nown as the "land of lakes and volcanoes," Nicaragua offers a rich cultural tradition and a geography that is graced with a climate suitable for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops and livestock. Its rivers, volcanoes, coastlines, and timber and mineral resources present impressive economic potential and, consequently, a great challenge to sound environmental management. The Nicaraguan people themselves must be considered as the country's most important national asset with an indomitable spirit and energy expressed in their language, music, poetry, and vibrant cultural traditions.   Nicaragua is a land of turbulent history and social conflict. Events of the past decades were reported widely throughout the world. Today the work of reconstruction and reconciliation under an elected government, replaces those days of revolutionary change.   With over half its population unemployed or underemployed, Nicaragua is facing many pressing developmental challenges. Severe environmental degradation and flood damage has compromised the fragile food security of many of the rural areas. Limited access to health care and health education has led to a high rate of child mortality. Rural economic development is slowed by the lack of business training and access to credit.   The Peace Corps program works to help Nicaraguans respond to these challenges and improve their quality of life through five projects: small business development, health, youth development, environment and agriculture.     -- Select a Country in This Region -- Belize Bolivia Costa Rica Ecuador El Salvador Guatemala Guyana Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Suriname     -- Select a Different Region -- Caribbean Latin America Eastern Europe and Central Asia North Africa and the Middle East Africa Asia Pacific Islands       5,100,000     1968-1979, 1991-present     204     1,323     Spanish     Sources   Read our privacy and freedom of information policies.