Masaya, Nicaragua
Masaya is the capital city of Masaya department in Nicaragua. It is situated approximately 14 km west of Granada and 31 km southeast from Managua. The town of Masaya is just east of Masaya Volcano, an active volcano from which the city takes its name. It had an estimated population of 140,000 in 2005), and is Nicaragua's third most populous city.
Masaya is culturally known as the City of Flowers. It is the gateway to Masaya Volcano National Park, home to several craters and the active Masaya Volcano. On the edge of town, El Malecón is a walkway overlooking Laguna de Masaya, a crystalline crater lake. The city is known for its National Artisan Market, selling handmade hammocks, woodcarvings and pottery. The 18th-century Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church is nearby.
Masaya is located centrally to a large agricultural production region in Nicaragua. Much of the production from the departments of Masaya and Carazo and the surrounding areas is shipped through Masaya on its way north, towards Managua and Leon. Masaya is also a notable industrial center, producing footwear and clothing. Other industries in the city include the processing of fiber and the manufacture of cigars, leather products, soap, and starch.
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