Description

Nicaragua is the largest nation in Central America but also the least densely populated. The country is bordered by Honduras to the north, by Costa Rica to the south, the Pacific Ocean lies to the west, and the Caribbean Sea lies to the east. In Nicaragua, there are three distinct geographical regions: the Pacific Lowlands, the North-Central Mountains or highlands and the Atlantic Lowlands. The Pacific lowlands are located in the western part of the country and consist of a broad, hot, fertile plain. There are several large volcanoes and the largest freshwater lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua, is located here. The central highlands are much cooler than the pacific lowlands and approximately one quarter of the country's agriculture take place here.
 
The Atlantic lowlands is a large rainforest region that is tropical, with high temperatures and high humidity. In this country, the President of Nicaragua is head of state, head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government, Legislative power by both the government and National Assembly, and the Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
 
Nicaragua is strongly influenced by European culture, with strong traditions in folklore, music, and religion. The musical instrument called the marimba is very prominent in this culture. This instrument is made with hardwood plates, placed over bamboo and is played by a sitting performer holding the instrument on his knees and played with two or four hammers. This music is played at social functions as background music.

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