Date of independence, or formation date: 1838
Date when current borders were established: 1838
National day: Sept 15
Vehicle country identifying code: NIC
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): -6
International telephone dialling code: +505
Internet country identifying code: .ni

Bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Nicaragua lies at the heart of Central America. After more than 40 years of dictatorship, the Sandinista revolution in 1978 led to social reforms, but also to 11 years of civil war, which almost destroyed the economy. Right-wing parties have held power since the Sandinistas unexpectedly lost the 1990 elections. Despite the devastation of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, the economy is slowly strengthening.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004