Bluefields (population of 45,931 in 2000) is the capital and municipality of the South Atlantic Coast Autonomous Region (Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur) and Zelaya department, southeast Nicaragua, on Bluefields Bay at the mouth of the Escondido River.

Bluefields is Nicaragua's chief Caribbean port, where hardwood and fish are exported. Bluefields was a rendezvous for English and Dutch buccaneers in the 16th and 17th century and became capital of the British protectorate over the Mosquito Coast in 1678. During United States interventions (1912-15, 1926-33) in Nicaragua, Marines were stationed there. In 1984, the United States mined the harbor (along with those of Corinto and Puerto Sandino). Bluefields was destroyed by Hurricane Joan in 1988 but was rebuilt. The population of Bluefields is mixed mestizo, indian, and black population, with black being the dominant race.

Cities in Nicaragua | Municipalities in Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur

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