Jinotega () is a department of Nicaragua. Its departmental head is Jinotega. It is located in the north of the country, on the border with Honduras. The Department of Jinotega has a population of 483,404 (2021 estimate) and covers an area of 9,222 km2. It is one of the 15 most extensive departments in the country. Founded on October 15, 1891. The city of Jinotega "Las Brumas" is the departmental capital of the homonymous department with an urban population of 53 265 inhabitants in the year 2017. It is located in a valley at an altitude of 1,003.87 meters above sea level with a cool climate at an average temperature of 25 °C and a distance of 142 km from Managua (2h 44 min, by Carr.Panamericana / Panamericana Nte./CA-1). Source: National Institute for Development Information (INIDE) - Nicaragua. Statistical Yearbook 2016 - 18 The department generates its own power through Lake Apanás Dam, which is also a tourist attraction. Isabelia Mountain Range contains several cloud forests peaks and massifs such as Chimborazo (1,688 m), Datanlí Diablo (1,550 m) with "la Bujona" waterfall. Also, Penas Blancas Massif (1,700 m) containing several water drops, and Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, the largest biosphere reserve in Central America with about 22,000 km2. Points of interest There are various restaurants and markets throughout the department of Jinotega, that serve various fruits, vegetables, meats, and drinks. The city of Jinotega is in the vicinity of the artificial Lake Apanas. The town of San Rafael del Norte located about 20 minutes north of Jinotega City, was General Sandino's Headquarters against US Marine's forced occupation of Nicaragua in the late 1920s and early 1930s. San Rafael has a really nice neoclassical parrish church across the leafy Main Square, and a small museum dedicated to Sandino and his wife, Blanca Aráuz. Attractions and places of interest In the city of Jinotega Museum and Library Museo Municipal, on north side of Central Plaza: it covers archeology, history and antiques displays. Biblioteca Municipal: within the same premises as the museum. Temples and Parks San Juan Bautista Cathedral, on the city's Main Avenue has remarkable neoclassical interiors, a beautiful wooden retable and pulpit, delicate statuary and great views from the bell towers. Church of Our Lady of Angels, near La Salle College. Otto Casco Park: with a basketball court, near the bus station to Managua, and Victoria Motta Hospital. Central Park: a tree