COSTA RICA & Nicaragua TARPON FISHING NICARAGUA 

 

INFORMATION

 

Costa Rica stands out as one of great surprises. Not only tropical rainforest but beautiful beaches, active volcanoes. Costa Rica is a small country, with a variety of tropical habitats found within, and they are protected by the best developed conservation program in Latin America. Costa Rica is famous for its enlightened approach to conservation.

 

About 27% of the country is protected, with 11% within the national park system. Costa Rica has had democratic elections since the 19th century and is one of the most peaceful nations in the world, having avoided the despotic dictatorships, terrorism, and internal strife that has torn apart other countries in the region. Costa Rica is the safest country to visit in Latin America.

 

Nicaragua is the largest country of Central America. It borders Honduras in the north and Costa Rica in the south and it houses two big lakes: Lake Managua (Xolotlan) and Lake Nicaragua.(Cocibolca) .Lake Nicaragua is the biggest lake of Central America and has the only fresh-water sharks in the world!

Nicaragua is known as a country of political instability, wars, and revolution. The dictatorship of the Somoza family in the first half of the 20th century, the revolution of the Sandinstas and the war against the Contras.

 

Although the bad reputation prevails, Nicaragua nowadays profiles itself as one of the least dangerous countries of Latin America. Poverty is still striking and the country does not have a tourism sector that is as well developed as in its neighboring countries. Nicaragua's unexploited side, on the other hand, allows tourists to relax on quiet beaches and approach wildlife without tumbling over other tourists.

Managua , Nicaragua's capital city, is equipped with all modern facilities. Cinemas, shopping malls, and high class hotels can be found in the capital. In colonial cities like Leon or Granada you can still find ancient, colorful houses, charming little streets, and lively plazas. Two small islands in the Atlantic Ocean -the Corn Islands - offer everything for a pleasant Caribbean vacation: white beaches, tropical blue waters, and magnificent coral reefs. Every traveler can find his favorite place in Nicaragua!

 

Fast Facts

Population	5,785,846	Source: July 2008 estimate, CIA Factbook
Coordinates	13 00 N, 85 00 W
Surface	129,494 km² (93% land, 7% water)
Religions	Roman Catholic 58.5%      Evangelical 21.6% Moravian 1.6% Episcopal 0.1% others 2.6% none 15.7%	Source: 2005Census
Currency	Córdoba O
GDP	US$15.84 billion (purchasing power parity)	Source: 2007 Estimate, CIA Factbook
Government	republican
Type President	Daniel Ortega Saavedra