, pig farming and

4680-798: The Intermediate Area , between the Mesoamerican and Andean cultural regions, and within the influence of the Isthmo-Colombian Area . Nicaragua's central region and its Caribbean coast were inhabited by Macro-Chibchan language ethnic groups such as the Miskito , Rama , Mayangna , and Matagalpas . They had coalesced in Central America and migrated both to and from present-day northern Colombia and nearby areas. Their food came primarily from hunting and gathering, but also fishing and slash-and-burn agriculture. At

4810-593: The International Court of Justice as illegal. The court also found that the U.S. encouraged acts contrary to humanitarian law by producing the manual Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare and disseminating it to the Contras. The manual, among other things, advised on how to rationalize killings of civilians. The U.S. also sought to place economic pressure on the Sandinistas, and

4940-658: The Momotombo volcano erupted, destroying the city of León. The city was rebuilt northwest of the original, which is now known as the ruins of León Viejo . During the American Revolutionary War , Central America was subject to conflict between Britain and Spain. British navy admiral Horatio Nelson led expeditions in the Battle of San Fernando de Omoa in 1779 and on the San Juan River in 1780 ,

5070-498: The National Assembly passed a bill further restricting abortion in Nicaragua . As a result, Nicaragua is one of five countries in the world where abortion is illegal with no exceptions. Legislative and presidential elections took place on November 5, 2006. Ortega returned to the presidency with 37.99% of the vote. This percentage was enough to win the presidency outright, because of a change in electoral law which lowered

5200-467: The San Carlos area, where there is a significant cattle ranching sector. The cattle industry has spawned production in leather, milk, and dairy products and beef production. The municipality of Upala serves as a supply center for cattle ranchers north of the province. Naranjo , so named because "Naranjo" means orange in Spanish, produces oranges largely for domestic consumption. For a short time in

5330-509: The rift valley of the Gulf of Fonseca are fertile lowland plains, with soil highly enriched by ash from nearby volcanoes of the central highlands. Nicaragua's abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems contribute to Mesoamerica 's designation as a biodiversity hotspot . Nicaragua has made efforts to become less dependent on fossil fuels, and it expects to acquire 90% of its energy from renewable resources by 2020. Nicaragua

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5460-534: The ruins of León Viejo . The clashes among Spanish forces did not impede their destruction of the indigenous people and their culture. The series of battles came to be known as the "War of the Captains". Pedro Arias Dávila was a winner; although he lost control of Panama, he moved to Nicaragua and established his base in León. In 1527, León became the capital of the colony. Through diplomacy, Arias Dávila became

5590-462: The silky anteater , margays , ocelots , and other wild cats . Jaguars , while rarely seen, also inhabit the province's national parks. Deer are native to the highlands and the Northern Plains. Machaca and bass are two fish found throughout the province. In addition, there are many other species of invertebrates and amphibians . Temperature extremes in Alajuela range from 36.6 Fahrenheit (2.6 Celsius) to 95.6 Fahrenheit (35.2 Celsius). The year

5720-463: The thumbless bat . Many species of insects, including butterflies and moths, are native to Alajuela. Because of this, The Butterfly Farm in La Garita was established to further scientific research into the different species. The white-headed capuchin is native to the forests of the province, as is the mantled howler . Other mammals native to Alajuela include Baird's tapir , the giant anteater ,

5850-812: The "land of lakes and volcanoes", Nicaragua is also home to the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve , the second-largest rainforest of the Americas. The biological diversity, warm tropical climate and active volcanoes make Nicaragua an increasingly popular tourist destination . Nicaragua co-founded the United Nations and is also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement , Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America , and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States . It

5980-551: The 1800s, tobacco was a cash crop in the Palmares region, although its production has dropped. There is growing small-scale organic farming industry in Alajuela. In recent years, Alajuela has attracted many export-orientated manufacturing companies, especially within the free trade zones around the municipality of Alajuela. Free trade zones include Coyol, Saret, Montecillos, and Bes, among others. Alajuela's free trade zones are primarily industrial. The increase in manufacturing, which began in earnest in 2004, has created strains on

6110-725: The 2001 elections , the PLC again defeated the FSLN, with Alemán's Vice President Enrique Bolaños succeeding him as president. However, Alemán was convicted and sentenced in 2003 to 20 years in prison for embezzlement , money laundering , and corruption; liberal and Sandinista parliament members combined to strip the presidential powers of President Bolaños and his ministers, calling for his resignation and threatening impeachment . The Sandinistas said they no longer supported Bolaños after U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell told Bolaños to distance from

