Culture & Identity of Nicaragua
Introduction
For many Nicaraguans, life works around farming and agriculture, which occupies much of their time. However, for most of the people jobs are found in the industrial and services sectors. No matter the occupation, life is about much more than work, although work tends to give people a routine and income that is much needed.
Nearly a third of the working population in Nicaragua is employed in agriculture today. For the farmers in this group life is based on the sun, seasons, and weather. During busy times this is a family affair as all the help that can be gathered is needed. Life in these more rural areas also means people live further apart and most of the people's free time is spent with family. However, local shops and churches do tend to be gathering points for the community to catch up and socialize.
Just over half the people live in the cities though and for these people life can be much different. Jobs tend to be based on a clock, not the sun, and people live much closer together as many modern amenities are more readily available, public transportation is a way of life, and schools are generally close by. However, secondary schools are difficult to get into or afford so many young people enter the work force at a very young age.