Managua: Difference between revisions
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===Climate=== |
===Climate=== |
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Managua, like much of Western Nicaragua except for the Sierras, has a [[tropical climate]] with constant temperatures averaging between 28 and 32 degrees [[Celsius]] (82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The months of December and January are chilly, whereas March and April are humid and somewhat arid. |
Managua, like much of Western Nicaragua except for the Sierras, has a [[tropical climate]] with constant temperatures averaging between 28 and 32 degrees [[Celsius]] (82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The months of December and January are chilly, whereas March and April are humid and somewhat arid. |
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=Crime= |
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The Regional Security Office U.S. Embassy in Managua reported the following: |
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Crime rates in Nicaragua are going sky high and have increased steadily over the past few years. Managua in particular is extremely dangerous, street crime is common and economically driven violent crime is on the rise due to the countries extreme poverty and lack of jobs. During March and April of this year 2007 the following incidents occurred. |
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[https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=66949] |
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Hotel Robberies |
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On March 29, an American couple that was visiting the city of Granada where robbed at gunpoint in their rental home. A few days before to the incident the couple contacted the management about a missing light in the unit. At approximately 11:30 a.m. on the day of the robbery, a Nicaraguan male in his late 20s (suspect) was at the front gate of the property stating that he was there to fix the light. The victim walked the individual inside, where they inspected the light. The victim then began to walk the suspect outside so he could get his tools. As they got near the front door, the suspect stopped and displayed what the victim described was a .25 caliber or similar to the type automatic pistol and demanded money. The suspect took the victim’s wallet, extracted all of the currency and then, at the victims request his wallet was returned holding only his identification, The suspect then departed the area on foot. |
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[https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=66949] |
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On April 4, 17 members of a U.S. missionary group were robbed at gunpoint while having dinner at their hotel in Managua. The group was given housing at a locally-owned hotel located in a transitional area not typically frequented by tourists. Four Nicaraguan males, including two armed with handguns, entered the dining room and took the group’s cell phones and all their money. Two of the suspects then escorted members of the group to their hotel rooms where they stole their digital cameras, additional cash and iPods. The robbery lasted around one hour, during which a hotel employee was able to flee and call the Nicaraguan National Police (NNP). The Nicaraguan National Police did not arrive, however, until after the suspects had departed. None of the victims were hurt. |
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[https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=66949] |
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The Regional Security Office U.S. Embassy in Managua strongly recommends all visitors to Nicaragua utilize hotels and guest houses that have a front desk or concierge that is staffed 24 hours a day; full-time uniformed security; access control precautions; a fenced perimeter and a well lit and patrolled parking area; and rooms equipped with safes for valuables and travel documents. |
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[https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=66949] |
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Vehicular Break-Ins |
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In the early afternoon on April 21, a vehicle belonging to an American organization was broken into at a gas station in Managua. The vehicle had stopped at a gas station on Carretera Sur (South Highway), approximately two miles from U.S. Embassy Managua. When leaving the vehicle to make purchases in the station store, a young Nicaraguan male approached the driver and offered to watch the vehicle for money. This offer was accepted and the vehicle's occupants entered the gas station. When leaving the station, they found that the individual who had offered to watch the car was gone and that the rear passenger door window had been broken. A briefcase containing files and identification documents was also missing from the rear seat. The individual who had offered to watch the car returned to the scene. The NNP took him in for investigative purposes but were unable to confirm his direct involvement in the burglary. |
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[https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=66949] |
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The Regional Security Office U.S. Embassy Managua recommends that travelers do not leave valuables where they can be seen in parked vehicles and, when possible, park in a location where the vehicle can be monitored or where they have cameras. |
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Estancia de Santo Domingo |