6240-578: The Alajuela province, including Grupo Mutual Alajuela and the Costa Rican branches of Scotiabank, HSBC, Banco Cathay, and Citibank. Grupo Mutual Alajuela maintains a secure banking center in the province. There is a large, modern mall in Alajuela close to the Juan Santamaría International Airport where many international brands maintain branches. A Honduran construction firm is constructing another mall. Alajuela has

6370-694: The Aztecs starting in the 14th century. In 1502, on his fourth voyage, Christopher Columbus became the first European known to have reached what is now Nicaragua as he sailed southeast toward the Isthmus of Panama . Columbus explored the Mosquito Coast on the Atlantic side of Nicaragua but did not encounter any indigenous people. 20 years later, the Spaniards returned to Nicaragua, this time to its southwestern part. The first attempt to conquer Nicaragua

6500-694: The Central Valley from Guanacaste . The natives who survived epidemics and conquest were placed in the encomienda system of labor, which exploited natives and funneled money to the Spanish Crown . In 1574, the first reservation for natives was created at Santa Catalina, the Canton of Mateo. Because land holdings in Cartago , the colonial capital of the region, were already controlled by large encomiendas, many settlers began moving west beginning in

6630-400: The Central Valley highlands are two distinct divisions. The Llanuras del Norte stretch across several provinces, while the Central Valley highlands encompass the middle region of the country. Alajuela's natural environment is one of the primary motivators for tourists coming to the country. Costa Rica is a biodiversity hotspot and Alajuela is no exception. Thousands of species are native to

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6760-400: The Central Valley to the Pacific Coast because of El Mundo de los Serpientes (The World of Snakes), a snake zoo and breeding center founded in 1994. The municipality of Alajuela is also a major tourist attraction. The city's center is a centuries-old cathedral with a plaza where mangoes regularly fall from the trees. Known as "The City of Mangoes," there is a mango festival each June. Next to

6890-401: The Central Valley, and every day receives residents from other locations to work in local factories. Central America's second busiest airport , Juan Santamaría International Airport , is three kilometers south of the district center. The district is covered by the following road routes: The Interurbano Line operated by Incofer goes through this district. Liga Deportiva Alajuelense is

7020-413: The Central Valley, but slightly warmer than San José. Temperatures are moderate, averaging 23–26 degrees Celsius (73–79 degrees Fahrenheit) with a low humidity level, with dewpoints around 20 (68 °F) almost all year round. Alajuela and its surroundings are famed for having "the best weather in the world". For the 2011 census , Alajuela had a population of 42,975 inhabitants. In pre-Columbian times

7150-417: The Colegio Universitario Boston (Boston University College), which is not associated with Boston University , and the National Learning Institute (INA). Alajuela has a rich and diverse architectural history, reflected in various styles of churches, schools, houses, and public works projects. The municipality of Grecia is home to the Iglesia de la Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (Our Lady of Mercy Church),

7280-430: The Contras , citing the brutality and numerous human rights violations of the Contras, alleging that health centers, schools, and cooperatives were destroyed by rebels, and that murder, rape, and torture occurred on a large scale in Contra-dominated areas. The U.S. also carried out a campaign of economic sabotage, and disrupted shipping by planting underwater mines in Nicaragua's port of Corinto , an action condemned by

7410-440: The FSLN. This "slow motion coup d'état " was averted partially by pressure from the Central American presidents, who vowed not to recognize any movement that removed Bolaños; the U.S., the OAS, and the European Union also opposed the action. Nicaragua briefly participated in the Iraq War in 2004 as part of the Plus Ultra Brigade , a military contingent of mixed personnel. Before the general elections on November 5, 2006 ,

7540-473: The La Lajuela quarter obtained the title of town and it was renamed. It was first called "Villa Hermosa", then it was called "San Juan Nepomuceno de Alajuela" and finally the title of city was granted on 20 November 1824 and with it the name "Alajuela" which remains today. Participation in important historical events by citizens of Alajuela has ensured the city's reputation as a storied place in Costa Rican history. The national hero Juan Santamaría, who died during

7670-526: The Pacific lowlands – fertile valleys which the Spanish colonists settled, the Amerrisque Mountains (North-central highlands), and the Mosquito Coast (Atlantic lowlands/ Caribbean lowlands ). The low plains of the Atlantic Coast are 97 km (60 mi) wide in areas. They have long been exploited for their natural resources. On the Pacific side of Nicaragua are the two largest freshwater lakes in Central America— Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua . Surrounding these lakes and extending to their northwest along

