Chinandega, city, northwestern Nicaragua, capital of Chinandega Department. An industrial and trade center in a rich agricultural region, the city is connected by rail with the port of Corinto to the southwest. The chief industries are sawmilling, metalworking, tanning, and the processing of rice, coffee, and sugar; furniture, pottery, perfume and toilet water, alcohol, and cheese are also made here. The Spanish colonial port of El Realejo (1534) is nearby. Population (1985 estimate) 67,800.
