HISTORIC TIMELINE

1821Independence from Spain

Nicaragua gained independence from Spanish colonial rule.

1860Mosquito Coast autonomy

The Mosquito Coast became an autonomous territory of Nicaragua.

1960Territory transfer to Honduras

The northernmost part of the Mosquito Coast was transferred to Honduras.

1960sNicaraguan Revolution

A period of political upheaval and revolution against the Somoza dictatorship.

1970sContinuation of Nicaraguan Revolution

The revolution continued, significantly impacting Nicaragua's political landscape.

1980sContra War

A conflict between the Sandinista government and U.S.-backed Contra rebels.

2007Ortega's presidency begins

Daniel Ortega begins his presidency, marking changes in Nicaragua's democracy.

2018Large protests

Nationwide protests erupted against government policies and repression.

2021Authoritarian developments

The election was widely described as marking Nicaragua's transition to an authoritarian regime.