7800-408: The President of Nicaragua, Adolfo Díaz , requested the secretary of war, General Luis Mena , to resign for fear he was leading an insurrection. Mena fled Managua with his brother, the chief of police of Managua, to start an insurrection. After Mena's troops captured steam boats of an American company, the U.S. delegation asked President Díaz to ensure the safety of American citizens and property during

7930-540: The Reagan administration imposed a full trade embargo. The Sandinistas were also accused of human rights abuses including torture, disappearances and mass executions. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights investigated abuses by Sandinista forces, including an execution of 35 to 40 Miskitos in December 1981, and an execution of 75 people in November 1984. In the Nicaraguan general elections of 1984 , which were judged by at least one visiting 30-person delegation of NGO representatives to have been free and fair,

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8060-491: The Sandinistas won the parliamentary election and their leader Daniel Ortega won the presidential election. The Reagan administration criticized the elections as a "sham" based on the claim that Arturo Cruz , the candidate nominated by the Coordinadora Democrática Nicaragüense , comprising three right wing political parties, did not participate in the elections. However, the administration privately argued against Cruz's participation for fear that his involvement would legitimize

8190-401: The Santiago Crespo Retirement Home), and Francisco de Paula Pereira Matamoros. Opposite the airport is the Farmer's Park, where the Monumento al Agricultor (Farmer's Monument) is located. It was vandalized in 2014 but quickly restored. In addition, there are numerous murals throughout the urban centers of Alajuela, including César Valverde Vega 's in the Clínica de Alajuela. Sarchí is home to

8320-438: The U.S. Marines withdrew from Nicaragua in January 1933, Sandino and the newly elected administration of President Juan Bautista Sacasa reached an agreement that Sandino would cease his guerrilla activities in return for amnesty, a land grant for an agricultural colony, and retention of an armed band of 100 men for a year. However, due to a growing hostility between Sandino and National Guard director Anastasio Somoza García and

8450-399: The United States. The Carter administration decided to work with the new government, while attaching a provision for aid forfeiture if it was found to be assisting insurgencies in neighboring countries. Somoza fled the country, and eventually ended up in Paraguay , where he was assassinated in September 1980, allegedly by members of the Argentinian Revolutionary Workers' Party. In 1980,

8580-433: The area. The Hueteres lived in the south of the territory, while the Botos, Guatusos , Tices and Catapas lived in the north. In the 15th century, most of the region of modern Alajuela was under the control of Garabito , an indigenous leader of whom little is known. Only the Botos, who lived in Alajuela's northern plains, resisted conquest until the early 1800s. Starting in the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived in

8710-418: The artisanal products built in Sarchí. In the municipality of Palmares , there is a large festival every January. The festival has been going on since 1987 and has live music, horse parades, and other traditional events that attract nearly 20,000 visitors each year. Many visitors and businesses go to San Carlos in April each year for an annual cattle market. Grecia is a common stop for tourists traveling from

8840-417: The birthplace of Juan Santamaría , the national hero of Costa Rica and the figure who gives the name to the country's main international airport , which is south of Alajuela downtown. Alajuela has an area of 8.89 km (3.43 sq mi) and an elevation of 952 metres (3,123 ft). It is located in the Central Valley , 19 kilometres northwest of San José . The climate is tropical , typical of

8970-411: The case of Nicaragua v. United States in 1986, found, "the United States of America was under an obligation to make reparation to the Republic of Nicaragua for all injury caused to Nicaragua by certain breaches of obligations under customary international law and treaty-law committed by the United States of America". During the war between the Contras and the Sandinistas, 30,000 people were killed. In

9100-487: The central plaza, including the Antigua Carcel (Old Prison), Antigua Gobernación (Old Capital), Templo Metodista "El Mesías" ("Messiah" Methodist Temple), Antiguo Cuartel (Old Barracks), and the neo-classical Antiguo Instituto de Alajuela y Salón de Actos (Old Alajuelan Government Building). Iglesia de la Agonía , built in 1825, is an adobe colonial church with white Spanish style brickwork. The art deco Escuela Ascensión Esquivel Ibarra and Hospital San Rafael are also within

9230-410: The citizens faced difficulties to maintain their religious obligations, so they requested permission to establish a parish and a public place of prayer from the Bishop of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, Monsignor don Esteban Lorenzo de Tristán. According to a motion issued in the Spanish Parliament of Cádiz on 19 May 1812, the first town hall of Alajuela was founded in 1813. On 18 December of the same year,