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Shortly after sunrise on April 5, a local resident was walking by themselves in Estancia de Santo Domingo, an affluent residential neighborhood in Managua where many expatriates reside, when he was assaulted from behind by two subjects. One of the assailants was holding a gun to the victim’s head and the other told him not to turn around while they took his money and belongings. Before releasing the victim, the assailants told him to walk forward and not to turn around or they would kill him. He complied and walked as instructed for five minutes until he encountered an embassy security patrol vehicle in the area. The incident took place during the Semana Santa holiday, when many residents travel away from Managua on vacation. The Nicaraguan National Police detail a large number of personnel to the vacation areas at this time, reducing the police presence in the city. |
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[https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=66949] |
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On April 22 at approximately 12:30 a.m., an American was returning to his residence in Estancia de Santo Domingo. As he entered the neighborhood, he observed a group of approximately 25 teenagers in the street. The crowd was gathered around two Nicaraguan males engaged in a physical fight, both where under the influence of alcohol and drugs. At least one individual in the crowd held a machete. |
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[https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=66949] |
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==Flora== |
==Flora== |
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Revision as of 00:27, 31 August 2007
 | The neutrality of this article is disputed. |
Managua | |
|---|---|
| File:Carretera a Masaya.jpg | |
| Nickname(s): | |
| Country | Nicaragua |
| Department | Managua |
| Municipality | Managua |
| Founded | 1819 |
| Seat of the Government | 1852 |
| Capital of the Nation | 1852[2] |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Dionisio Marenco |
| • Vice Mayor | Alexis Argüello |
| Area | |
| • City | 544 km2 (210 sq mi) |
| • Urban | 173.7 km2 (67.1 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • City | 1,680,100 |
| • Density | 2,537/km2 (6,570/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTCGMT-6 |
| Website | http://www.managua.gob.ni/ |
Managua is the capital city of Nicaragua as well as the department and municipality by the same name. It is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Managua. The city was declared the national capital in 1852.[2] Previously, the capital had alternated between the cities of León and Granada. The city has a population of about 1,680,100 composed predominantly of Spanish-speaking creoles and mestizos.
Founded in 1819 and given the name of Leal Villa de Santiago de Managua, the city began life as a rural fishing village.[3] Efforts to make Managua the capital of Nicaragua began in 1824, soon after the Central American nations became independent from Spain. Managua's location between the rival cities of León and Granada made it an ideal compromise site.
The city has been witness to the rise and fall of political powers throughout Nicaragua's history, and has suffered two devastating earthquakes over the course of the 20th century.
Etymology
The name Managua originates from Mana-ahuac, which in the indigenous Nahuatl language translates to "adjacent to the water" or site "surrounded by water".[2] The city stands today on an area historically inhabited by Indigenous people centuries prior to the Spanish conquest of Central America in the 16th century.
History
Nicaragua was inhabited by Paleo-Indians as far back as 6000 years ago.[4] This is confirmed by the ancient footprints of Acahualinca found along the shores of Lake Managua, along with other archaeological evidence, mainly in the form of ceramics and statues made of volcanic stone like the ones found on the island of Zapatera and petroglyphs found in Ometepe island.
It was not until 1857 after Granada was destroyed by a U.S. mercenary army led by William Walker, that the capital was firmly established in Managua. Between 1852 and 1930 Managua underwent extensive urbanization; becoming a base of governance, infrastructure and services.[2] The city was hampered by major floods in 1876 and 1885 and a disastrous earthquake in 1931, which destroyed much of the city. Under the rule of dictator Anastasio Somoza García and his family (1936–1979), it began to grow rapidly. New government buildings were erected, industry developed, and universities were established; Managua had become Central America's most developed city. However, the city suffered a second major earthquake on December 23, 1972, which destroyed 90% of the city and killed over 10,000 people.[5] The city was cleared, however it never returned to its previous state. The earthquake caused many of Managua's residents to find refuge in the outskirts of the city, and for fear of future earthquakes the centre of the city was never entirely rebuilt.
Geography
Managua is located on the southern shores of Lake Managua (also known as Lake Xolotlán). Lake Xolotlán contains the same fish species as Lake Cocibolca, except for the freshwater sharks found exclusively in the latter. Once a Managuan scenic highlight, the lake has been polluted from the dumping of chemical and waste water since 1927. A waste water treatment plant funded by the German government to decontaminate the lake is expected to be the largest in Central America and will be completed in 2008.[6]
Managua extends about 30 km (18 mi) along Lake Managua at an altitude of 55 metres (165 ft) above sea level, gaining altitude towards the sierras de Managua where it is over 970 metres (2910 ft) above sea level.
