Coffee tops the list of  Nicaragua's exports. Although politically troubled and burdened with natural disasters, Nicaragua remains a major player in the world coffee supply. Two main geographic regions in Nicaragua are of importance in regard to coffee production. The Pacific Lowlands grows some coffee at elevations around 1,000 feet. This part of the country is crossed by a chain of volcano's many of which are still active.  Nicaragua's most important coffee zone is in the Northwestern part of the country, or Central Highlands, from Matagalpa to Jinotega. Nicaragua's coffee is all arabica; Coffee in the Central Highlands is grown from 2,000 to 5,000 feet.

(For information on Nicaraguan cigars, go to the "Origins" section of the Cigar Guide.)