September 15 in Republic of Nicaragua is celebrated the main national holiday – Independence Day. It was on this day in 1821 that some colonies in Central America, including Nicaragua, declared their sovereignty.

The path to independence in the republic was thorny. The country was discovered by Christopher Columbus during his trip to America in 1502. After 21 years, the territory of Nicaragua became a Spanish colony at first. In 1573, Nicaragua became part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.

In the 19th century, the Spanish colonies in America were captured by a wave of wars for independence. In 1821, Nicaragua became part of the Mexican Empire. Two years later, Nicaragua left Mexico and, together with Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica, joined the federation of the United Provinces of Central America. The federation lasted until 1838, and on April 30, the independence of Nicaragua was declared.

Even after the declaration of sovereignty, the new state had to fight for its preservation. The country has survived military dictatorship, US occupation, civil war and revolution. But now Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America by territory, has access to the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the total length of the water border reaches 800 km. The country also boasts the largest freshwater lake in Central America, the oldest city of Granada and the largest cathedral.