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103-495: The city of Boaco, with a population of 26,209 (2022 estimate), is located in the mountains 88 km. east of Managua . Boaco is called "Ciudad de Dos Pisos" (The Two-Storey City), nicknamed by Dr. Armando Incer Barquero . The city's only two flat places are El Parque (Park) and the baseball field. The name Boaco has its roots in the Zumo and Aztec native languages. It is composed of two words; Boa or Boaj ("Enchanters") and

206-649: A "spy on your neighbor" system that encouraged citizens to report any activity deemed counter-revolutionary, with those reported facing harassment from security representatives, including the destruction of property. Heritage also criticized the government for its treatment of the Miskito people , stating that over 15,000 Miskitos were forced to relocate, that their villages were destroyed, and that their killers were promoted rather than punished. The Los Angeles Times noted that "...the Miskitos began to actively oppose

309-437: A base of governance, infrastructure and services. The city was hampered by major floods in 1876 and 1885. A disastrous earthquake in 1931 and large fire in 1936 destroyed much of the city. Under the rule of Anastasio Somoza García and his family (1936–1979), the city was rebuilt and began to grow rapidly. New government buildings were erected, industry developed, and universities were established. The city's development caught

412-669: A big role in the promotion of amateur games and tournaments. On the professional level, the National Nicaraguan Football team has still not had the public support nor the international exposure as the regional counterparts like the Costa Rican, Honduran or Salvadoran teams. However, with support of the FIFA, the first national soccer stadium in Managua is under construction. In Managua there are two golf courses,

515-634: A devastating loss near the city of Matagalpa , during which Mayorga was killed. During this time, FSLN reduced attacks, instead focusing on solidifying the organization. Fonseca died in combat in November 1976. The FSLN then split into three factions that fought separately: the Maoist Tendencia GPP (Guerra Popular Prolongada) (English: Prolonged People's War); Marxist-Leninist Tendencia Proletaria (English: proletarian ); and Left-wing nationalist Tendencia Tercerista (English: third). In

618-655: A group of peasants who have performed each year, from generation to generation since the 17th century, to honor the patron of Boaco. Both paved and unpaved roads connect Boaco to other important cities in the country. Public transportation (bus) is available to Managua and other locations inside and outside the department. Telecommunications in Boaco are supervised by the Nicaraguan Telecommunications Company ( Empresa Nicaragüense de Telecomunicaciones - ENITEL), which serves 1,326 individuals in

721-456: A newspaper "broadly critical" of the Somoza reign titled Segovia . Consisting of approximately 20 members during the 1960s, with the help of students, FSLN gathered support from peasants and anti-Somoza elements, as well as from the communist Cuban government , the socialist Panamanian government of Omar Torrijos , and the social democratic Venezuelan government of Carlos Andrés Pérez . By

824-487: A private museum owned by Armando Incer Barquero . Hernan Robleto (novelist), and Fernando Buitrago Morales (poet, novelist, and historian) were the first figures in Boaco's literature. Boaco was the native town of several poets and artists such as Armando Incer Barquero , Dr. Moises Sotelo Castillo, Luis Rocha, Flavio Cesar Tijerino (poet and writer) and others in the intellectual Grupo U from 1958. In recent years Lázaro Díaz, Javier León Valdez and others have made up

927-473: A rapid expansion and urbanization between 1842 and 1930, leading it to become one of the most developed cities in Central America. Several earthquakes have affected the city's growth, especially the 1931 earthquake and the 1972 earthquake , but the city has been rebuilt several times. Today, the city is a major economic hub for both the country and Central America. There are two possible origins for

1030-585: A severe earthquake every 50 years or less. Managua features four smaller crater lakes or lagoons within city limits . The most centrally located is the Tiscapa Lagoon in the Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve . Managua, due to its tropical climate, varied topography, rich fertile soils, and abundant rain and water sources, boasts a great variety of flora . Many different types of trees, some of which are not found elsewhere in

1133-615: A state of emergency was declared. The US sent US$ 99 million in aid. Land and businesses of the Somoza regime were expropriated, the courts were abolished, and workers were organized into Civil Defense Committees. The new regime declared that "elections are unnecessary", which led to criticism from the Catholic Church and others. The Somocista regime had created a big and modern center, Managua, surrounded an almost semifeudal rural economy with few productive outputs, including cotton, sugar and other agricultural products. All sectors of

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1236-486: A successful urban offensive, the FSLN militarily controlled all of the country except the capital. On 17 July President Somoza resigned, and on 19 July the FSLN entered Managua, ceding control to the revolutionary movements. Somoza fled to Miami; his Nationalist Liberal Party became practically defunct, and many government functionaries and business figures overtly compromised with somocismo chose exile. The Catholic church and

1339-409: A sudden halt after it suffered a second major earthquake on December 23, 1972, which destroyed 90% of the city's downtown and killed more than 19,120 people. Infrastructure was severely damaged and rehabilitation or restoration of buildings was nearly impossible and at the time, Managua's limited resources had to be directed to other disaster relief purposes. Managua's ability to cope with the disaster

