Population density: 46/km2 (120/mi2)
Main languages spoken: Spanish, English Creole, Miskito The Caribbean regions, which in 1987 achieved limited autonomy, are isolated from the more populous Pacific regions. The indigenous Miskito tribes and the descendants of Africans, brought over by Spanish colonists in the 18th century to work the plantations, are concentrated along the Caribbean coast, where English Creole is widely spoken. The Sandinista revolution improved the status of women through changes in the legal system and the incorporation of women into economic and political life. However, poverty and lack of permanent employment have since forced many women into prostitution. THE URBAN/RURAL POPULATION SPLIT
 ETHNIC MAKEUP
 From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004 | 
