Everything you need to know about Honduras: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Honduras: Central American Country with Economic Troubles

Columbus was the first to come across this region in the year 1502. It was formerly a part of the Spanish empire and got its independence in the year 1821. Later Honduras joined the Central American federation but left it in 1838 to gain the status of an autonomous state. However, in the early 1900s, Honduras became a victim of political turmoil, which devastated this country. Next, it came under the authoritarian rule of the dictator Gen. Tiburcio Carias Andino who established a sturdy and stable government in 1932.

Honduras Fast Facts:

· National Name: Republic of Honduras
· National Capital: Tegucigalpa
· Total Area: 112,492 sq km (43,433 sq miles)
· Total Population: 7.2 million (UN, 2008)
· Ethnic races: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%, black 2%, white 1%
· Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%
· Currency: lempira
· GDP per capita (PPP): $3,700 (2008 est.)
· Languages: Spanish, Amerindian dialects
· Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
· Literacy Rate: 80%(2001 census)

Honduras Geography, Climate and Economy:
Due to its strategic location lying near the two water bodies it borders both Caribbean and Pacific coastline. In terms of its area Honduras is the largest Central American country. The terrain of this country is largely mountainous along with fertile plateaus, narrow coastal lines and river valleys in some parts. The northwest part of the country is heavily populated comprising of lowland Suva valley.

The climate of Honduras largely varies according to its different regions with tropical climate in the lowlands, while the mountainous region experiences temperate climate. However, the southern and central regions are comparatively hotter but less humid than the northern region.

Honduras’s economy is not very strong having unequal income distributions and vast unemployment. The economy is dependent on the export of bananas and coffee, which gets affected by the natural disasters leading to a hike in its prices. The US is its largest trading partner and it relies on it for the economic progress. The Honduran natural resources consist of timber, coal, fish, gold, silver, copper, lead and hydropower.

Culture and Cuisine of Honduras:
The official languages of Honduras are Spanish and English and the influences of pre-Columbian and Spanish culture are well depicted through its art and architectural designs. The unique Mayan culture is evident in the city of Copan, which still has Mayan remnants. The artwork of Honduran people includes intrinsic crafts work and woodcarvings.

The Honduran cuisine largely includes vegetarian dishes such as beans, rice, potatoes and cheese. Their cuisine also comprises of coconut, which is readily used in their dishes. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes and even in soups.

Tourist Sites in Honduras:
Honduras is one of the least industrialized countries of Central America. But it has some major tourist attractions, which comprises different archaeological sites, the beautiful picturesque beaches and the natural scenic sites amongst the tranquil environs along its coastlines. La Ceiba, is one popular site known for its ethnic diversity and some major entertainment sources like nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Copan is yet another unique place which is known for its preservation of Mayan archaic sculptures and carvings.

Some other Honduras Tourist Attractions are:

· Copan Ruinas
· Pico Bonito National Park
· Roatan
· Sandy Bay
· Tegucigalpa
· Tela
· Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve