Trivia in Nicaragua

National symbols

Flag: Three horizontal stripes of blue-white-blue with the coat of arms in the center. Blue represents the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, white symbolizes peace.

Emblem: A triangle containing a rainbow, Phrygian cap, and five volcanoes.

Trivia & facts

• Lake Nicaragua is one of the rare lakes in the world where freshwater sharks live.
• The country name is believed to combine indigenous chief Nicarao with Spanish for "land of abundant water."
• Nicaragua has about 40 volcanoes, including active ones; smoke can be seen even near the capital.
• The popular rum "Flor de Caña" has been family-run for over 100 years and has won numerous international awards.
• Nicaraguan Sign Language emerged naturally in schools during the 1970s and attracted linguistic attention.
• The national bird is the Turquoise-browed Motmot (Guardabarranco), known for its vibrant tail feathers.
• Baseball stadiums sometimes offer free domestic coffee service instead of Costa Rican coffee.
• "León Viejo," the oldest urban ruins in Central America, was buried in volcanic ash and remains well-preserved.
• The 500 córdoba note features poet Rubén Darío.
• Night tours at Masaya Volcano National Park offer close-up views of the lava lake.