1442-704: A white-washed naked muse , which happens to have superb acoustics. There is also the bust of Professor Josefa Toledo de Aguerri, who was an educator, philanthropist, writer, social activist, and one of the first feminists in the Americas. Also, the tomb of Carlos Fonseca , founder of the FSLN , which is guarded by an eternal flame . Across from the Central Park, on the north side, is the Rubén Darío park and monument, dedicated to Nicaragua's greatest poet and one of

1545-468: Is 360 m. The municipality of Boaco (12°28′N 85°40′W) borders with the municipality of Muy Muy to the north; the municipalities of San Lorenzo and Camoapa to the south; the municipality of Camoapa to the east; and the municipalities of San José de los Remates , Santa Lucia and Teustepe to the west. Boaco has a diverse climate which ranges from that of a tropical forest to that of tropical grasslands with scattered trees. The average temperature

1648-553: Is Nicaragua's cultural capital , boasting several restaurants, theaters, museums, and a few shopping centers. The city is also home to many communities of immigrants and ex-pats from countries including but not limited to Taiwan , China, Germany, the United States, Palestine , and Latin American countries. Managua is home to the annual Miss Nicaragua pageant; it is the national beauty pageant of Nicaragua. The pageant

1751-508: Is a large established local market system that caters to the majority of Nicaraguans. In Mercado Roberto Huembes, Mercado Oriental, Mercado Israel Lewites and other locations one can find anything from household amenities, food, clothing, electronics, construction materials, and other contracting supplies. The markets enjoy a substantial amount of popularity, as many of the backpacking, ecotourism-focused tourists and tourists on-a-budget use these markets for their supplies and souvenirs. Managua

1854-419: Is about 40% of the population of Boaco, about 23,000, with an unemployment rate of 13%. According to the 2000 census on education, Boaco has a population of about 31,000 students and 350 teachers (excluding community pre-school workers). Elementary education (urban area only): Secondary education (urban area only): Multi-grade education (rural area only): Community Pre-Schools: The municipality of Boaco

1957-568: Is also Nicaragua's main political, social, cultural, educational and economic hub. At the same time, the city is served by the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, the country's primary international gateway, and regional Los Brasiles airport and Punta Huete military air base, recently renewed. Managua is also home to all of the major banks of the nation, Banco de la Producción (BANPRO), BAC Credomatic , Banco de Finanzas (BDF), Banco de Crédito Centroamericano (Bancentro) and its parent company

2060-688: Is between 27 °C and 30 °C during summer and 18 °C in December. The annual precipitation is 1,200-2,000 mm. Elections for municipal authorities are held every four years. The current mayor of the municipality of Boaco is Vivian Orozco Zamora from the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). Following the 2004 municipal elections, the seats are divided in the following way: The governing party: Sandinista National Liberation Front: 5 Parties in opposition: Constitutionalist Liberal Party : 5 Boaco

2163-554: Is designated to promote Nicaraguan culture . The library has 67,000 books, free internet, a newspaper archive, and economic information from the Central Bank. The library also has a gallery in the same building, where notable Nicaraguan paintings, as well as pieces from new promising artists, are exhibited. In the numismatic hall there is a permanent exhibition of Nicaraguan coins, bills, and memorial medals from throughout Nicaragua's history. Cultural centers in Managua include

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2266-509: Is home to around 1% of Nicaragua's total population. It plays a more important role in the country's economy as a major producer of beef and dairy produces in what is called the cattle cluster (which includes the Chontales region). Of the population of 56,900 (2006 est.), 27,900 (49%) are men and 29,000 (51%) women. The average age is 21.4 years; 60.5% of the population is between 15 and 64 years of age. The rural population represents 61% of

2369-619: Is just south of Managua's Historical Center. The reserve is located within Managua's city limits, and is a tourist attraction . Restaurants and stores line the walls of the lagoon. Sandinista Revolution FSLN military victory in 1979 [REDACTED] Somoza regime (1961–1979) [REDACTED] Contras (1979–1990) [REDACTED] FSLN MAP-ML (1978–1979) [REDACTED]   Panama (1978–1979) 1978–79 : 50,000–73,000 total killed The Nicaraguan Revolution ( Spanish : Revolución Nicaragüense or Revolución Popular Sandinista ) began with rising opposition to

2472-459: Is located in west Managua in the Acahualinca neighborhood. In addition to the footprints, the museum also displays artifacts found in other localities around the country. Artifacts such as mammoth footprints, pre-Columbian tools, a skull from León Viejo , and a small collection of pottery, among other archeological objects. Tiscapa Lagoon, located within the Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve

2575-511: Is no longer illegal and no longer carries a prison sentence. Baseball is by far Nicaragua's most popular sport, followed by soccer and boxing . The Dennis Martínez National Stadium is home to many baseball games of Managua's Boer team. At the time of its construction in the late 1960s, it was the most modern stadium in Central America. The baseball league has 34 teams. There has been growing amateur interest in little football or "futbolin" among teens and adults. New private courts have played

