Chinandega is a depairtment in Nicaragua, locatit on the border wi Honduras. It covers an area o 4,926 km² an haes a population o 441,300 (2005 census). The caipital is the city o Chinandega.
Lairgely agricultural, it produces rum frae succar cane; ither products are bananas, peanuts, shrimps an salt.