Somotillo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Somotillo
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Municipality
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 Somotillo
Location in Nicaragua
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| Country |  Nicaragua |
| Department | Chinandega |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 280 sq mi (725 km2) |
| Population
(2022 estimate)
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| • Municipality | 35,044 |
| • Density | 125.19/sq mi (48.34/km2) |
| • Urban | 20,211 |
Somotillo is a town and a municipality in the Chinandega department of Nicaragua. It is a local government area, much like a county or district.
Contents
Geography of Somotillo
Somotillo covers an area of about 725 square kilometers (280 square miles). It is located roughly 41 meters (135 feet) above sea level. This area is mostly found in the western foothills of Nicaragua's central mountains.
The land in Somotillo slopes towards the Pacific Ocean. Water from the area flows into the Pacific, mainly through a river system called the Estero Real. The main town of Somotillo sits on the north side of the Rio Gallo, which is also known as the Rio Grande. Another stream, called the Tecomapa, runs north of the town, but it only flows during certain times of the year.
How Weather Affects Somotillo
Somotillo has a dry tropical climate. This means it has very clear wet and dry seasons. The soil here is rich and deep because it comes from volcanoes.
In 1998, a very strong storm called Hurricane Mitch hit the area. The rivers, including the Rio Gallo, overflowed their banks. This caused serious flooding and sadly, some people lost their lives. The municipality was greatly affected by this natural disaster.
Farming and Economy
The land in Somotillo is mostly used for farming and raising cattle. Farmers grow crops like corn, cotton, sesame, and wheat. Many of these farms are run by smallholders, who own small plots of land, or tenant farmers, who rent land to grow crops.
Somotillo's location near the border with Honduras is very important for its economy. A major highway goes through the town to the border crossing at Guasaule. This creates jobs in customs and immigration. It also creates opportunities for people to bring goods across the border, sometimes without following all the rules.
The latest estimates from 2022 show that about 35,044 people live in Somotillo.
International Connections
Somotillo has special connections with towns in other countries. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities." This means they share cultural ties and often work together on projects.
Sister Cities of Somotillo
Somotillo is twinned with:
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See also
In Spanish: Somotillo para niños