2678-426: Is one of the few buildings that survived the 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of Managua. Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), formerly known as Plaza de la República (Republic Square) is home to Managua's historic center, located on the shores of Lake Xolotlan . The plaza has been partially rebuilt and many old buildings have been refurbished. Some of the more important buildings which managed to survive

2781-474: Is the capital and largest city of Nicaragua , and one of the largest cities in Central America . Located on the shores of Lake Managua , the city had an estimated population of 1,055,247 as of 2020, and a population of 1,401,687 in its metropolitan area . The city also serves as the seat of Managua Department . Founded in 1819, Managua became the national capital in 1852. The city underwent

2884-557: Is the economic hub of the agricultural and cattle-ranching lands in region. The city has played an important part in Nicaragua's economy, providing pecuarian products (beef, dairy products) to the rest of the country, as well as exporting to other countries. With the help of new paved roads, business from the country's capital of Managua has reached Boaco and stimulated the local economy. Boaco now has casinos, banks, gas stations and its first traffic lights installed. The labour force

2987-501: Is traditionally held at the Rubén Darío National Theatre and has been held since 1955. Managua's most famous festival is that of its patron saint Santo Domingo de Guzmán . It starts on the morning of August 1, when the "Bajada del Santo" (walk down of the saint) involves many joyful people walking and carrying the old statue of Santo Domingo from Las Sierritas Church in south Managua to another church across

3090-829: The 1972 Nicaragua earthquake include the Catedral de Santiago (St. James' Cathedral, known colloquially as the Old Cathedral), the Rubén Darío National Theatre, and the National Palace of Culture. Within the Revolution Square is the Parque Central (Central Park) which contains many historical monuments, some dedicated to national heroes and poets. Some of these include a centrally located Art Deco gazebo crowned with

3193-533: The Grupo Macuta . Among its most famous artists: painter Armando Morales Sequeira, who currently resides in Paris, France Mariadilia Martinez Caracas and primitivist painter and artist Julito Sequeira. The local festivities in honor of the city's patron saint, Apóstol Santiago (Apostle Saint James) begin on July 25. The most traditional and folkloric aspect of this celebration are Los Bailantes (The Dancers),

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3296-509: The Gulf of Mexico . These groups were demanding self-determination and/or autonomy , but the FSLN refused to grant this and began using forced relocations and armed force in response. Upon taking office in January 1981, Reagan cancelled U.S. economic aid to Nicaragua, and on 6 August 1981 he signed National Security Decision Directive 7, which authorized the production and shipment of arms to

3399-483: The Neil Armstrong Observatory was completed in Managua. About 18 percent of Nicaragua's total budget is invested in primary, secondary and higher education. University level institutions account for 6% of the 18 percent. The National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN) ( Spanish : Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua ) is the main state-funded public university of Nicaragua. UNAN

3502-504: The Nicaraguan Socialist Party . On 10 January 1978 Cardenal was murdered, allegedly by the Somoza regime, and riots broke out in Managua targeting the Somoza regime. Following the riots, a general strike on 23–24 January called for the end of the Somoza regime and was successful at shutting down around 80% of businesses in Managua and the provincial capitals of León , Granada , Chinandega , and Matagalpa. In

3605-933: The Reagan Administration supported an anti-communist strategy for dealing with Latin America, and attempted to isolate the Sandinista regime economically and politically. As early as 1980–1981, anti-Sandinista forces known as Contras began forming along the Nicaragua/ Honduras border. Many of the initial Contras were former members of Somoza's National Guard and many were still loyal to Somoza, then in exile in Honduras . In addition to Contra units loyal to Somoza, FSLN also began to face opposition from members of ethnic minority groups that inhabited Nicaragua's remote Mosquito Coast region along

3708-636: The Somoza dictatorship in the 1960s and 1970s, the ouster of the dictatorship in 1978–79, and fighting between the government and the Contras from 1981 to 1990. The revolution revealed the country as one of the major proxy war battlegrounds of the Cold War . The initial overthrow of the Somoza dictatorial regime in 1978–79 cost many lives, and the Contra War of the 1980s took tens of thousands more and

3811-560: The Somoza regime, rather than because they were Jewish. They cited the fact that there were prominent Sandinistas officials of Jewish descent. In contrast to these organizations, the Anti-Defamation League supported allegations of Sandinista antisemitism . It worked closely with Nicaraguan Jewish exiles to reclaim a synagogue that had been firebombed by Sandinista militants in 1978 and expropriated in 1979. Amnesty International noted numerous human rights violations by

3914-601: The 1970s the coalition of students, farmers, businesses, churches, and a small percentage of Marxists was strong enough to launch a military effort against the regime of Anastasio Somoza Debayle . FSLN focused on guerrilla tactics, inspired by Fidel Castro and Ché Guevara . They launched an unsuccessful the Río Coco/Bocay-Raití campaign: "when guerrillas did encounter the National Guard, they had to retreat...with heavy losses." Further operations included