Lagoons within city limits
Managua features four smaller lagoons within the city limits. The most centrally located is the Tiscapa Lagoon located in the Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve. The Laguna de Tiscapa (Tiscapa Lagoon), south of the old downtown. Tiscapa Lagoon is of volcanic origin and was formed approximately 10,000 years ago. Asososca lagoon, to the west, is Managua's most important source of drinking water. Asososca is located at the beginning of Carretera al Sur (Southern Highway), close to the connection with the Carretera Nueva a León (New Highway Via León). Nejapa lagoon, south of the Asososca lagoon, is also along the Southern Highway. The fourth lagoon is Acahualinca lagoon, which is located to the Northwest. This lagoon, which gives its name to a nearby district to the east, is located on the shores of Lake Managua. This lagoon is mostly noted for having shallow waters.
Climate
Managua, like much of Western Nicaragua except for the Sierras, has a tropical climate with constant temperatures averaging between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius (82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The months of December and January are chilly, whereas March and April are humid and somewhat arid.
Crime
The Regional Security Office U.S. Embassy in Managua reported the following:
Crime rates in Nicaragua are going sky high and have increased steadily over the past few years. Managua in particular is extremely dangerous, street crime is common and economically driven violent crime is on the rise due to the countries extreme poverty and lack of jobs. During March and April of this year 2007 the following incidents occurred. [2] Hotel Robberies
On March 29, an American couple that was visiting the city of Granada where robbed at gunpoint in their rental home. A few days before to the incident the couple contacted the management about a missing light in the unit. At approximately 11:30 a.m. on the day of the robbery, a Nicaraguan male in his late 20s (suspect) was at the front gate of the property stating that he was there to fix the light. The victim walked the individual inside, where they inspected the light. The victim then began to walk the suspect outside so he could get his tools. As they got near the front door, the suspect stopped and displayed what the victim described was a .25 caliber or similar to the type automatic pistol and demanded money. The suspect took the victim’s wallet, extracted all of the currency and then, at the victims request his wallet was returned holding only his identification, The suspect then departed the area on foot. [3]
On April 4, 17 members of a U.S. missionary group were robbed at gunpoint while having dinner at their hotel in Managua. The group was given housing at a locally-owned hotel located in a transitional area not typically frequented by tourists. Four Nicaraguan males, including two armed with handguns, entered the dining room and took the group’s cell phones and all their money. Two of the suspects then escorted members of the group to their hotel rooms where they stole their digital cameras, additional cash and iPods. The robbery lasted around one hour, during which a hotel employee was able to flee and call the Nicaraguan National Police (NNP). The Nicaraguan National Police did not arrive, however, until after the suspects had departed. None of the victims were hurt. [4]
The Regional Security Office U.S. Embassy in Managua strongly recommends all visitors to Nicaragua utilize hotels and guest houses that have a front desk or concierge that is staffed 24 hours a day; full-time uniformed security; access control precautions; a fenced perimeter and a well lit and patrolled parking area; and rooms equipped with safes for valuables and travel documents. [5] Vehicular Break-Ins
In the early afternoon on April 21, a vehicle belonging to an American organization was broken into at a gas station in Managua. The vehicle had stopped at a gas station on Carretera Sur (South Highway), approximately two miles from U.S. Embassy Managua. When leaving the vehicle to make purchases in the station store, a young Nicaraguan male approached the driver and offered to watch the vehicle for money. This offer was accepted and the vehicle's occupants entered the gas station. When leaving the station, they found that the individual who had offered to watch the car was gone and that the rear passenger door window had been broken. A briefcase containing files and identification documents was also missing from the rear seat. The individual who had offered to watch the car returned to the scene. The NNP took him in for investigative purposes but were unable to confirm his direct involvement in the burglary. [6]
The Regional Security Office U.S. Embassy Managua recommends that travelers do not leave valuables where they can be seen in parked vehicles and, when possible, park in a location where the vehicle can be monitored or where they have cameras.
