Miskito people

Miskito

Miskitu Uplica Nani
Miskito people changing a bus tire between Bilwi and Krukira, Nicaragua
Total population
700,000–800,000
Regions with significant populations
Nicaragua  Honduras
Languages
Miskito Spanish English Miskito Coast Creole
Religion
Moravianism, Roman Catholicism
Related ethnic groups
Mayangna Cacaopera Garifuna Maroons Afro-Caribbeans

The Miskitos are a native people in Central America. Their territory extends from Cape Camarón, Honduras, to Río Grande de Matagalpa, Nicaragua, along the Mosquito Coast, in the Western Caribbean zone. Their population was estimated in 2024 as 535,225, with 456,000 living in Nicaragua.^[1]

The Miskito people speak the Miskito language and Miskito Coast Creole. Most also speak other languages, such as Spanish, English, and German. Spanish is the language of education and government, but some families educate their children in English, German, or Miskito. Miskito Coast Creole, an English-based creole language, came about through frequent contact with the British for trading, as they predominated along this coast from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Many Miskitos are Christians.^[2] A 1987 peace agreement afforded them land rights over traditional lands. However, despite significant political struggles throughout their history, today the Miskito face human rights violations over land rights disputes, as recognized by the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights.^[3]