In Focus Nicaragua a Guide to the People, Politics and Culture

by Caistor, Nick

• ISBN13: 9781566564380
• ISBN10: 1566564387
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-12-01
• Publisher: Interlink Pub Group Inc

Summary

Famed for its spectacular landscapes that range from glaciers to deserts, Chile is also home to a vibrant cultural life, exemplified by writers such as Pablo Neruda and Ariel Dorfman. Music, cinema, and handicrafts reflect the country's artistic diversity as well as its mixed ethnic traditions. Chile in Focus is an authoritative and up-to-date guide to Latin America's "success story." It explores the land and people, history and politics, society and culture, the economy, and includes the author's expert tips on must-see landmarks and historical sites.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Eye of the Storm	4	(3)
History: Tyranny and Revolution	7	(18)
Independence and American Intervention	10	(4)
The Somoza Dictatorship	14	(5)
The Revolution at War	19	(3)
The Peace Process	22	(3)
Politics: Revolution in Reverse	25	(18)
The Sandinistas Divide	27	(6)
Nicaragua's Strongman: Arnoldo Aleman	33	(2)
Rolling Back Land Reform	35	(3)
Civil Society and NGOs	38	(5)
Economy: In Search of Recovery	43	(15)
Debt	46	(3)
Rising Cost of Living	49	(2)
Nicaraguans in Exile	51	(4)
Tourism	55	(3)
Environment: The Power of Nature	58	(15)
Hurricane Mitch	58	(3)
The Advancing Agricultural Frontier	61	(2)
El Nino	63	(1)
Logging	64	(7)
Cleaning Up Lake Managua	71	(2)
Society: Culture of Resistance	73	(14)
People of the Atlantic Coast	74	(2)
Separate and Different	76	(4)
Arts and Literature	80	(3)
Sport	83	(4)
Where to Go, What to See	87	(3)
Tips for Travelers	90	(2)
Addresses and Contacts	92	(1)
Further Reading and Bookstores	93	(1)
Facts and Figures	94