Estancia de Santo Domingo
Shortly after sunrise on April 5, a local resident was walking by themselves in Estancia de Santo Domingo, an affluent residential neighborhood in Managua where many expatriates reside, when he was assaulted from behind by two subjects. One of the assailants was holding a gun to the victim’s head and the other told him not to turn around while they took his money and belongings. Before releasing the victim, the assailants told him to walk forward and not to turn around or they would kill him. He complied and walked as instructed for five minutes until he encountered an embassy security patrol vehicle in the area. The incident took place during the Semana Santa holiday, when many residents travel away from Managua on vacation. The Nicaraguan National Police detail a large number of personnel to the vacation areas at this time, reducing the police presence in the city. [7]
On April 22 at approximately 12:30 a.m., an American was returning to his residence in Estancia de Santo Domingo. As he entered the neighborhood, he observed a group of approximately 25 teenagers in the street. The crowd was gathered around two Nicaraguan males engaged in a physical fight, both where under the influence of alcohol and drugs. At least one individual in the crowd held a machete. [8]
Flora
Managua, due to its tropical climate, varied topography, naturally fertile soils, and abundant rain and water sources, boasts a great variety of flora. Therefore, many different types of trees (some of them not found in the rest of the world, such as chilamates, ceibos, pochotes, genizaros, tiguilotes, royal palms, pinuelas and the madroño, which is Nicaragua's national tree) surround the city. During the rainy season (May to November), Managua becomes a lavish city due to many palms, bushes, and other plants and trees which dominate much of the city’s image.[7]
Education
Managua is the national education center, with most of universities and higher education institutions based there. Nicaragua's higher education consists of 48 universities and 113 colleges and technical institutes which serve student in the areas of electronics, computer systems and sciences, agroforestry, construction and trade-related services.[8] The educational system includes 1 U.S. accredited English-language university, 3 Bilingual university programs, 5 Bilingual secondary schools and dozens of English Language Institutes. In 2005, almost 400,000 (7%) of Nicaraguans held a university degree.[9] 18% of Nicaragua's total budget is invested in primary, secondary and higher education. University level institutions account for 6% of 18%.
Colleges and universities
National Autonomous University of Nicaragua
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN) (English:National Autonomous University of Nicaragua) is the principal state-funded public university of Nicaragua. UNAN was established in 1812 and its main campus is located in Managua. The original campus, UNAN-Leon, is located in León and is now secondary, mainly used for medicine majors.
Polytechnic University of Nicaragua
The Polytechnic University of Nicaragua (UPOLI) (Spanish: Universidad Politecnica de Nicaragua) is a university located in Managua, Nicaragua. It was founded in 1967. The university is divided into 6 schools: School of Administration, Commerce and Finance, School of Law, School of Design, School of Nursing, School of Engineering, Music Conservatory.
Instituto Centroamericano de Administracion de Empresas
Instituto Centroamericano de Administracion de Empresas (INCAE) (English: Central American Institute of Business Administration) is a private business school. INCAE was founded in 1964 with the support of the United States government and other Central American countries [10]. The institution has a close affiliation with Harvard University, as it had played a part in its foundation. The Francisco de Sola campus in Managua, Nicaragua was the first to be established (1964), the Walter Kissling Gam campus in Alajuela, Costa Rica was the second established in 1984.
According to a study done by America Economia INCAE ranked as the number one business school in Latin America for 2 consecutive years (2004, 2005)[11] and ranked in the top ten international business schools by The Wall Street Journal in 2006.[12]
Other universities
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Economy
Managua is the economic center and a generator of services for the majority of the nation. Unlike many other Latin American countries, it does not suffer from massive migration of country peasants looking for work in the city, since many other cities of Nicaragua have well established economic industries. Nonetheless, as it is the only city with a population exceeding one million inhabitants, it houses many large national and international businesses. It is home to many factories which produce diverse products.[13] Multinational companies such as Wal-Mart, Telefonica, Union Fenosa, and Parmalat have offices and operations in Managua.