9360-408: The city, Somoza siphoned off relief money. The mishandling of relief money also prompted Pittsburgh Pirates star Roberto Clemente to personally fly to Managua on December 31, 1972, but he died en route in an airplane accident. Even the economic elite were reluctant to support Somoza, as he had acquired monopolies in industries that were key to rebuilding the nation. The Somoza family was among

9490-574: The colony's first governor. Without women in their parties, the Spanish conquerors took Nahua and Chorotega wives and partners, beginning the multiethnic mix of indigenous and European stock now known as " mestizo ", which constitutes the great majority of the population in western Nicaragua. Many indigenous people were killed by European infectious diseases , compounded by neglect by the Spaniards, who controlled their subsistence. Many other indigenous peoples were captured and transported as slaves to Panama and Peru between 1526 and 1540. In 1610,

9620-412: The conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba founded two of Nicaragua's main cities: Granada on Lake Nicaragua , and then León , west of Lake Managua . Córdoba soon built defenses for the cities and fought against incursions by other conquistadors. Córdoba was later publicly beheaded for having defied his superior, Pedro Arias Dávila . Córdoba's tomb and remains were discovered in 2000 in

9750-454: The country. The museum also portrays the local culture, dedicating a team to local artisans and their works and public theater events such as plays and lectures. There are many attractions in La Garita and La Guacima, west of the municipality of Alajuela. The Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Rescate Animal Zoo Ave), established in 1990, is a bird rehabilitation and breeding center where visitors can view and learn about rare birds. There

9880-653: The coup staged by the Republicans in Heredia and Cartago. The Alajuelan side won. Costa Rica left the Mexican Empire shortly before it dissolved. While Costa Rica was a member of the Federal Republic of Central America in the 1830s, the city of Alajuela was the nation's capital. In 1831, Alajuelan folk hero Juan Santamaría was born. Santamaría was a peasant boy who volunteered as a drummer during

10010-461: The dairy industry. More recently, Alajuela has seen important investment in free zone parks and heavy industry companies, with a considerable number of them dedicated to manufacturing a variety of medical devices. Alajuela is an important transport hub for the country, connecting the capital city of San José with northwestern Costa Rica. As a part of the Greater Metropolitan Area , most of the inhabitants of Alajuela work in other cities or regions of

10140-506: The death toll were as high as 63, many of them student protesters, and the wounded totalled more than 400. Following a working visit from May 17 to 21, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights adopted precautionary measures aimed at protecting members of the student movement and their families after testimonies indicated the majority of them had suffered acts of violence and death threats for their participation. In

10270-418: The dwellers of La Lajuela and Ciruelas, having been served with notice to move to Villa Vieja (today's Heredia), requested the provisional construction of a public place of prayer in the house of Don Dionysius Oconitrillo, of Spanish origin, 30 metres north of where Alajuela's cathedral is today. After increases of population in the five existing quarters then: Targuaz, Puás, Ciruelas, La Lajuela and Rio Grande,

10400-584: The east, Costa Rica to the south, and the Pacific Ocean and shares maritime borders with El Salvador to the west and Colombia to the east. The country's largest city and national capital is Managua , the fourth-largest city in Central America , with a population of 1,055,247 as of 2020. Nicaragua is known as "the breadbasket of Central America" due to having the most fertile soil and arable land in all of Central America. Nicaragua's multiethnic population includes people of mestizo, indigenous, European, and African heritage. The country's most spoken language

10530-652: The edges of the Central Valley, founding Atenas in 1836, San Ramón in 1854, and Grecia in 1856. Soon, the cities of Naranjo , Zarcero , and Quesada were founded as well. In 1823, during the First Costa Rican Civil War, Costa Rica was divided into two groups: the Imperialists, who were loyal to the First Mexican Empire , and the Republicans, who wanted independence. For the most part, Alajuela and San José fought against

10660-657: The elections was initially prohibited, and as a result the validity of the elections has been disputed, but observation by the OAS was announced in October. Ortega was reported by Nicaraguan election officials as having received 72% of the vote. However, the Broad Front for Democracy (FAD), having promoted boycotts of the elections, claimed that 70% of voters had abstained (while election officials claimed 65.8% participation). In April 2018, demonstrations were held to oppose

10790-555: The elections, and thus weaken the case for American aid to the Contras. In 1983 the U.S. Congress prohibited federal funding of the Contras, but the Reagan administration illegally continued to back them by covertly selling arms to Iran and channeling the proceeds to the Contras in the Iran–Contra affair , for which several members of the Reagan administration were convicted of felonies. The International Court of Justice , in regard to

