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Nicaragua is a unitary republic. For administrative purposes it is divided into 15 departments (''departamentos'') and two self-governing regions (autonomous communities) based on the Spanish model:

NicaraguaDepartmentsNumbered.png

Department Capital Population (2005) Area (km²) Pop. Density 1 Boaco Boaco 150,636 4177 36 2 Carazo Jinotepe 166,073 1081 154 3 Chinandega Chinandega 378,970 4822 79 4 Chontales Juigalpa 153,932 6481 24 5 Estelí Estelí 201,548 2230 90 6 Granada Granada 168,186 1040 162 7 Jinotega Jinotega 331,335 9222 36 8 León León 355,779 5138 69 9 Madriz Somoto 132,459 1708 78 10 Managua Managua 1,262,978 3465 365 11 Masaya Masaya 289,988 611 475 12 Matagalpa Matagalpa 469,172 6804 69 13 Nueva Segovia Ocotal 208,523 3491 60 14 Rivas Rivas 156,283 2162 72 15 Río San Juan San Carlos 95,596 7541 13 16 Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte Bilwi 314,130 33,106 10 17 Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur Bluefields 306,510 27,260 11

==Zelaya==
In 1986, the new constitution established the Charter of Autonomy (limited self-government) for the former department of Zelaya, comprising the entire eastern half of the country. The department was divided into two autonomous regions (communities). The Charter of Autonomy is largely based on the model used by Spain. The communities are governed by a Governor and a Regional Council. Defense, etc. is the responsibility of the Central Government in Managua.

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External links

External links

★ Instituto Nicaragüense de Fomento Municipal

★ Portal de la Región del Norte de Nicaragua