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Nicaragua remains undiscovered by the tourist hordes, with misconceptions still lingering in the popular consciousness.
Although certain parts of Nicaragua are best avoided, it is actually one of the safest countries in Central America, enhanced by its friendly, welcoming people. Although certain areas lack tourist facilities, some do not - and those that do are arguably better for their untouched beauty and 'off the beaten track' appeal. This appeal, should you visit, is instantly evident: Nicaragua incorporates three stunning eco-regions (Pacific, Central and Atlantic), containing everything from volcanoes, tropical forests, beaches, and agricultural land.
A power by General Anastasio Somoza Garcia arose during the 1930s in the form of the paramilitary National Guard. Somoza as president, established a military dictatorship characterised by brutality, despotism and systematic corruption. Upon assassination in 1956, his son, Luis Somoza Delbaye, immediately took over; but, at the turn of the 1960s, a rebel movement called the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) began a guerrilla campaign, which finally overthrew the Somozas in 1979.
The ‘Sandinistas’ established a Junta of National Reconstruction and began a programme of agrarian reform, nationalisation of industry and massive health and literacy schemes. However, in 1981, following the election of Ronald Reagan as US president, the Americans – under the banner of fighting communism – began a programme of destabilisation in Nicaragua, helping ‘Contra’ guerrilla forces in Honduras and Costa Rica and mounting an economic boycott. Repeated attempts to negotiate a settlement were opposed by the USA, determined to topple the Sandinistas.
Finally, in 1989, a deal was agreed to end the insurgency. Years of turmoil and austerity had damaged Sandinista popularity and Violeta Chamorro, widow of Chamorro killed by the Somoza regime, won the election in 1990, representing the combined opposition, UNO Alliance. The disintegration of this artificially-created UNO coalition in the mid-1990s was to be expected. More of a surprise was the split in the traditionally disciplined Sandinistas.
The days of the Contra war and the Sandinistas are now over, no more than fascinating graffiti and gunfire stuck stubbornly on walls.
Although certain parts of Nicaragua are best avoided, it is actually one of the safest countries in Central America, enhanced by its friendly, welcoming people. Although certain areas lack tourist facilities, some do not - and those that do are arguably better for their untouched beauty and 'off the beaten track' appeal. This appeal, should you visit, is instantly evident: Nicaragua incorporates three stunning eco-regions (Pacific, Central and Atlantic), containing everything from volcanoes, tropical forests, beaches, and agricultural land.
A power by General Anastasio Somoza Garcia arose during the 1930s in the form of the paramilitary National Guard. Somoza as president, established a military dictatorship characterised by brutality, despotism and systematic corruption. Upon assassination in 1956, his son, Luis Somoza Delbaye, immediately took over; but, at the turn of the 1960s, a rebel movement called the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) began a guerrilla campaign, which finally overthrew the Somozas in 1979.
The ‘Sandinistas’ established a Junta of National Reconstruction and began a programme of agrarian reform, nationalisation of industry and massive health and literacy schemes. However, in 1981, following the election of Ronald Reagan as US president, the Americans – under the banner of fighting communism – began a programme of destabilisation in Nicaragua, helping ‘Contra’ guerrilla forces in Honduras and Costa Rica and mounting an economic boycott. Repeated attempts to negotiate a settlement were opposed by the USA, determined to topple the Sandinistas.
Finally, in 1989, a deal was agreed to end the insurgency. Years of turmoil and austerity had damaged Sandinista popularity and Violeta Chamorro, widow of Chamorro killed by the Somoza regime, won the election in 1990, representing the combined opposition, UNO Alliance. The disintegration of this artificially-created UNO coalition in the mid-1990s was to be expected. More of a surprise was the split in the traditionally disciplined Sandinistas.
The days of the Contra war and the Sandinistas are now over, no more than fascinating graffiti and gunfire stuck stubbornly on walls.
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