Linguistic map of La Mosquitia
The Miskito people are an indigenous group that primarily inhabit the northeastern Caribbean coastal region of Nicaragua and Honduras. Miskito is also known as misquito, mosquito, moskito, moskitia, mosquitia. moskitia, misquitia.
- The Miskito region is located along the Mosquito (Moskitia or Mosquitia) Coast, an area that stretches from northeastern Nicaragua to eastern Honduras, and have inhabited this region for centuries, with evidence of settlements dating back to the 16th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Miskito formed alliances with the British, who recognized the Miskito Kingdom as a protectorate. After Nicaragua gained independence in 1821, the Miskito region remained under British influence until 1860, when it was ceded to Nicaragua.
- The Miskito language is part of the Misumalpan language family and is the primary language spoken by the Miskito people. Traditional Miskito culture places a strong emphasis on fishing, hunting, and agriculture, with communities often organized around extended family groups. Today, the Miskito population in Nicaragua and Honduras is estimated to be around 200,000 people.
Overall, the Miskito people represent an important indigenous group in the Caribbean coastal region, with a rich history and distinct cultural identity that continues to shape the region's social and political landscape.