The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Jan Knippers Black, Jack Child, Mary W. Helms, Julian C. Heriot, Jr., and Richard L. Millet, who wrote the 1982 edition of Nicaragua: A Country Study. The present volume incorporates portions of their work.
The authors are grateful to individuals in various government agencies and private institutions who gave of their time, research materials, and expertise in the production of this book. These individuals include Ralph K. Benesch, who oversees the Country Studies--Area Handbook Program for the Department of the Army. None of these individuals, however, is in any way responsible for the work of the authors.
The authors also would like to thank those people on the staff of the Federal Research Division who contributed directly to the preparation of the manuscript. They include Sandra W. Meditz, who reviewed drafts, provided valuable advice on all aspects of production, and conducted liaison with the sponsoring agency; Marilyn L. Majeska, who managed editing and production; Andrea T. Merrill, who edited figures and tables; Barbara Edgerton and Izella Watson, who did word processing; and Stephen C. Cranton, and David P. Cabitto who prepared the camera-ready copy. In addition, thanks go to Sharon Schultz, who edited chapters; Beverly Wolpert, who performed the final prepublication editorial review; and Joan C. Cook, who compiled the index. Thanks also go to David P. Cabitto of the Federal Research Division, who provided valuable graphics support and who, along with the firm of Greenhorne and O'Mara, prepared the maps; and to Wayne Horne, who did the cover art and chapter illustrations. Finally, the authors acknowledge the generosity of the individuals and the public and private agencies who allowed their photographs to be used in this study.
Data as of December 1993