Matagalpa (Spanish pronunciation: [mataˈɣalpa]) is an administrative division and department in Nicaragua. It covers an area of 6,804 km2 (2,627 sq mi) and has a population of 613,262 in 2023. The capital and seat of the department is at Matagalpa. It is one of the country's principal coffee-producing regions.
Matagalpa
Departamento de Matagalpa | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
 | |
| Country | Nicaragua |
| Established | 1862 |
| Capital | Matagalpa |
| Area | |
• Total | 6,804 km2 (2,627 sq mi) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | |
• Total | 613,262 |
| • Density | 90.13/km2 (233.4/sq mi) |
| ISO 3166-2 | NI-MT |
Geography
editMatagalpa is one of the departments of Nicaragua. It is situated in the central part of the country and covers an area of 6,804 km2 (2,627 sq mi).[1][2] It borders the departments of Jinotega, Boaco, Managua, León, and the North and South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region.[2][3] Matagalpa is the seat of the department, and the major commercial centre in the region.[1][4] It is located along the Pan American Highway and watered by the Río Grande de Matagalpa and its tributaries.[4]
The topography of the department is generally mountainous at an average elevation of above 700 m (2,300 ft).[1][5][6] The Dariense and Isabellia mountain ranges pass through the department. There are several waterfalls including the Rio Santa Emilia and reserves including the Apante Hill nature reserve and Selva Negra.[5] The region experiences a tropical climate and significant rainfall.[6]
The department includes thirteen municipalities–Ciudad Darío, Tuma-La Dalia, Esquipulas, Matagalpa, Matiguás, Muy Muy, Rancho Grande, Río Blanco, San Dionisio, San Isidro, San Ramón, Sébaco, and Terrabona.[1][2]
Demographics and Culture
editAs per 2023 estimate, the department had a population of 613,262 inhabitants.[7] The department is an important agricultural region, particularly for the cultivation of coffee.[1][5][6]
The economy is primarily based on agriculture, especially coffee production.[4][1][5] Other agricultural produce include rice, maize, and tobacco.[4] Other economic activity include cattle rearing, gold and silver mining, leather and furniture production.[4] The department is also known for its handicrafts, and traditional markets.[5]
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Matagalpa region". Nicaragua.com. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Nicaragua: Departments and Municipalities". City Population.de. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Matagalpa department". Mineral Data. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Matagalpa". Britannica. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Matagalpa department". Via Nica. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Matagalpa department". Visit Nicaragua (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 8 October 2024.
- ↑ "Matagalpa Department". City Population.de. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
