Nicaragua

Welcome

Welcome to Nicaragua, the largest nation in Central America – and the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere. It is a country ripe for the spreading of the Gospel and for the work of MMI. We look forward to having you join us on the marvelous adventure of continuing what God has begun here!

Geography

Nicaragua, located in Central America, is bordered by Honduras to the north and by Costa Rica to the south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west of the country, while the Caribbean Sea lies to the east. Nicaragua sits 11 degrees north of the Equator, in the Northern Hemisphere. Nicaragua has three geographical regions which are the Pacific Lowlands, the North-Central Mountains or highlands and the Atlantic Lowlands.
Capital: Managua

History

Nicaragua has historically suffered from political instability, civil war, poverty, foreign intervention, and natural disasters. Since pre-colonial times, Nicaragua's lush Pacific coast has attracted settlers, which concentrated the population in the western part of the country. Because of its proximity to the West Indies, The Caribbean coast has historically been the site of foreign intervention resulting in the diverse ethnic groups that today inhabit the area.

Weather

Due to its geographic location, Nicaragua has a tropical climate which alternates between the rainy and dry season. The lowlands are warmer and humid while the northern region is cooler. The average daytime temperature in the areas where we work is 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit (31-35 Celsius) year round with the hottest months being April and May. The average nighttime temperature is 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 Celsius). It may sometimes be a bit hotter, but not often.

During the rainy season (May – November) we can anticipate afternoon showers most days.

Government

Independent, Unitarian, sovereign, and democratic.

Economy

Nicaragua endured a series of devastating events that were followed by economic crisis in the 1970s. The country was severely damaged by civil tension, including the anti-Somoza revolt and then the war of the 1980s, along with natural disasters including earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.

Nicaragua’s economy has recovered somewhat since but it remains severely depressed.

Industries: food processing, textile, petroleum refining and distribution amongst others. Agriculture: coffee, bananas, tobacco, sesame, sugarcane, cotton, soya and beans.

Currency: Nicaraguan Gold Cordoba (NIO)Project Sites

Teams will fly into Managua, the capital city, and go from there to the specific project sites.

Electric current in Nicaragua is 110v with the outlets configured the same as in the US. All appliances should work with no problem. Most of the places we will be staying do not have HOT water. There are “in-line” water heaters, but the water does not get as hot as it does in the US and Canada. The good thing is that it doesn’t get as cold, either!

Oscar Baltodano/Diriamba/El Pastor: When working on projects in these locations, we will be staying at the Hotel Casa Mateo in Jinotepe, approximately 2 hours from the airport in Managua. There are either single or double beds in all rooms. Single people may be put in rooms of up to four people, but everyone has his or her own bed. There are accommodations for married couples as well. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hotel and lunch will be served at the work site.

The last day of the project takes us back into Managua where we eat a celebratory dinner at El Eskimo restaurant (prices start around US $20-25) and spend the night in a local guest house (bunk beds only) before heading to the airport for departure the next day.