Nicaragua is a unitary republic. For administrative purposes it is divided into 15 departments (provinces) and two self-governing regions (autonomous communities) based on the Spanish model:
(Department capitals in parenthesis)
- Boaco (Boaco )
- Carazo (San Marcos)
- Chinandega (Corinto)
- Chontales (Juigalpa )
- Estelí (Estelí)
- Granada (Granada, founded 1524)
- Jinotega (Jinotega)
- León (León, founded 1522)
- Madriz (Somoto )
- Managua (Managua, DN; also National Capital)
- Masaya (Masaya)
- Matagalpa (Matagalpa )
- Nueva Segovia (Ocotal)
- Rivas (Rivas)
- Río San Juan (San Carlos )
- Zelaya (See below)
In 1986, the new constitution established the Charter of Autonomy (limited self-government) for the former department of Zelaya, comprising the entire eastern half of the country. The department was divided into two autonomous regions (communities). The Charter of Autonomy is largely based on the model used by Spain. The communities are governed by a Governor and a Regional Council. Defense, etc. is the responsibility of the Central Government in Managua.
- Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte (Puerto Cabezas )
- Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur (Bluefields)
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