Managua

Managua
Leal Villa de Santiago de Managua
View of Managua
Paseo Xolotlán
View of Lake Managua
Nickname(s): 
Novia del Xolotlán
(English: The Bride of Xolotlán)
Managua
Managua
Coordinates: 12°8′11″N 86°15′5″W / 12.13639°N 86.25139°W / 12.13639; -86.25139
Country Nicaragua
DepartmentManagua
Founded1819
Elevated to capital1852
Government
  MayorReyna Rueda
  Vice mayorEnrique Armas
Area
267 km2 (103 sq mi)
Elevation
82.97 m (272.21 ft)
Population
 (2022 estimate)
1,061,054 (1st in Nicaragua)
  Density4,000/km2 (10,300/sq mi)
  Urban
1,051,236
  Metro
1,401,687
DemonymsManaguan, managua, managüense, capitalino/a
GDP (PPP, constant 2015 values)
  Year2023
  Total$9.4 billion
  Per capita$8,600
Time zoneUTC−06:00 (CST)
ISO 3166 codeNI-MN
Websitehttp://www.managua.gob.ni/

Managua (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈnaɣwa]) is the capital and largest city of Nicaragua, and one of the largest cities in Central America. Located on the shores of Lake Managua, the city had an estimated population of 1,055,247 as of 2020, and a population of 1,401,687 in its metropolitan area. The city also serves as the seat of Managua Department.

Founded in 1819, Managua became the national capital in 1852. The city underwent a rapid expansion and urbanization between 1842 and 1930, leading it to become one of the most developed cities in Central America. Several earthquakes have affected the city's growth, especially the 1931 earthquake and the 1972 earthquake, but the city has been rebuilt several times. Today, the city is a major economic hub for both the country and Central America.