Nicaragua is one of the most stable countries in Latin America. Politically, it is dominated by the Somoza family, but the Partners policy is non-involvement in internal politics. While we receive little direct aid from the Nicaraguan government, we are encouraged and helped actively by leaders and individuals within Nicaragua. The greatest help was the time and dedication of the late Dr. José Antonio Cantón, former Executive Director of the Nicaragua/Wisconsin Compañeros de las Américas, Inc. and a high official in the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health. As director of the government's chain of medical clinics in towns and cities throughout the country, he had friends in every corner of the country to help us. One of the great rewards of our work was our association with José.
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Geographically, Nicaragua is about the same size as Wisconsin but has one half as many people. The country is divided north and south by a mountain range. The more highly developed west coast along the Pacific Ocean is rather dry and arid, much like Mexico. The people there include Spanish speaking whites, Indians, and blacks. The east coast, accessible only by air, mule path, and a road/river route, is low and tropical with rainfull up to two hundred inches per year. The people are white, Mesquito Indian, black, and mixed. They are universally friendly, intelligent, and cooperative. Unlike the west coast population, most speak some English. Off of the east coast are two charming and unspoiled tropical islands, Big and Little Corn.