10920-518: The end of the 15th century, western Nicaragua was inhabited by several indigenous peoples related by culture to the Mesoamerican civilizations of the Aztec and Maya , and by language to the Mesoamerican language area . The Chorotegas were Mangue language ethnic groups who had arrived in Nicaragua from what is now the Mexican state of Chiapas sometime around 800 CE. The Nicarao people were

11050-577: The fact that there are two large lakes and several other bodies of water within the country. However, this etymology is considered to be outdated by most historians as in 2002 it was discovered that the real name of the cacique was Macuilmiquiztli and not Nicarao. It had also been discovered that the Nicaraos called their land Nicānāhuac, which most historians now believe is the true etymology of "Nicaragua". It means "here lies Anahuac" in Nahuatl and

11180-699: The fertile western valleys, González Dávila and his men were attacked and driven off by the Chorotega, led by chief Diriangén . The Spanish tried to convert the tribes to Christianity; Macuilmiquiztli's tribe was baptized, but Diriangén was openly hostile to the Spaniards. Western Nicaragua, at the Pacific Coast, became a port and shipbuilding facility for the Galleons plying the waters between Manila, Philippines and Acapulco, Mexico. The first Spanish permanent settlements were founded in 1524. That year,

11310-551: The fight is for President Ortega and his vice president, his wife, to step down. April 24, 2018 marked the day of the greatest march in opposition of the Sandinista party. On May 2, 2018, university-student leaders made a public announcement giving the government seven days to set a date and time for a dialogue that was promised to the people due to the recent events of repression. The students also scheduled another peaceful protest march on that same day. As of May 2018, estimates of

11440-559: The indigenous tribes of Alajuela were killed during Spanish colonization, although the Botos held out until the mid-1800s. Today, the Maleku are among the only indigenous tribes left from the Spanish colonial period. Their reserve is in northern Alajuela, an hour north of La Fortuna at San Rafael de Guatuso . There are three Maleku villages near Guatuso: Palenque Sol, Palenque Tonjibe, and Palenque Margarita, where residents subsist largely from

11570-538: The insurrection. He replied he could not, and asked the U.S. to intervene in the conflict. U.S. Marines occupied Nicaragua from 1912 to 1933, except for a nine-month period beginning in 1925. In 1914, the Bryan–Chamorro Treaty was signed, giving the U.S. control over a proposed canal through Nicaragua, as well as leases for potential canal defenses. After the U.S. Marines left, another violent conflict between Liberals and Conservatives in 1926 resulted in

11700-615: The integration of the Mosquito Coast into Nicaragua. In his honor, the region became " Zelaya Department ". Throughout the late 19th-century, the United States and several European powers considered various schemes to link the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic by building a canal across Nicaragua . In 1909, the United States supported the forces rebelling against President Zelaya. U.S. motives included differences over

11830-597: The land where the canton of Alajuela is today was part of the Western Huetar Kingdom , which was inhabited by native tribes, who at the time of the Spanish conquest were led by Chief Garabito . The first Spanish settlers established settlements in the region in about 1650. In a letter of obligation granted in 1764, the place is mentioned as La Lajuela in the Valley of Barva, near the Canoas river. In 1777,

11960-546: The last week of May, thousands who accuse Mr. Ortega and his wife of acting like dictators joined in resuming anti-government rallies after attempted peace talks have remained unresolved. Open suppression of political dissent and more militarized policing began in April 2018, but the onset of repression was gradual. Nicaragua occupies a landmass of 130,967 km (50,567 sq mi), which makes it slightly larger than England. Nicaragua has three distinct geographical regions:

12090-591: The latter of which had temporary success before being abandoned due to disease. The Act of Independence of Central America dissolved the Captaincy General of Guatemala in September 1821, and Nicaragua soon became part of the First Mexican Empire . In July 1823, after the overthrow of the Mexican monarchy in March of the same year, Nicaragua joined the newly formed United Provinces of Central America ,

12220-625: The longest being the hereditary dictatorship of the Somoza family , who ruled for 43 nonconsecutive years during the 20th century. The Somoza family came to power in 1937 partly as a result of a U.S.-engineered pact in 1927 that stipulated the formation of the Guardia Nacional to replace the marines who had long reigned in the country. Somoza García slowly eliminated officers in the national guard who might have stood in his way, and then deposed Sacasa and became president on January 1, 1937, in