4017-588: The 1970s, FSLN began a campaign of kidnappings, which led to national recognition of the group in the Nicaraguan media and solidification of the group as a force. The regime, which included the Nicaraguan National Guard , trained by the U.S. military, declared a state of siege, and proceeded to use torture, extrajudicial killings , intimidation and press censorship in order to combat the FSLN attacks. This led to international condemnation of

4120-561: The 1980s further devastated the city and its economy. To make matters worse, a series of natural disasters, including Hurricane Mitch in 1998, made economic recovery more difficult. After winning the presidential election in 1990, the National Opposition Union began the reconstruction of Managua in earnest. More than 300,000 Nicaraguans returned from abroad bringing their expertise and needed capital. Businesses mushroomed, new housing projects and schools were constructed,

4223-573: The Archivo Fílmico de la Cinemateca Nacional. Natural history museums include the Museo del Departamento de Malacología UCA, Museo Gemológico de la Concha y el Caracol, and Museo Paleontológico "El Hato". The Santo Domingo de Guzmán Museum is an anthropology museum. History museums include the Museo de la Revolución, Museo Casa Hacienda San Jacinto and Museo Parque Loma de Tiscapa. The Doctor Roberto Incer Barquero Library, located in Managua,

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4326-568: The British colonists on Nicaragua's Atlantic coast, raided Boaco Viejo. They destroyed the town. The few who survived the massacre fled west and founded the new town of Boaco (now known as Boaquito ("little Boaco")) near the Malacatoya River . Between 1752 and 1772, the population of what was called Boaquito moved to higher ground, where the city of Boaco is today, mainly due to the endemic diseases and flooding that regularly occurred in

4429-993: The Centro Cultural Nicaragüense Norteamericano (CCNN) (Nicaraguan-North American Culture Center), the Centro Cultural Chino Nicaragüense ( Chinese Nicaraguan Culture Center), the Alliance Française de Managua Archived 2007-10-08 at the Wayback Machine (French Alliance of Managua), among others. Managua features many bars , nightclubs , casinos , theaters and cinemas . Compared to western prices, alcoholic beverages, theater visits and cinema tickets are relatively inexpensive. There are cinemas in all major shopping centers; screening both English- and Spanish-language films. Foreign embassies in Managua also sponsor film festivals . Since

4532-548: The Chamorro assassination had changed things dramatically and permanently for the worse. — Interview with Morris H. Morley, 17 October 1987 On 22 August 1978 the FSLN staged a massive kidnapping operation. Led by Éden Pastora, the Sandinistan forces captured the National Palace while the legislature was in session, taking 2,000 hostages. Pastora demanded money, the release of Sandinistan prisoners, and "a means of publicizing

4635-756: The Contra War ended after the signing of the Tela Accord in 1989 and the demobilization of the FSLN and Contra armies. A second election in 1990 resulted in the election of a majority of anti-Sandinista parties and the FSLN lost power. Following the United States occupation of Nicaragua in 1912 during the Banana Wars , the Somoza family political dynasty took power, and ruled from 1937 until its ouster in 1979. The Somoza dynasty consisted of Anastasio Somoza García , his eldest son Luis Somoza Debayle , and finally Anastasio Somoza Debayle . The Somoza era

4738-612: The Esquipulas Process was established, in which the Central American heads of state agreed on economic cooperation and a framework for peaceful conflict resolution. The Esquipulas II Accord emerged from this and was signed in Guatemala City by the five presidents on 7 August 1987. Esquipulas II defined measures to promote national reconciliation, an end to hostilities, democratization , free elections ,

4841-700: The FIBA AmeriCup. The National Palace is one of Managua's oldest buildings, undamaged by the 1972 earthquake. It was commissioned by President Juan Bautista Sacasa in 1935 and built by architect Pablo Dambach, who also built the St. James Cathedral. For more than 50 years, the National Palace housed the Congress. Today, it houses the National Archive , the National Library, as well as

4944-494: The Lafise Group. Several new hotels including Crowne Plaza , Best Western , InterContinental , Holiday Inn , and Hilton currently have facilities in Managua. As well as many hotels, Managua has opened four western style shopping centers or malls, such as Plaza Inter , Centro Comercial Metrocentro , Galerias Santo Domingo  [ es ] , and Multicentro Las Americas, with many more being constructed. There

5047-715: The National Museum which is open to the public. The museum features pre-Columbian paintings, statues, ceramics, etc. Also part of the exhibit is the Hall of National History and the Hall of National Symbols. The National Palace was one of the few buildings that survived the 1972 earthquake . The Rubén Darío National Theatre is Nicaragua's most important theater, and is one of the most modern theaters in Central America. Both national and international artists present shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural performances such as El Güegüense among many others. The National Theatre

5150-524: The Sandinista cause." After two days, the government agreed to pay $ 500,000 and to release certain prisoners, a major victory for the FSLN. Revolts against the state and guerrilla warfare continued. In early 1979 the Organization of American States supervised negotiations between the FSLN and the government. However, these broke down when it became clear that the Somoza regime had no intention of allowing democratic elections. By June 1979, following

