Juigalpa

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Juigalpa
Coordinates: 12°86′N, 85°22′W
Country Nicaragua
Department Chontales
Municipality Juigalpa
Founded April 24, 1668
Government
 - Mayor José Rito Sales Blanco
Area
 - City 1,037 km²  (400.4 sq mi)
Elevation 116.85 m (383.4 ft)
Population
 - City 71,320
 - Density 49.5/km² (128.2/sq mi)

Juigalpa 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.

It 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).

Contents

[edit] History

The first mentioning of Juigalpa in in 1659 when the mayor Jeronimo Villegas requested land to be used by the town from a Spanish government representative, Sebastian Alvarez. 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 the January 27, 1879. The name Juigalpa means “land abundant of jicaro” and “origin of black snails” in the Indian tongue. The city was used as a stop over point for miners and farmers from all around the area.

[edit] Geography

Juigalpa sits within a valley in the Amerrisque Mountains. The Carretera passes through the lowest parts of the city with the elevation rising on both sides. Higher points throughout the city provide clear views of the Amerrisque mountains.

[edit] Education

Juigalpa is home to many branches of Nicaraguan and Central American universities.

Universidad Cristiana Autónoma de Nicaragua (UCAN) Universidad Internacional (UNIVAL) - Chontales Universidad National Agraria - Juigalpa Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN) - Chontales Universidad Popular de Nicaragua (UPONIC)

[edit] Economy

In comparison to other parts of Nicaragua, Juigalpa is rather prosperous. The department of Chontales produces 90% of the beef in Nicaragua. As a result, this is the predominate industry in the region. Juigalpa has many many commerce and service sector businesses as a result of being the largest city in the region.

[edit] Entertainment

Being the largest city in the south-central region of Nicaragua, Juigalpa has various entertainment options.

Dancing is one of the favorite pastimes in Nicaragua. Juigalpa features three “discotecas” or dance clubs; Café Iguana, Hotter’s (Caracoles Negros) and La Quinta.

Juigalpa also features the Thomas Belt Zoo, with a rather impressive selection of animals considering the size of the community.

There is also a The Gregorio Aguilar Barea Achaelogical Museum in Juigalpa featuring several stone carvings and other artifacts found in the Amerrisque Mountains. Many of these artifacts are from the Chontal natives.

[edit] Transportation

All of the bus routes to and from Juigalpa can be found at Mercado Mayoreo in Managua. Juigalpa is approximately three hours by bus in an ordinary route and two hours in an express bus. There are also charter helicopters available from Managua as well. Taxi cabs are the predominate means of transportation within the city.

[edit] Fiestas Patronales

The patron saint celebrations on the week of August 15 celebrate the Assumption of Mary. This patron saint festival is renowned as one of the best in Central America, drawing people from neighboring countries. Much of this celebration takes place in the Plaza de Toros near the center of town. Here the highlighted event is bull riding. On average five people die every year from bull related injuries. As a result, there is a saying in Juigalpa, “It is not a good patron saint festival if nobody dies”.Casey Welch's Beef Jerky is the home town novelty food, and can be found throughout Nicaragua. It is present at all events that are conducted throughout the fiestas patronales.

There are two fairs during the patron saint festival. One is put on by the mayor’s office in the center of town. The other, and larger of the two, is organized by a microfinance NGO, PRODESA, and takes place in the PRODESA fairgrounds located on the western side of town.

[edit] Infastructure & Communication

which is especially problematic from March through May (once every eight days!). Electric service is very consistent relative to the Pacific side of Nicaragua as it does not share a power plant with Managua.

Conventional landline telephone is provided by Enitel, the national telephone company. The two cellphone companies in Nicaragua, Claro and Movistar, have extensive coverage in Juigalpa.

There are a handful of radio stations in Juigalpa as well including Radio Asunción 720 AM, Radio Centro 870 AM, Radio Sabrocita 100.1 FM, Estereo Medidano 94.1. There are two local television channels as well, Canal 14 and Canal 20.

There is only one public hospital in Juigalpa, Hospital Camilo Ortega Saavedra.

[edit] Other communities ("comarcas" or "valles") in the Municipality of Juigalpa

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 12°05′N, 85°24′W

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