Corn Islands Map

Description:

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Description:

Description:

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The Corn Islands (Spanish: Islas del Maíz) are two islands located approximately 70 kilometers off the eastern coast of Nicaragua in the Caribbean Sea. The archipelago consists of Big Corn Island (Isla Grande del Maíz) and Little Corn Island (Isla Pequeña del Maíz), with a total area of 12.9 square kilometers.

Big Corn Island, the larger of the two, covers about 10 square kilometers and hosts the majority of the islands' population of approximately 7,400 inhabitants. Little Corn Island, situated 15 kilometers northeast of its larger sibling, spans roughly 2.9 square kilometers. The islands were originally colonized by British settlers and their African slaves, resulting in English being widely spoken alongside Spanish. In 1894, the islands were incorporated into Nicaragua under the Harrison-Altamirano Treaty.

The islands' economy primarily relies on tourism, fishing, and lobster harvesting. Notable attractions include Long Bay, featuring pristine white sand beaches, and Sally Peachie Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The Corn Islands Marine Protected Area encompasses diverse coral reefs, offering excellent diving opportunities with visibility often exceeding 30 meters.

The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) year-round. The rainy season typically occurs from June to December, while the driest months are February through April. Transportation between the islands is provided by small boats known as "pangas," and the Big Corn Island features a small airport (Corn Island Airport) with regular flights to and from Managua.

The Facts:
Region: South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region.
Area: 5 sq mi (13 sq km).
Population: ~ 7,912 (2023 estimate).
Islands: Great Corn Island, Little Corn Island.

Barrios: Brig Bay, Quinn Hill, South End, Sally Peachie, North End, Little Corn Island.

Towns and villages: Brig Bay, Quinn Hill, Quinn Hill, Long Bay, Sally Peachie, Little Hill, Bluff Point, South End, Mount Pleasant, North End, The Village, Carib Town.