5253-472: The Sandinista government with human rights violations, including press censorship. It charged that the government censored the independent newspaper La Prensa . French journalist Viktor Dedaj, who lived in Managua in the 1980s, contended that La Prensa was generally sold freely and that the majority of radio stations were anti-Sandinista. The Heritage Foundation claimed that the Sandinistas instituted

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5356-635: The Sandinista government. They contended that civilians "disappeared" after their arrest, that "civil and political rights" were suspended, due process was denied detainees, detainees were tortured, and "reports of the killing by government forces of those suspected of supporting the contras". The Sandinistas were accused of 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. The Carter Administration attempted to work with FSLN in 1979 and 1980, while

5459-577: The Sandinistas in 1982 when authorities killed more than a dozen Indians, burned villages, forcibly recruited young men into the army and tried to relocate others. Thousands of Miskitos poured across the Coco into Honduras , and many took up arms to oppose the Nicaraguan government." The United Nations , the Organization of American States and Pax Christi disputed Heritage's allegations of anti-Semitism. According to them, individual Nicaraguan Jews had their property expropriated due to their connections with

5562-565: The Sierras, has a tropical climate with constant temperatures averaging between 28 and 32 °C (82 and 90 °F). Under Köppen's climate classification , the city has a tropical wet and dry climate ( Aw ). The city spends most of the year seeing strong heat and a bright shining sun. The temperature varies from 72 °F (22.2 °C) at night to 86 °F (30 °C) during the daytime. Temperatures are highest in March, April and May when

5665-641: The airport was expanded and modernized, streets were widened, older malls were repaired and new ones were built, and buildings were cleaned up. In 2006, after the Sandinista National Liberation Front came back into power, literacy, health and reconstruction programs were expanded. New governmental buildings, galleries, museums, apartment buildings, squares, promenades, monuments, boat tours on Lake Managua, restaurants, nighttime entertainment, and broad avenues have resurrected part of downtown Managua's former vitality. Commercial activity, however, remains low. Residential and commercial buildings have been constructed on

5768-411: The areas of electronics , computer systems and sciences , agroforestry , construction and trade -related services. The educational system includes 1 United States accredited English language university, 3 bilingual university programs , 5 bilingual secondary schools and dozens of English Language Institutes . In 2005, almost 400,000 (7%) of Nicaraguans held a university degree . In 2014,

5871-515: The attention of Irving Fields and Albert Gamse , who composed a musical piece about the city that became popular in the 1940s through the performances of Freddy Martin , Guy Lombardo and Kay Kyser . Managua had become Central America's most developed city. Today's references differentiate the pre-1970s Managua by labeling it as La Antigua Ciudad, which in English translates to "The Ancient City" or "The Old City". Managua's progress came to

5974-552: The better-known of which is Nejapa Golf & Country Club. Managua is home to the basketball team Costa Caribe . The team reached the Final Four at the 2016 Liga Centroamericana de clubes de baloncesto . Managua is also home to the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello an indoor arena with 8,500 seat capacity. The venue will host the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup where their national team will make their debut at

6077-419: The capital of Nicaragua began in 1824, after the Central American nations formally attained their independence from Spain. Nicaragua became an independent nation in 1838. Managua's location between the rival cities of León and Granada made it a logical compromise site. Hence, Managua was officially selected as the nation's capital in 1852. Between 1852 and 1930, Managua underwent extensive urbanization, becoming

6180-399: The city center, earthquake victims found refuge in the outskirts of the city. To add insult to injury, corruption within the Somoza regime which allocated part of the relief funds hindered the reconstruction of the city's center which remains somewhat isolated from the rest of the capital. The Nicaraguan Revolution of 1979 to overthrow the Somoza regime and the 11-year-long Contra War of

6283-509: The city to the north, in the area destroyed by the 1972 earthquake. It remains here for ten days until the morning of August 10, when the "Subida del Santo" (walking up of the saint) returns the statue to Las Sierritas Church where it remains for the rest of the year. Thousands of people attend this event which involves dancing, eating, drinking and the marching of musical bands, mainly for traditions that date back to pre-colonial times, or to ask for personal miracles, make promises, or give thanks to

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6386-479: The civil war opened cracks in the national revolutionary project, FSLN's military budget grew to more than half of the government's annual budget. The Servicio Militar Patriótico (Patriotic Military Service), a compulsory draft, was also established. By 1982, Contra forces had begun carrying out assassinations of members of the Nicaraguan government, and by 1983 the Contras had launched a major offensive. The CIA

6489-545: The economy of Nicaragua were determined, in great part, by the Somozas or their supporters, whether by directly owning agricultural brands/trusts, or actively choosing their owners (local or foreign). Somoza himself was (incorrectly) alleged to have owned 1/5 of all profitable land in Nicaragua. Somoza or his people did own or give away banks, ports, communications, services and massive amounts of land. The Nicaraguan Revolution brought immense restructuring to all three sectors of

6592-441: The economy, directing it towards a mixed economy . The biggest economic impact was on agriculture, in the form of agrarian reform , which was proposed as a process that would develop pragmatically along with other changes (economic, political, etc.). Economic reforms overall needed to restart the economy. As a developing country, Nicaragua had an agriculture-based economy, susceptible to commodity market prices. The rural economy