Managua is also home to all of the major banks of the nation, Banco de la Produccion (BANPRO), Banco de America Central (BAC), Banco Uno, Banco de Finanzas (BDF), Banco de Crédito Centroamericano (BANCENTRO) and its parent company the LAFISE Group. Several new hotels including Crowne Plaza, Best Western, InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Hilton currently have facilities in Managua.[14] As well as many hotels, Managua has opened four western style shopping centers or malls, such as Plaza Inter, Centro Comercial Metrocentro, Galerias Santo Domingo, and Multicentro Las Americas with many more being constructed.
There is a huge established local market system that caters to the majority of the Nicaraguan population. The Mercado Roberto Huembe, Mercado Oriental and other locations are where one can find anything from household amenities and to electrical and other contracting supplies. Many of the backpacking, ecotourism types and tourists on a budget use these markets for their supplies. Although one needs to use caution regarding wallets and personal items (as with many public markets around the world) the markets can be the source of high quality and unique items. Tourists looking for an authentic experience should consider these destinations as there is always something interesting to eat and local customs to be experienced.
Managua is also currently experiencing an upsurge in real estate prices and as well as a housing shortage. Foreigners, mainly from North America and Europe, are becoming interested in considering post-retirement life in Nicaragua. The capital is also a need for modern office space in downtown Managua as the economy of Managua continues to grow. Economists predict that its demand for commercial real estate will increase. New office buildings are currently being constructed along the Carretera Masaya and in Villa Fontana. The most recent inauguration being the Edificio Invercasa.
Sites of interest
Plaza de la Revolución
Plaza de la Revolución (Plaza of the Revolution), which was formerly known as Plaza de la República (Plaza of the Republic) is home to Managua's Historical Center. Managua's Center was destroyed by the 1972 earthquake. Managua, to date, has not rebuilt its center. The now Historical Center is located near the Lago de Managua and many building are partially intact, however, some are now abandoned. Some of the more important buildings which managed to survive include the Catedral de Santiago (Old Cathedral), the Rubén Dario National Theater, and the National Palace of Culture.[15] Withing the Plaza of the Revolution is the Parque Central (Central Park) which contains many historical monuments, many dedicated to inspirational people, national heroes and poets. Some of these include the Tomb of Comandante Carlos Fonseca, founder of the FSLN, which is guarded by an eternal flame. Near Central Park is the Rubén Darío park, dedicated to Nicaragua's national poet. There is also a park dedicated to the Guatemalan writer Miguel Ángel Asturias. Monuments include the monument of El Guerrillero sin Nombre (The Nameless Guerrilla Soldier) and Monumento a la Paz (Monument for Peace).[16]
Old Cathedral of Managua
The old Cathedral of Managua was designed in, and shipped from Belgium in 1920.[17] The cathedral survived the 1931 earthquake but was extremely damaged due to the 1972 earthquake and was condemned, which led to the construction of the new cathedral of Managua, the newest constructed Roman Catholic cathedral. However, in recent years, the restoration of the old cathedral has appeared to be possible and is currently awaiting its renovation.
Rubén Dario National Theater
The Rubén Dario National Theater is Nicaragua's most important theater, and is one of the most modern theaters in Central America. Both national and international artists present shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural performances such as El Güegüense among many others. The National Theater is one of the few buildings that survived the 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of Managua.[18]
National Palace of Culture
The National Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in Nicaragua. It was built by President Juan Bautista Sacasa in 1935 and it houses plenty of history. For more than 50 years, the National Palace was used as governmental office and now serves several purposes. The National Palace houses the National Archive, the National Library, as well as the National Museum which is open to the public. The museum features paintings, pre-Columbian statues, ceramics, etc. Also present inside is the National History room, as well as a room with the National Symbols. The National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura) was one of few building that survived the 1972 earthquake.[19]
Tiscapa Lagoon (Natural Reserve)
