Provides the reader with a history of the ways in which key political and economic factors have contributed to the creation of the modern nation. Includes up-to-date, concise, and analytical history of the Central American nation. Topics include the agro export model of economic development, modern Nicaraguan nationalism, the Sandinista revolution and its legacy, and the democratic transition that began in 1990.

Timeline of historical events -- Nicaragua and its people -- Pre-colonial, colonial, and early independence years (4000 BC-1856) -- The coffee boom, Zelaya, and United States intervention (1856-1925) -- Sandino and the rise of the Somoza dynasty (1925-1959) -- The Sandinistas and the fall of the Somoza dynasty (1959-1979) -- The revolutionary years (1979-1990) -- Defying the odds : the road to democracy (1990-present) -- Notable people in the history of Nicaragua.