Managua - Culture
Managua,
the capital of Nicaragua, is lying amid small crater lakes on the southern shore of Lake Managua. One of Central America's warmest capitals, the city is only
50 m (160 feet) above sea level. Throughout the Spanish colonial period, Managua was recognized only as an Indian town, outranked by the relatively nearby Spanish cities of Leon and Granada. Its choice as a permanent capital in 1857 came after partisans of those two rival cities had exhausted themselves in internecine conflict. Much of Managua was rebuilt after 1931, when it was ravaged by earthquake and fire. After the disastrous earthquake of 1972, the business section was rebuilt 6 miles (10 km) away (to the south and west) from the former city centre. It was the scene in 1978-79 of general strikes against the Somoza government and of heavy fighting, particularly in the Sandinista-held slum areas. Notable landmarks include Dario Park, with its monument to Nicaragua's famed poet Ruben Dario (see photograph); the National Palace; and the 20th-century cathedral. In 1952 the University of Managua became part of the National University of Nicaragua. Other universities are the Central American (1961) and the Polytechnic (1968; university status 1978).
Managua, the largest city in the country, is also its centre of commerce and culture. It produces a variety of small manufactures, including processed meat, furniture, metal, and textiles; it also has an oil refinery. Coffee and cotton are the principal crops grown in the agricultural hinterland. The city has railroad and highway connections with the Pacific port of Corinto and with the cities of Leon and Granada. The Pan-American Highway and an international airport tie it to other Central and North American cities.
The city is surrounded by rich agricultural lands devoted primarily to the cultivation of coffee, cotton, and corn (maize). The importance of sugarcane, rice, sorghum, cattle, and horses is decreasing. Pop. (1985 est.) city, 682,111.
ATTRACTIONS
City Tour: Even though the 1972 earthquake destroyed most of the downtown area, the remaining old Cathedral, the Ruben Dario Theater and the recently restored National Palace offers a different yet interesting tour to the past. All these with the Lake of Managua as the background. The new city is sprawling with businesses, banks, fountains and new roads. The main Universities are here, as well as the Central Government and the financial center.
Archaeology: The "Acahualinca Footprints" show footprints of man and animals fleeing from a volcanic eruption some time around 6,000 to 10,000 years ago.
Shopping: The Huembes market is the best place to look for arts and crafts of artists from all around the country. 10 minutes from any hotel, and no less than 1 and a half hours to shop around.
Culture: Many art galleries (Josefina, Genesis, Praxis, etc.) arts & crafts boutiques, the Ruben Dario Theatre and the old Cathedral ruins offer a special opportunity for a different view of the city.
Chiltepe Marina: Across Lake Managua, relaxing natural surroundings, enjoy a drink or a nice meal while overlooking the city of Managua's skyline or the Monument to Peace House Light. Right beside Xiloa Lagoon, another beautiful place to visit.
Latest UN reports on Nicaragua Human Development issues
| 1. Human development index | |
| Life expectancy at birth (years), 2001 | 69.1 |
| Adult literacy rate (% age 15 and above), 2001 | 66.8 |
| Combined primary, secondary and tertiary gross enrolment ratio (%), 2000/01 | 65 1 2 |
| GDP per capita (PPP US$), 2001 | 2,450 1 3 |
| Life expectancy index, 2001 | 0.73 |
| Education index, 2001 | 0.66 |
| GDP index, 2001 | 0.53 |
| Human development index (HDI) value, 2001 | 0.643 |
| GDP per capita (PPP US$) rank minus HDI rank | 2 |
For more information please consult the UN Human Development Reports
COPYRIGHT 2000 - AMERICATRAVELLING.NET