6695-562: The elections free and fair, although the Reagan administration denounced it as a "Soviet style sham". The national share of valid votes for president were: The Esquipulas Peace Agreement was a mid-1980s initiative to settle the military conflicts that had plagued Central America for many years, and in some cases (notably Guatemala ) for decades. It built upon groundwork laid by the Contadora Group from 1983 to 1985. The agreement

6798-718: The greatest in the country. There is also a park dedicated to the Guatemalan writer Miguel Ángel Asturias . Other monuments include the monument of El Guerrillero sin Nombre (The Nameless Guerrilla Soldier) and Monumento à la Paz (Monument for Peace). Managua is also home to Museo Sitio Huellas de Acahualinca (the Museum of Acahualinca), where the Ancient footprints of Acahualinca , fossilized Paleo American footprints made 2,100 years ago, are engraved in volcanic ash. The museum

6901-477: The late 1990s and early 2000, many casinos and karaoke bars opened and have remained popular attractions for Nicaraguans and foreign visitors. Popular music includes the Palo de Mayo , Merengue , Cumbia and Latin pop among other Latin music genres, as well as American pop and rock . Salsa dancing is a national pastime. Managua boasts a vibrant night life. Nightclubs and bars are abound in Managua, particularly, in

7004-423: The library became part of the newly founded Network of Public Libraries, which was organized and coordinated by the Culture Department. With national and international support from governments, organisations and individuals, today the public library of Boaco has a collection of more than 8,000 books. Boaco has several museums: The Boaco Museum of Anthropology, Arturo Javier Suarez Miranda's The Municipal Museum, and

7107-427: The lowlands during the rainy season. The municipality of Boaco was traditionally part of the Chontales Department . On February 4, 1910, the government of José Madriz established the department of Jerez with the city of Boaco as its capital. However, the conservative government reversed that law. It was not until July 18, 1935 that the government of Juan Bautista Sacasa created the Boaco Department , incorporating

7210-427: The march of the Carnival Queen. During the Santo Domingo festival some people cover themselves in a mix of grease and motor oil to pay promises to the saints while others wear masks and costumes. The National Library holds a great amount of volumes and affords abundant bibliographic information about the discovery and independence of Nicaragua . The National Palace of Culture has an exhibition of Nicaraguan art from

7313-403: The most influential literary figures of the Spanish-speaking world. It is a neo-classical monument which consists of a round pedestal, topped by a balustrade surrounding a fountain containing a gondola filled with singing cherubs , and at the center, a pillar topped with a statue of Darío dressed in a Roman tunic protected by an angel. Constructed of Carrara marble , Darío's monument is one of

7416-473: The municipalities of Boaco, Camoapa , San Lorenzo , Teustepe , San José de los Remates and Santa Lucía . Boaco was designated the capital of the department. Boaco is located in the hilly central region of Nicaragua. Its topography is irregular with many mountains, which are smaller than the mountains in northern Nicaragua. The highest peak is El Cerro de la Vieja (the old woman's hill) with an altitude of 1,020 m. The average elevation above sea level

7519-476: The municipality of Boaco. Mobile telephones are frequently used by the population. Movistar and Claro are the two telephone companies providing mobile telephone services in the area. BoacoVisión is the local cable TV channel. There are several local radio stations broadcasting on FM. 12°28′N 85°40′W  /  12.467°N 85.667°W  / 12.467; -85.667 Managua Managua ( Spanish pronunciation: [maˈnaɣwa] )

7622-641: The name "Managua". It may have originated from the term Mana-ahuac , which in the Nahuatl language translates to "adjacent to the water" or site "surrounded by water". Or, it may have come from the Mangue language , where the word managua was said to mean "place of the big man" or "chief". Residents of the city are called managuas , managüenses , or capitalinos . Nicaragua was inhabited by Paleo-Indians as far back as 12,000 BC. The ancient footprints of Acahualinca are 2,100-year-old fossils discovered along

7725-487: The nation's prestigious universities and higher education institutions based there. In 2007, after a successful literacy campaign , Managua was declared by the Mayor of Managua and the Sandinista party newspaper to be the first capital city in Central America to be rid of illiteracy . Nicaragua's higher education system consists of 48 universities and 113 colleges , vocational and technical institutes which serve students in

7828-447: The old city center and the rest of the mainland. Managua is located on the southern shores of Lake Managua , also known as Lake Xolotlán. Lake Managua contains the same fish species as larger Lake Cocibolca in southeastern Nicaragua, except for the freshwater sharks found exclusively in the latter. Once a Managuan scenic highlight, the lake has been polluted from the dumping of chemical and waste water since 1927. A new sewer system and

7931-614: The outskirts of the city, in the same locales that were once used as refugee camps for those who were homeless after the earthquake. These booming locales have been of concern to the government because of their close proximity to Lake Managua. The construction of a new sewer system and the redirecting of waste water to a new water treatment plant at Las Mercedes in Eastern Managua in May 2009 relieved old concerns over water pollution and native wildlife, and brought some residents closer to

