Jinotega (Spanish pronunciation: [xinoˈteɣa]) is the second largest department in Nicaragua. It is bordered on the north by the country of Honduras. The departments surrounding it are, Matagalpa to the south, the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region to the east, and Estelí, Madriz, and Nueva Segovia. It covers an area of 9,755 km² and has a population of 297,300 (2005 census).