city, southwestern Nicaragua. It lies in the Diriamba Highlands at an elevation of 1,891 feet (576 m). Diriamba is a major commercial and manufacturing centre; its hinterland is known primarily for its coffee, but lumbering is also significant. Limestone quarries and saltworks are located in the vicinity, and the city contains several processing plants. It lies on the Pan-American Highway south of Managua and just west of Jinotepe. A branch of the Pacific Railway terminates in Diriamba. It was a scene of heavy fighting between Sandinista guerrillas and government troops in 1978–79, with serious damage to property. Pop. (2005) urban area, 35,222.