The Tiscapa Lagoon, located inside the Tiscapa Lagoon Natural Reserve is just south of the Managua's Historical Center. Leading up to the Lagoon is the Monumento Roosevelt (Roosevelt Monument). Another interesting monument is the statue of Sandino which is a statue of the Silhouette of General Augusto C. Sandino, Nicaragua's national hero and stands at 59 feet tall.[20] The monument was proposed by Ernesto Cardenal and is protected by the Nicaraguan military. The Sandino monument was constructed on top of the wreckage of Somoza's presidential mansion. Also on the crater lip of Tiscapa is the Las Masmorras, a prison in which Somoza tortured current President Daniel Ortega and many other political prisoners, however, this site is closed to the public.[16]
The reserve is located within city limits of the capital, Managua, and is a popular tourist attraction. Restaurants and stores line the walls of the lagoon. Canopy rides provide a panoramic view of the old downtown where only a few buildings survived the 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of the capital city,[21] however, many new buildings and shopping malls have been built since then throughout the city due to the lack of a new center.[22] Many pre-Columbian artifacts have been found in and around lagoon and reserve.[23]
Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library
The Dr. Roberto Incer Barquero Library, located in Managua, is designated to promote Nicaraguan culture. The library has 67,000 books, free internet, a newspaper archive where users can borrow newspapers and magazines, and economical information of the Central Bank. Furthermore, the library offers a gallery in the same building, where famous Nicaraguan paintings, as well as pieces from new promising artists, are exhibited. In the numismatic hall there is a permanent exhibition of Nicaraguan coins, bills, and memorial medals from throughout Nicaragua's history.[24]
Museum of Acahualinca
Managua is also home to the Museum of Acahualinca where Ancient footprints of Acahualinca - fossilized Paleo-Indian footprints made 6000 years ago are engraved in volcanic ash. The museum "Museo Sitio Huellas de Acahualinca" is located in the west of Managua in the Acahualinca neighborhood. In addition to the footprints, the museum displays a small collection of pottery and other archeological objects.
Dennis Martínez National Stadium
The Dennis Martínez National Stadium was built in 1948 and was the largest stadium in Central America at the end of its construction, it survived the 1972 earthquake. The stadium was named in honor of Nicaragua first baseball player to play in Major League Baseball , it serves as a venue for baseball and football (soccer) games, as well as concerts and religious events. The Dennis Martínez National Stadium has a capacity for 40,000 making it the largest stadium in Nicaragua.[25]
La Nueva Catedral
La Nueva Catedral (The New Cathedral)
Culture
Managua is Nicaragua's cultural capital, boasting several restaurants, theaters, museums, and luxurious shopping centers.[26] The city is also home to many communities of immigrants and ex-pats from but not limited to: Taiwan, China, Germany, the United States, Palestine, and Latin American countries.
Managua is home to the annual Miss Nicaragua pageant, it is the national beauty pageant of Nicaragua. The pageant is traditionally held at the Rubén Darío National Theater and has been held since 1955. The Miss Nicaragua pageant is responsible for selecting the country's representatives to the Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International pageants (amongst others).
Gastronomy
Managua has an important gastronomical culture, due to the influence of immigrants, for that reason it is frequent to find food specialties of the diverse regions of Nicaragua, jointly with international ones. Managua enjoys an array of international cuisine,[27] including, but not limited to, Argentine, Brazilian, Chinese, French, German, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Spanish restaurants, as well as Nicaraguan. These are accompanied by most of the well-known U.S. fast food chains, as well as national fast food chains such as Tip-Top and Rosti-Pollo.
Festivals
Carnaval is celebrated in Managua for 2 days, it is called "Alegria por la Vida" (Happiness for Life) and features a different slogan every year. The Carnaval is celebrated with parades, floats, live music, food and dancing as well as the march of the Carnival Queen.[28]
Managua's most famous festival is that of its patron saint Santo Domingo de Guzmán. On the morning of the first of August the "Bajada del Santo" takes place. This involves taking the old statue of Santo Domingo from the church in Las Sierritas to the church located less than one kilometer from the old center of the city. Here it stays until the morning of the tenth, when the "Subida del Santo" takes place, during which the statue is brought back. Thousands of religious people attend this event (to thank the saint for miracles), dancing on the beat of musical bands and some of them dressed in typical costume, with Indian masks or with a painted body. These celebrations take place in the afternoon, and it is also a very crowded happening. Horse breeders and owners parade with their best horses during the horse parade.
