Spanish is the official language and the population is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic. Timber, gold, and seafood are also exported. The principal manufactured goods are chemicals, textiles, and processed foods. The country's economy was severely affected by a hurricane in 1998. 3 Nicaragua is a republic.
Executive power is held by the president, who is popularly elected for a five-year term.
Members of the unicameral legislature are also elected for five years. The country is divided into 15 administrative departments and two autonomous regions. Under Spanish rule Nicaragua was part of the captaincy general of Guatemala. British influence had been established along the east coast in the 17th cent. In 1851, Cornelius Vanderbilt opened a transisthmian route through Nicaragua for the gold seekers.