Nueva Esparta is a municipality in the northeasternmost zone of El Salvador, inside La Unión Department.

The city is 200 km (120 mi) from San Salvador, located north of the Ruta Militar highway along a rural road.

Nueva Esparta was founded on 15 December 1838, by Colombian Colonel Narciso Benítez, a leader in the Republican Army of Liberator Simón Bolívar.

The original population consisted of Honduran immigrants who had ably fought beside General Francisco Morazán's troops—they battled so courageously that Francisco Morazán called the Honduran soldiers ¨my valiant Spartans¨ (an homage to the renowned warriors of Ancient Greek city-state Sparta, who fought back Persian aggressors with only 300 troops).

March 29, 1966, President Coronel Julio Adalberto Rivera granted Nueva Esparta the title of “City.” Nationally, there are two main political parties in El Salvador with roots in the Civil War.

The municipality has its share of “cheles”—fair skinned, often blue or green eyed, occasionally blond or red haired Salvadorans who could easily be mistaken for White Americans.

Many residents’ incomes are supplemented by money earned in the United States and sent to family in El Salvador ("remittances," or in Spanish, "remesas").

Although staple crops such as corn and beans are grown on individuals’ milpas, much of the land and local industry is dedicated to cattle farming, and the lifestyle of the Ganadero is evidenced by the popularity of cowboy hats.