12350-416: The mid-1600s. In 1657, Alajuela was mentioned for the first time in the writings of Juana de Vera y Sotomayor, a traveler who described an encomienda "on La Lajuela river." Before taking on the name of Alajuela, the area was known as Villahermosa. Esteban Lorenzo de Tristán, Bishop of Nicaragua , Nicoya , and Costa Rica , tried organizing Catholic communities west of Heredia . In doing so, he inaugurated

12480-456: The municipality of Alajuela, and the wooden church in Venecia. At the beginning of the 1900s, an attempt was made to build a church and monument near the top of Cerro Espíritu Santo (Holy Spirit Mountain) outside of San Miguel de Naranjo . The church was never completed because of frequent tremors and problems financing its construction. Today, the partially constructed church and amphitheater is

12610-523: The municipality of Alajuela. The Instituto Centroamericano de Administración de Empresas (INCAE) (Central American Institute for Business Administration) has a campus in La Garita . INCAE was founded with the help of US during the Cold War with the intention of promoting business education in Central America . The Universidad Adventista de Centroamérica (UAC) (Central American Adventist University)

12740-477: The municipality. The Puente de Las Damas (Ladies' Bridge), built in 1844, is another national monument in Atenas. Stories differ on the origin of the name. According to many people, construction was organized by well-known "high society" women, including the widow of former head-of-state Manuel Fernández Chacón, Dolores Oreamuno. Other sources claim the name comes from the nearby planting of cestrum nocturnum , which

12870-508: The national newspaper La Prensa and ardent opponent of Somoza, was assassinated. It is alleged that the planners and perpetrators of the murder were at the highest echelons of the Somoza regime. The Sandinistas forcefully took power in July 1979, ousting Somoza, and prompting the exodus of the majority of Nicaragua's middle class, wealthy landowners, and professionals, many of whom settled in

13000-619: The neighboring provinces and launching boulders into the sky. The initial explosions were so strong that three craters were instantaneously created. The cities of Tabacón, Pueblo Nuevo, and San Luís were buried, killing 87 people. Crops were destroyed, and livestock killed. In 1979, Lake Arenal was created as the result of the construction of a hydroelectric dam by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad , Costa Rica's national electric company. The old cities of Tabacón and Tronadora were submerged, and residents moved to

13130-471: The new town of Tabacón at its current location, although the church's steeple can still be seen. The dam produces 17% of the country's electricity. The province is located in the North Central Plains and borders Nicaragua ( Departamento de Rivas , Departamento del Río San Juan ) to the north and the Costa Rican provinces of Heredia to the east, San José to the south, and Guanacaste to

13260-418: The original colonization came from Nicaragua since numerous navigable rivers flow north from their origins in the cordilleras and empty into either Lake Nicaragua or the San Juan River . By 1850, the province had a population of approximately 15,540. On 16 February 1921, Pope Benedict XV issued a papal bull that reorganized Alajuela into an Ecclesiastic Province run by the incumbents of two new positions:

13390-407: The party's host, former agriculture minister Jose Maria Castillo, until the Somoza government met their demands for a large ransom and free transport to Cuba . Somoza granted the demand, and then subsequently sent his national guard out into the countryside to look for the kidnappers, who were described by opponents as terrorists. On January 10, 1978, Pedro Joaquín Chamorro Cardenal , the editor of

13520-512: The percentage requiring a runoff election from 45% to 35% (with a 5% margin of victory). Nicaragua's 2011 general election resulted in the re-election of Ortega, with a landslide 62.46% of the vote. In 2014 the National Assembly approved changes to the constitution allowing Ortega to run for a third successive term. In November 2016, Ortega was elected for his third consecutive term (his fourth overall). International monitoring of

13650-451: The plaza, there is a museum dedicated to folk hero Juan Santamaría . This museum is in the old Alajuela Prison building. As of 1999, it encompasses the old city armory, both buildings constructed in the second half of the 19th century. One wing of that museum revives the history behind the Battle of Santa Rosa between Costa Rica and American filibusterer William Walker in 1856, while other sections feature relics and displays from around

13780-655: The plight of people experiencing poverty in Costa Rica. Dobles, a member of the Popular Vanguard Party , later spent time in prison for his political beliefs. Author Carlos Luis Fallas was born and educated in Alajuela. Fallas' most well-known work, "Mamita Yunai," was based on his time working on a banana plantation. Historian and journalist Ángela Ulibarri lives in Ciudad Quesada . Contemporary playwright Jorge Arroyo also grew up in Alajuela. His work has been staged in half-a-dozen countries. Most of

