Whatever happened to Nicaragua? In the 1980s it was a byword for revolution, a bogeyman for US governments and a symbol of Latin America"s quest for new paths to development and social justice. But since the Sandinistas" electoral defeat in 1990 it has dropped out of the headlines. In the new millennium, Nicaragua continues to be buffeted by international forces, although rather than troops, the US now sends the International Monetary Fund. Nicaraguan"s daily lives are dominated by a history of poverty, one which makes them the most indebted country in the region, although they retain a vibrant civil society and a rich culture. The country has resurfaced in the international media due to the disastrous effects of Hurricane Mitch, the worst natural disaster to hit Central America this century. Yet in spite of hurricanes and earthquakes, Nicaragua is still a country of great natural beauty, with lakes and volcanoes creating a spectacular landscape. Nicaragua in Focus is an authoritative and up-to-date guide to this fascinating country. It explores the land, history and politics (including its crucial and difficult relationship with the US), economy, society and people, culture and environment, and includes tips on where to go and what to see.