8034-696: The overall illiteracy rate from 50.3% to 12.9%. In September 1980, UNESCO awarded Nicaragua the " Nadezhda K. Krupskaya " award. This was followed by literacy campaigns of 1982, 1986, 1987, 1995 and 2000, each of which was also awarded by UNESCO. The Sandinistas established a Ministry of Culture, one of only three in Latin America at the time, and established a new editorial brand, called Editorial Nueva Nicaragua and, based on it, started to print cheap editions of basic books rarely seen by Nicaraguans. It founded an Instituto de Estudios del Sandinismo (Institute for Studies of Sandinismo ) where it printed

8137-663: The peasantry. This represented about 75 percent of all land distributed to peasants since 1980. The reform had the twofold purpose of increasing support for the government among the campesinos , and guaranteeing ample food delivery into the cities. During 1985, ceremonies were held throughout the countryside in which Daniel Ortega gave each peasant title to land and a rifle to defend it. The Revolution brought many cultural developments. The Nicaraguan Literacy Campaign (Cruzada Nacional de Alfabetización) focused on secondary school and university students drafting teachers as volunteer teachers. Within five months they claimed to have reduced

8240-478: The popular areas called "Zona Viva" located in the shopping mall "Galerías Santo Domingo", as well as very close by "Plaza Mi Viejo Santo Domingo" and "Plaza Familiar". Other popular areas are "Zona Hippos" behind the Hilton hotel near Metrocentro and "Zona Rosa". Although promoting or practicing homosexuality was illegal in Nicaragua, there is a modest gay social scene in Managua. As of March 2008, homosexuality

8343-436: The professional sectors generally approved of the new reality. Immediately following the fall of the Somoza regime, Nicaragua lay largely in ruins. The country had suffered both war and, earlier, natural disaster in the devastating 1972 Nicaragua earthquake . In 1979, approximately 600,000 Nicaraguans were homeless and 150,000 more were either refugees or in exile, out of a total population of just 2.8 million. In response,

8446-452: The redirecting of waste water to a new waste water treatment plant at Las Mercedes funded by the German government to decontaminate the lake was expected to be the largest in Central America and was inaugurated in 2009. These works of progress have relieved old concerns over water pollution and the endangering of native wildlife have brought some residents closer to the old city center and

8549-585: The regime and in 1978 the US cut off aid over its human rights violations. In response, Somoza lifted the state of siege. Other opposition parties and movements began to consolidate. In 1974, the Unión Democrática Liberal (UDEL; English: Union for Democratic Liberation) was founded by Pedro Joaquín Chamorro Cardenal , editor of the Managua newspaper La Prensa . The alliance included two anti-Somoza liberal parties as well as conservatives and

8652-462: The region but not their deployment. On 17 November 1981, President Reagan signed National Security Directive 17, authorizing covert support to anti-Sandinista forces. Armed conflict soon erupted, further destabilizing the region upset by civil wars in El Salvador and Guatemala . The CIA -backed Contras secretly opened a "second front" on Nicaragua's eastern coast and Costa Rican border. As

8755-474: The rest of the mainland. Managua's city area extends about 544 square kilometers (210 square miles), essentially south from the south shore of Lake Managua. The lakeshore is at an altitude of 55 meters (180 feet) above sea level , and the city climbs as it gets towards the Sierras de Managua further south where it is over 700 meters (2,297 feet) above sea level. Geologically, the city lies on fault lines, thus seismologists predict that Managua will experience

8858-462: The saint. During the parade many people dress up in typical costumes, masks and painted bodies. Another festival taking place since 2003 is the Alegria por la Vida (Happiness for Life) Carnaval is celebrated in Managua at the beginning of the month of March. There is a different slogan or theme every year. This event is celebrated with parades , floats , live music, food and dancing as well as

8961-452: The shores of Lake Managua . Other archeological evidence, mainly in the form of ceramics and statues made of volcanic stone, like the ones found on the island of Zapatera , and petroglyphs found on Ometepe island, contribute to the increasing knowledge of Nicaragua's ancient history. Founded as a pre-Columbian fishing town, the city was incorporated in 1819 and given the name Leal Villa de Santiago de Managua . Efforts to make Managua

9064-522: The suffix O ("place" or "town"). In other words, Boaco means "Place (or Town) of the Enchanters". The ancient Boaco, or Boaco Viejo (Old Boaco) was located five leagues (15 miles) east of the present-day city of Boaco. No vestiges of the former population remain. It was founded by Spanish colonists who migrated from today's Guatemala. In 1749, the Zambo , Caribe and Mosquito Indians, encouraged by

9167-401: The sun lies directly overhead and the summer rainfall has yet to begin. As stated before Managua only has two seasons, the dry and the rainy. The rainy season occurs between mid-May and mid-November, while the dry-season occurs between mid-November and the middle or end of May. During the dry season the countryside gets dull and even dusty. Managua is the national education center, with most of

