Honduras

A Land of Ancient Ruins, Tropical Forests, and Democratic Aspirations

Honduras is a Central American nation bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, the Pacific Ocean (via the Gulf of Fonseca), and the Caribbean Sea. Rich in Maya heritage, rainforests, and coastal biodiversity, Honduras is working toward inclusive governance, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Home to the ancient Maya city of Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Conquered by Spain in the early 16th century and became part of New Spain.

  • Gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.

  • Briefly joined the Federal Republic of Central America until 1838.

  • Struggled with political instability, military rule, and foreign influence in the 20th century.

  • Now a constitutional democratic republic, striving for political and social reform.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Republic of Honduras
Capital Tegucigalpa
Continent North America (Central America)
Official Language Spanish
Indigenous Languages Garifuna, Miskito, Lenca, others
Currency Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Area Approx. 112,492 sq. km
Population Approx. 10.6 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Central Standard Time (UTC−6)
ISO Code HN
Internet TLD .hn
Calling Code +504

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Christianity (Catholic, Evangelical) ~85%
Indigenous / Other spiritual ~5%
Unaffiliated ~10%

Government and Leadership (2025)

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
President Xiomara Castro (since January 2022; first female president)
Vice President Salvador Nasralla (First Designado)
Government Type Presidential constitutional republic
Legislature National Congress (unicameral)
Judiciary Supreme Court of Justice

Administrative Divisions (Departments)

Honduras is divided into 18 departments (departamentos):

Department Name Capital
Atlántida La Ceiba
Choluteca Choluteca
Colón Trujillo
Comayagua Comayagua
Copán Santa Rosa de Copán
Cortés San Pedro Sula
El Paraíso Yuscarán
Francisco Morazán Tegucigalpa (Capital)
Gracias a Dios Puerto Lempira
Intibucá La Esperanza
Islas de la Bahía Roatán
La Paz La Paz
Lempira Gracias
Ocotepeque Ocotepeque
Olancho Juticalpa
Santa Bárbara Santa Bárbara
Valle Nacaome
Yoro Yoro

Local Government Structure

  • Departments are overseen by governors appointed by the president.

  • Local governance takes place through municipalities (municipios)—over 290 in total.

  • Each municipality has an elected mayor and municipal council.

  • Decentralization reforms are ongoing to improve governance and service delivery.

Leadership & Governance

  • Focus areas:

    • Anti-corruption and transparency

    • Women’s rights and rural development

    • Justice reform and indigenous inclusion

    • Digital governance and decentralization

  • President Xiomara Castro emphasizes social reform, public investment, and people-first policies.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Agencies include the Honduran National Police, Military Police, and judicial units.

  • Security issues: gang violence, drug trafficking, land disputes

  • International cooperation focuses on security sector reform and human rights

Economy & Industry

  • Major economic sectors:

    • Agriculture (coffee, bananas, palm oil)

    • Textiles and manufacturing (maquilas)

    • Remittances (a large share of GDP)

    • Tourism, especially in Bay Islands

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 31 billion

  • Emphasis on: infrastructure, green economy, regional integration

Education & Institutions

  • Primary and secondary education is free and mandatory

  • Literacy rate: ~89%

  • Leading universities:

    • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH)

    • Catholic University of Honduras

    • Technical University of Central America

  • Issues: rural dropout rates, infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare provided by the Ministry of Health

  • Major hospitals in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula

  • Challenges: access in remote areas, malnutrition, maternal care

  • Partnerships with NGOs and international aid strengthen rural health

Transport & Connectivity

  • Road is primary mode; major highways link departments

  • Airports:

    • Toncontín International Airport (Tegucigalpa)

    • Ramón Villeda Morales Airport (San Pedro Sula)

    • Juan Manuel Gálvez Airport (Roatán)

  • Ports: Puerto Cortés (Caribbean), San Lorenzo (Pacific)

  • Public transport mainly via buses and taxis

Tourism & Attractions

Natural Attractions:

  • Bay Islands: Roatán, Utila, Guanaja – diving, coral reefs

  • Pico Bonito National Park, Celaque Mountain, Lake Yojoa

Cultural & Historic:

  • Copán Ruins (UNESCO), Gracias, Comayagua Cathedral

Festivals & Experiences:

  • Semana Santa, Garifuna Settlement Day, music and dance celebrations

Culture & Lifestyle

  • A fusion of Maya, Lenca, Spanish, Garifuna, and Afro-Caribbean influences

  • Languages: Spanish, Garifuna, Miskito, Lenca dialects

  • Cuisine: baleadas, tamales, pupusas, seafood

  • Traditional dress, artisan crafts, and music are regionally diverse

Summary

Honduras is a nation of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a resilient people. While facing challenges, it holds vast potential in its biodiversity, young population, and growing regional partnerships—marking it as a Central American country on the rise.