13910-441: The proposed Nicaragua Canal , Nicaragua's potential to destabilize the region, and Zelaya's attempts to regulate foreign access to Nicaraguan natural resources. On November 18, 1909, U.S. warships were sent to the area after 500 revolutionaries (including two Americans) were executed by order of Zelaya. The U.S. justified the intervention by claiming to protect U.S. lives and property. Zelaya resigned later that year. In August 1912,

14040-406: The province include Asociación Deportiva Carmelita , which won the national championship in 1961, A.D. San Carlos , and Asociación Deportiva Ramonense . Other teams include Municipal Grecia, Selección de Cacao, Municipal Santa Ana, Sarchí, Selección de Canoas, Higuiteña, Upala (Guatuso), and COFUTPA Palmarés. Club Deportivo Alajuela Junior existed between 1933 and 1936. Bullfighting in Costa Rica

14170-507: The province's infrastructure, including water distribution, transportation density, and electric output. When a hydroelectric plant was constructed in Grecia in 2012, construction upstarts doubled within two months. Industry-related construction accounted for the largest growth. Major companies in these zones include medical equipment manufacturers like Allergan, Baxter, Hospira, and Boston Scientific. Costa Rican lactate conglomerate Dos Pinos

14300-659: The province's major football club, having won 30 league titles. The club has a historical rivalry with Deportivo Saprissa , both popularly viewed as the two best football clubs of Costa Rica. They play their home games at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto , located in this district, and a new stadium is currently being built on another location inside the Alajuela Province. 10°01′N 84°13′W  /  10.017°N 84.217°W  / 10.017; -84.217 Nicaragua This

14430-516: The province's tourist industry is centered around La Fortuna , a small town at the base of Arenal Volcano. There, tourists can visit Arenal Eco Zoo , hot spring resorts, tour a large lake below the volcano, go fishing, and visit nature reserves. The Tabacón hot springs, which reach temperatures up to 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), are a popular destination for national and international tourists. Other tourist centers in Alajuela include La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center , Zarcero , and

14560-525: The province. Costa Rica's busiest airport is in southern Alajuela. The Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (Juan Santamaría International Airport) is the second busiest airport in Central America. There are other local airports in La Fortuna , Los Chiles , and Upala . Alajuela Alajuela ( Spanish pronunciation: [alaˈxwela] ) is a district in the Alajuela canton of

14690-522: The province. Nearly a third of the country's 1,400 types of orchids can be found in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve , which straddles the border between Alajuela and Guanacaste . Birds such as the quetzal , scarlet macaw , hummingbird , woodpecker , kingfisher , toucan , and three-wattled bellbird are native to Alajuela. There are many species of bats as well, like the spectral bat , Honduran white bat , and

14820-548: The return of U.S. Marines. From 1927 to 1933, rebel general Augusto César Sandino led a sustained guerrilla war against the regime and then against the U.S. Marines , whom he fought for over five years. When the Americans left in 1933, they set up the Guardia Nacional (national guard), a combined military and police force trained and equipped by the Americans and designed to be loyal to U.S. interests. After

14950-648: The rivalry between the two feuding cities. Following the start of the California Gold Rush in 1848, Nicaragua provided a route for travelers from the eastern United States to journey to California by sea, via the San Juan River and Lake Nicaragua. Invited by the Liberals in 1855 to join their struggle against the Conservatives, the American adventurer and filibuster William Walker set himself up as President of Nicaragua after conducting

15080-513: The rivers and lagoons. Additional theories about the country's name comes from any of the following Nahuatl words: nican-nahua , which means "here are the Nahuas"; and nic-atl-nahuac , the longer form of Nicanahuac meaning "here by the water" or "surrounded by water". Paleo-Indians first inhabited what is now known as Nicaragua as far back as 12,000 BCE. In later pre-Columbian times, Nicaragua's indigenous people were part of

15210-432: The southern highlands of the province, tropical ornamentals, coffee , tubers , and green vegetables are the major crops. Rice, corn, pineapple , bananas, and sugarcane are important crops in the north and northeast. Alajuela ranks first nationwide in national coffee production and national sugar cane production. Many of the agricultural products are exported overseas. This region has large pastoral areas, especially in

15340-406: The tourist economy. There are many higher-level educational centers in the province. Universidad Técnica Nacional de Costa Rica (UTN) (Technical University of Costa Rica) is the most well-known. UTN was founded in 2008 due to the merger of several colleges. It is the fifth public university in the country and maintains five campuses, including three in Alajuela at San Carlos , Atenas , and close to