Museums, libraries and cultural centers
The National library holds a great amount of volumes, and affords abundant bibliographic information for anyone interested in the discovery and independence of Nicaragua. The National Palace of Culture has on show an interesting exhibition of Nicaraguan art from the periods previous to its independence. Also located inside the National Palace of Culture is the National Museum containing some highly interesting archaeological finds with some good examples of pre-Columbian pottery, statues, and other interesting finds. Managua is also home to an array of art galleries which feature pieces by both national and international artists.
Managua is home to many types of museums, some art museums include the Julio Cortazar Museum and the Archivo Fílmico de la Cinemateca Nacional. Natural history museums include the Museo del Departamento de Malacología UCA, Museo Gemológico de la Concha y el Caracol, and Museo Paleontológico “El Hato”. The Santo Domingo de Guzmán Museum is an anthropology museum. History museums include the Museo de la Revolución, Museo Casa Hacienda San Jacinto, Museo Histórico Municipal de Coritno, and Museo Parque Loma de Tiscapa.
Cultural centers in Managua include the Centro Cultural Nicaragüense Norteamericano (CCNN) (Nicaraguan-North American Culture Center) and the Centro Cultural Chino Nicaragüense (Chinese Nicaraguan Culture Center).
Entertainment
Managua features many bars, nightclubs, casinos, theaters and cinemas. Compared to western prices, alcoholic beverages, theatre visits and cinema tickets are relatively cheap.[7] There are cinemas in all major shopping centers; screening both English- and Spanish-language films. Foreign embassies in Managua also sponsor film festivals.
Beginning in the late 1990s and early 2000, casinos have also become a somewhat popular attraction for wealthier Nicaraguans and foreign visitors. These casinos have created some controversy. Popular music includes the Palo de Mayo, Merengue, and Latin pop among other latin music genres, as well as American pop and rock. Salsa dancing is a national pastime. Nightclubs and bars are abound in Managua, particularly, in the popular areas called "Zona Hippos" behind the Hilton hotel near Metrocentro and "Zona Rosa".
Aside from these activities, Managua also has a wide selection to offer in luxurious shopping malls, boutiques and department stores as well as local markets.[7] The Mercado Roberto Huembes is where shoppers can find everything from furniture, national arts and crafts, to fruits and vegetables, and clothing. Also there are several shopping centers with department stores such as ECLIPSE, CARRION, and SIMAN which house all major Australian, American and European clothing and cosmetic brands for both men and women. Pali, La Union, and La Colonia are conventional supermarkets, which are located in several areas of the city, and sell local and imported ingredients from all over the world.
Sports
The national sport of Nicaragua is baseball and is by far the most popular of all sports. This is followed by soccer (or football as it is called in Nicaragua) with boxing not far behind. The Dennis Martínez National Stadium is home to many baseball games of Managua's Boer team. At the time of its construction in the late 1960s, it was the most modern stadium in Central America. It hosted the Baseball World Cup in 1994. The first ever national football stadium in Managua is currently under construction.[29] Baseball was first introduced to Nicaragua in 1888 in Bluefields, baseball didn't catch on in the Pacific coast until 1891 when a group of mostly students originating from universities of the United States formed "La Sociedad de Recreo" (Society of Recreation) where they played various sports, however, baseball was the most popular among them.[30]
Crime
Nicaragua has been rated the safest country in Central America by various sources. Statistics and surverys by INTERPOL, the United Nations, INCAE, the Inter-American Human Rights Institute and the Police Forces in the Americas show that statistically, Nicaragua has the lowest crime rate in Central America and one of the lowest in Latin America.[31][32][33] Managua has also been rated the safest capital in the region,[34] however, the majority of the crime that occurs in the country is centered in Managua. Managua experienced a growth of 23.2% in crime in 2005, although the it is the safest capital in the region, crime rates for the city have been rising. In Managua, the most common type of crime is petty theft and street crime.[35] Neither Nicaragua or the city of Managua have major gang problems, in comparison to its neighbors. The estimated number of gang members was estimated at 4,500 throughout the country, lower than all of its Northern neighbors (excluding Belize).[36]
Infrastructure & communication
In Managua, a water treatment plant is being constructed to clean Lake Managua. With the support of the German government in funding the project, the water treatment plant should be completed by mid 2008 and should show definite results by 2010. After the water treatment plant is built, it will be the largest in Central America.[6] Also pending is a mega-project to reconstruct the old center of Managua, and to introduce a monorail system, to alleviate future transportation problems in Managua.[37] Both of these projects will revitalize the old center of Managua and boost tourism, commerce, infrastructure and economic development.
