city, north-central Nicaragua. It lies in the central highlands just south of Lake Apanás. The city was a site of rebel incursions during the Contra war, mainly in the Jinotega mountains. The surrounding area is rugged, but its fertile soils produce coffee, tobacco, corn (maize), beans, potatoes, other vegetables, fruits, and wheat. Jinotega's industrial activities include flour milling, tanning, coffee processing, and the manufacturing of hats and mats. The city is linked with the Matagalpa highway, giving it access to the Pan-American Highway. Pop. (2005) urban area, 41,134.