15470-653: The two most active Costa Rican Volcanoes: Poás Volcano and the Arenal Volcano . In the northern plains, the San Carlos and Frío rivers drain to the San Juan River basin that separates Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The Tárcoles River , which flows to the Gulf of Nicoya , is known for its crocodile population. Although several ecosystems exist in the province, the Llanuras del Norte (Northern Plains) and

15600-508: The west. Alajuela's San Carlos (canton) is larger than the provinces of Heredia and Cartago . It is the largest canton in Costa Rica , occupying 34.32% of the provincial territory and 6.55% of the national territory. The Central Mountain Range (Cordillera Central de Costa Rica) passes through the province's borders, as do the Tilarán and Guanacaste ranges. This province is also home to

15730-924: The world's largest ox cart . It is displayed in the central park. Architect Ibo Bonilla was born in Sarchí. Bonilla designed the Latin American Science and Technology University (ULACIT) and the Ibero American Hospital, among other projects. In addition, Bonilla remodeled the Central Bank of Costa Rica, the International Bank of Costa Rica, and many cultural spots in San José, including the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. The municipality of Alajuela

15860-557: Was a pioneering biologist in the country. He wrote numerous articles, books, and illustrative tracts of Costa Rican flora. Author Fernando Contreras Castro , also born and raised in San Ramón, is an internationally recognized author writing in what is described as the " urban generation " style. Contreras teaches literature at the University of Costa Rica . Social realist Fabián Dobles grew up in Atenas . Dobles' work concentrates on

15990-495: Was among the first countries to ratify the United Nations Charter. On September 29, 1956, Somoza García was shot to death by Rigoberto López Pérez , a 27-year-old Liberal Nicaraguan poet. Luis Somoza Debayle , the eldest son of the late president, was appointed president by the congress and officially took charge of the country. He is remembered by some as moderate, but after only a few years in power died of

16120-423: Was built by Aristide Croisy , a French sculptor. The statue and the two cannons next to it were installed in 1891. Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío 's poem, "¡Bronce al soldado Juan!" was inspired by the statue. Also in the municipality are statues dedicated to Próspero Fernández Oreamuno , José Joaquín Mora Porras , León Fernández Bonilla, Miguel Obregón Lizano, Juan Manuel Meoño Herrera, Santiago Crespo Calvo (outside

16250-753: Was by the conquistador Gil González Dávila , who had arrived in Panama in January 1520. In 1522, González Dávila ventured to the area that later became the Rivas Department of Nicaragua. There he encountered an indigenous Nahua tribe led by chief Macuilmiquiztli, whose name has sometimes been erroneously referred to as " Nicarao " or "Nicaragua". The tribe's capital was Quauhcapolca. González Dávila conversed with Macuilmiquiztli thanks to two indigenous interpreters who had learned Spanish, whom he had brought along. After exploring and gathering gold in

16380-425: Was first blessed as a church in 1790. It was expanded in 1813, but replaced with the current Cathedral between 1854 and 1863, designed by Francisco Kurtze. In 1888, the red cupola was added based on designs from Swiss architect Gustavo Casallini, giving the Central Cathedral its distinctive look. Also in the municipality are several other buildings from the 1800s, built in neo-classical style. They are directly off

16510-498: Was later assassinated, founded the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). After the 1972 earthquake and Somoza's apparent corruption, the ranks of the Sandinistas were flooded with young disaffected Nicaraguans who no longer had anything to lose. In December 1974, a group of the FSLN, in an attempt to kidnap U.S. ambassador Turner Shelton, held some Managuan partygoers hostage after killing

16640-400: Was previously believed that the name Nicaragua was coined by Spanish colonists based on the name Nicarao , who was a cacique of a powerful nahua tribe encountered by the Spanish conquistador Gil González Dávila during his entry into southwestern Nicaragua in 1522. This theory held that the etymology of Nicaragua was formed from Nicarao and agua (Spanish for 'water'), to reference

16770-633: Was the first woman president of Nicaragua. Ortega vowed he would govern desde abajo (from below). Chamorro came to office with an economy in ruins, primarily because of the financial and social costs of the Contra War with the Sandinista-led government. In the 1996 general election , Daniel Ortega and the Sandinistas of the FSLN lost again, this time to Arnoldo Alemán of the Constitutional Liberal Party (PLC). In

16900-592: Was transferred to Honduras in 1960. Since its independence, Nicaragua has undergone periods of political unrest, dictatorship, occupation and fiscal crisis, including the Nicaraguan Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s and the Contra War of the 1980s. The mixture of cultural traditions has generated substantial diversity in folklore, cuisine, music, and literature, including contributions by Nicaraguan poets and writers such as Rubén Darío . Known as

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