Juigalpa, Chontales

Juigalpa (Spanish pronunciation: [xwiˈɣalpa]) is the capital city of the Chontales Department of Nicaragua. It is located within the municipality of Juigalpa, approximately 140 km east of Managua on Carretera Rama, in the central region of Nicaragua.

Juigalpa has a population of 71,320 people (surrounding areas included) and extends for 1,037 km², with a population density of 50 /km² (La Prensa 2002).

History

In 1659, mayor Jeronimo Villegas requested land from a Spanish government representative, Sebastian Alvarez, for the foundation of a town. This request was granted on April 24, 1668. On June 11, 1877, Juigalpa was declared the department capital for the second and last time after a 19 year dispute with Acoyapa. Juigalpa was elevated to the status of a city on January 27, 1879. The name Juigalpa means “land abundant of jicaro,” and “origin of black snails” in an Indian tongue. The city was used as a stop-over point for miners and farmers from the surrounding area.