Managua

Managua is the capital and largest city of Nicaragua, and the administrative center of the Managua Department. It sits in western Nicaragua on the southwestern shore of Lake Xolotlán (also called Lago de Managua). The lake and the surrounding plains shape the city’s climate and urban development.

The city has a tropical climate with a distinct dry season (roughly November to April) and a wet season (May to October). Average daily temperatures are in the mid- to high-20s Celsius. It lies in a seismically active region, and the 1972 Managua earthquake caused extensive destruction and led to major rebuilding and urban planning efforts.

Managua’s history includes indigenous habitation before Spanish colonization and a long period of growth as the country’s political and economic center. It has served as the national capital since the mid-19th century and grew rapidly in the 20th century. The 1972 earthquake and later natural events have shaped its modern layout, with new neighborhoods and infrastructure.

Today Managua is the political, administrative, and cultural heart of Nicaragua. Its economy is dominated by services, government, education, and commerce, with several universities and cultural institutions. The city is served by Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, the main international gateway, and is connected by major roads to other parts of the country.

Cultural institutions, parks, markets, and historic neighborhoods reflect a blend of colonial heritage and modern development. Managua hosts universities, museums, theaters, and a range of urban events within its central districts.