Masaya () is a department in Nicaragua. It is the country's smallest department by area (611 km2) and has a population of 397,632 (2021 estimate). The capital is the city of Masaya. It is famous among Nicaraguan people for its nickname, "La Cuna Del Folklore" which translates to (The Cradle of Folklore). It is also the site of the Masaya Volcano, an active 635m volcano which last erupted in 2016. Municipalities Catarina La Concepción Masatepe Masaya Nandasmo Nindirí Niquinohomo San Juan de Oriente Tisma References Departments of Nicaragua