9270-494: The time previous to its independence. Inside the National Palace of Culture is the National Museum, containing archeological finds with some examples of pre-Columbian pottery, statues, and other findings. Managua is home to an array of art galleries which feature pieces by both national and international artists. Managua is home to many types of museums, some art museums include the Julio Cortázar Museum and

9373-684: The top ten international business schools by The Wall Street Journal in 2006. Managua is the economic center and a generator of services for the majority of the nation. The city, with a population exceeding one million inhabitants, houses many large national and international businesses. It is home to many factories which produce diverse products. Multinational companies such as Wal-Mart , Telefonica , Union Fenosa , and Parmalat have offices and operations in Managua. The city's chief products include beer, coffee, pharmaceuticals, textiles, shoes, matches, construction products, etc. The main trading products are beef, coffee, cotton, and other crops. Managua

9476-561: The total and the urban population 39%. The population density is 52.36 inhabitants/km. Boaco has a public library, Fernando Buitrago Morales , founded after the Sandinista Revolution in July 1979 by Flavio César Tijerino and a group of young students, including Ricardo Sequeira his daughters, Melba Tijerino, Velleda Tijerino, Humberto Rivas, and Marlene Sotelo. The library had an initial collection of 500 books. Later that year,

9579-482: The words of William Dewy, a Citi Bank employee who witnessed the Managua riots: Our offices at the time were directly across the street from La Prensa and in the fighting that followed part of our branch was burned, but not intentionally. They were going after the Somoza-owned bank. In the turmoil they torched the [Somoza] bank and our building also burnt down. It was clear [to the U.S. business community] that

9682-486: The work and papers of Augusto C. Sandino and those that reflected the ideologies of FSLN, such as Carlos Fonseca and Ricardo Morales Avilés. Such programs received international recognition for improving literacy , health care , education , childcare , unions , and land reform . The Heritage Foundation , a conservative American think tank with close ties to the Ronald Reagan administration, charged

9785-403: The world, appear, including chilamate s, ceibo s, pochote s, genízaro s, tigüilote s, royal palms , piñuela s and madroño s (Nicaragua's national tree ) surround the city. During the rainy season (May to November), Managua becomes a lush city due to many palms , bushes , and other plants and trees which dominate the city's appearance. Managua, like much of Western Nicaragua, except for

9888-453: Was also limited. Surviving fire squadrons and ambulance companies were not able to handle the skyrocketing demand for their services. Some buildings burned to the ground, while the foundations of others simply gave way. Not able to rebuild quickly, the city directed emergency workers to clear away much of the city's ruins quickly while burying the deceased in mass graves. Residences, government buildings and entire avenues were demolished. Escaping

9991-790: Was characterized by economic development, albeit with rising inequality and political corruption , strong US support for the government and its military, as well as a reliance on US-based multinational corporations . In 1961 Carlos Fonseca Amador , Silvio Mayorga, and Tomás Borge Martínez formed the Sandinista National Liberation Front ( FSLN ) with other student activists at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua (UNAN) in Managua . The founders were experienced activists. Amador, first General Secretary, had worked with others on

10094-543: Was established in 1812 in the city of León and its main campus is located in Managua. By government decree in 1983 the campus of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua in León and Managua, became two separate entities; UNAN and UNAN-León . The Polytechnic University of Nicaragua (UPOLI) ( Spanish : Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua ) is a university located in Managua, Nicaragua. It

10197-667: Was far behind in technology and devastated by the guerrilla warfare. Article 1 of the Agrarian Reform Law says that property is guaranteed if it is used efficiently and described different forms of property: The principles that defined the reform matched those of the Revolution: pluralism, national unity, and economic democracy. Agrarian reform developed in four phases: In 1985, the Agrarian Reform distributed 950 square kilometres (235,000 acres) of land to

10300-485: Was founded in 1967. The INCAE Business School ( Spanish : Instituto Centroamericano de Administración de Empresas, INCAE ) is a private business school . INCAE was founded in 1964 with the support of the United States government and other Central American countries. According to a study done by América Economía INCAE ranked as the number one business school in Latin America in 2004 and 2005 and ranked in

10403-415: Was helping them to plant mines in Nicaragua harbors to inhibit foreign weapons shipments. The 1987 Iran–Contra affair placed the Reagan Administration again at the center of secret support for the Contras. The 1984 Nicaraguan general election took place on 4 November. Of the 1,551,597 citizens registered in July, 1,170,142 voted (75.4%). Null votes were 6% of the total. International observers declared

10506-401: Was named for Esquipulas , Guatemala , where the initial meetings took place. US Congress efforts were helped by Capitol Hill lobbyist William C. Chasey . In May 1986, summit meeting Esquipulas I took place, attended by the five Central American presidents. On 15 February 1987, Costa Rican President Óscar Arias submitted a Peace Plan that evolved from this meeting. During 1986 and 1987,

10609-533: Was the subject of fierce international debate. Because of the political turmoil, failing economy, and limited government influence, during the 1980s both the FSLN (a leftist collection of political parties) and the Contras (a rightist collection of counter-revolutionary groups) received aid from the Soviet Union and the United States . A peace process started with the Sapoá Accords in 1988 and

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