Managua is the home of most national broadcasting television channels as well as the major national newspapers. The largest television channel is followed by Canal 2, Telenica, Canal 10, 100% Noticias, and several others. La Prensa is a newspaper with offices based in Managua along with El Nuevo Diario and other smaller newspapers. There are numerous radio stations in Managua, some of which tend to have political, social, or religious affiliations.
Managua also has many public hospitals (which specialize in certain types of care, maternity, children, skin care etc.) as well some private hospitals. The newest of all hospitals is the private Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas located at km 10, Carretera Masaya. It has a private ambulance service as well. It is the noted as one of the best hospitals in all Central America, with the latest in modern medical equipment and facilities. Very fast emergency service at a cost materially less than the U.S. (example: emergency consultation is typically US$25 and a private room is U.S. $98 a day). Other private hospitals (private hospitals are the only type recommended for tourists vs. the free public system) are Hospital Bautista (Baptist Hospital), and Hospital Militar which is a military hospital but which takes private patients.
Transportation
Transportation-wise, Managua is one of Nicaragua's best positioned cities. All of Nicaragua's main roads lead to Managua, and there are good public transportation connections to and from the capital. There are four main highways that lead into Managua. The Pan-American Highway enters the city from the north, connecting Managua to Nicaragua's northern and central departments. This highway is referred to as the Northern Highway. The Southern Highway, the southern part of the Pan-American highway, connects Managua to southern departments such as Carazo and Rivas. The Carretera Masaya connects Managua to the departments of Masaya and Granada. And the New Highway to León connects Managua with León. All of these highways are in good condition, with little traffic congestion. Infrastructure is very-well developed in Nicaragua compared to other Central American countries and there are few unnavigable roads or streets. There are very few towns or cities that have road leading to them that do not have different levels of public transportation. In fact, most buses are continually full even in the smallest of villages.
Within Managua, those who commute to and from work generally travel by bus or taxi; as of yet there are no suburban trains, trams or monorails in Managua. Recently, with the assistance of the Japanese government, Managua has commenced operating new modern Mercedes-Benz buses on several bus routes with the intention of modernizing the city's transport system.[38] Typical Nicaraguan buses are older school buses from the United States. Additionally some buses are painted with religious artwork of Catholic saints. Managua has several bus terminals for inter-departmental travel, most of them located close to markets. Buses that arrive from or depart to a certain destination can often only be found at one specific terminal. Travelers who pass through Managua on their way from one city to another might need to transfer to another terminal within Managua. Nicaragua had an extensive and functional rail system. It fell into disrepair during the 1980s and the Chamorro government closed the system and sold the cars and rails for scrap.
The Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (formally Managua International Airport) is the largest and only international airport of Nicaragua. It recently inaugurated its over US$52 million extensions and renovation partly financed by Spain.[39] The airport has now been converted into the most modern air terminal of Central America. In Nicaragua, it is the most important hub for connections at both domestic and international levels. Frequent flights to local destinations like Bluefields, Corn Islands and San Carlos, Nicaragua also depart from this same location. The airport is located at the northern highway, about 11 kilometers (8 miles) east of the city's downtown. Hotels, restaurants, and commercial centers can all be easily reached from the airport by car, taxi, or bus. There are a total of 10 airlines that operate flights to and from the airport. A setback occurred when Air Madrid filed for bankruptcy, ending the possibility of transatlantic flights to the Spanish capital; the company has also shown interest in building a hangar for regional maintenance of its aircraft and those of other airlines.[40]
Sister Cities
Managua has nineteen sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI):
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| Columns | "div col" | Yes | Yes | {{div col}} | – | {{div col end}} |
| "columns-list" | No | Yes | {{columns-list}} (wraps div col) | – | – | |
| Flexbox | "flex columns" | No | Yes | {{flex columns}} | – | – |
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