Honduras

Honduras

Country statistics

area:	112,090sq km (43,278 sq mi) 6,535,344
capital (population):	Tegucigalpa (850,445)
government:	Multi-party republic
ethnic groups:	Mestizo 90%, Native American 7%, Garifunas (West Indian) 2%,
languages:	Spanish (official)
religions:	Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 10%
currency:	Honduran lempira = 100 centavos

Republic in Central America. Honduras is the second largest country in Central America (after Nicaragua). It has two coastlines: the n Caribbean coast extends for c.600km (375mi), its deep offshore waters prompted the Spanish to name the country Honduras (Sp. ‘Depths’); and a narrow, 80km (50mi) long, Pacific outlet to the Gulf of Fonseca. Along the n coast are vast banana plantations. To the e lies the Mosquito Coast. The Cordilleras highlands form 80% of Honduras, and include the capital, Tegucigalpa.

Climate and Vegetation

Honduras has a tropical climate. The rainy season lasts from May to October. The n coast is sometimes hit by fierce hurricanes. Pine forests cover 75% of Honduras. The n coastal plains contain rainforest and tropical savanna. The Mosquito Coast contains mangrove swamps and dense forests. Forests of mahogany and rosewood grow on the lower mountain slopes.

History and Politics

From ad 400 to 900, the Maya civilization flourished. The Spanish discovered the magnificent ruins at Copán in w Honduras in 1576, but became covered in dense forest and were only rediscovered in 1839. Christopher Columbus sighted the coast in 1502. Pedro de Alvarado founded the first Spanish settlements (1524). The Spanish gradually subdued the native population and established gold and silver mines. In 1821 Honduras gained independence, forming part of the Mexican Empire. From 1823 to 1838, Honduras was a member of the Central American Federation. Throughout the rest of the 19th century, Honduras was subject to continuous political interference, especially from Guatemala. Britain controlled the Mosquito Coast.

In the 1890s, US companies developed the banana plantations and exerted great political influence. Honduras became known as a ‘banana republic’. After World War 2, demands grew for greater national autonomy and workers' rights. A military coup overthrew the Liberal government in 1963. Honduras' expulsion of Salvadorean immigrants, after an ill-tempered World Cup qualifying match between the two countries, led to the brief ‘Soccer War’ (1969) with El Salvador. In 1974, a hurricane devastated the Caribbean coast. Civilian government returned in 1982. During the 1980s, Honduras acted as a base for the US-backed Contra rebels from Nicaragua. Honduras heavily depended on US aid. Popular demonstrations against the Contras, led to the declaration of a state of emergency in 1988. In 1990, the war in Nicaragua ended.

In 1992 Honduras signed a treaty with El Salvador, settling the disputed border. Liberal Party leader Carlos Flores became president in 1997 elections. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch killed more than 5500 people and left 14 million people homeless. Human rights organisations estimated that ‘death squads’, often backed by the police, killed more than 1000 street children in 2000. National Party leader Ricardo Maduro became president in 2001 elections.

Economy

Honduras is the least industrialized country in Central America, and the poorest developing nation in the Americas (2000 GDP per capita US$2700). It has very few mineral resources, other than silver, lead and zinc. Agriculture dominates the economy, forming 78% of all exports and employing 38% of the population. Bananas and coffee are the leading exports, and maize is the principal food crop. Cattle are raised in the mountain valleys and on the s Pacific plains. Fishing and forestry are also important activities. Honduras has vast timber resources. Lack of an adequate transport infrastructure hampers development.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.hondurasemb.org