~Nicaragua~

Location Description:

Nicaragua
is the largest nation in Central
America, and contains regions of thick rain forests,
rugged highlands, and fertile farming areas. About half of Nicaragua's territory
consists of the eastern lowlands, known as the Mosquito Coast, which extend 40
miles inland from the Caribbean.
This area once contained extensive stands of tropical hardwoods, but most have
been cut. Tropical rain forest covers much of the area, threaded with rivers
that begin in the highlands and empty into the Caribbean.

Weather:

Nicaragua's
climate is tropical, with temperatures determined largely by elevation. The
coastal regions have a hot climate, with a mean average temperature of 81°F. In
the central highlands, the temperature varies between 60° and 80°F. The rainy
season occurs from May until early November.

People & Religion:

Nicaragua is the most urban country in Central America. Its people are mostly
mestizos (mixed European and Native American descent). The population is 69%
mestizo, 17% European descent, 9% African descent, and 5% indigenous peoples.

Spanish is the language of Nicaragua, but English and
several Indian languages are spoken on the Caribbean coast. Nicaraguans of African
descent, known as Creoles, dominate the towns along the Caribbean coast. Coming from the British West
Indies, notably Jamaica
and the Cayman Islands,
they speak English and are largely Protestants. The mestizo population of
western Nicaragua
is predominantly Spanish-speaking and Roman Catholic.

The main religion is Catholicism (73%), although there
are several Protestant sects (16%), such as the Pentecostals and Baptists.

 Statistics:
-Population:

5.4 million

-Poverty Rate:

50% live below the poverty line; highest in
rural areas

An estimated 82% of the population survives on less than $1 a day. In the
eastern lowlands, poverty levels exceed 90%.

-Literacy Rate:

65.7% of Nicaraguans age 15 and over can read
and write.

-Average Annual Income:

$710 U.S.

Ministry Description:

• You will minister in the area of Granada to
children who are products of many single parent families and are looking for
the love that only Christ can provide.

• You will have the opportunity to build relationships with the amazing people
of Nicaragua
who are looking for hope.

• Be a part of something new and exciting by helping with different
construction projects throughout the area that has been ravaged by war and
natural disasters.