Honduras

Honduras, officially the Republic of Honduras, is a country in Central America. The capital and largest urban center is Tegucigalpa, with San Pedro Sula as a major economic hub. The population is around 10 million people, and the country covers about 112,492 square kilometers. The official language is Spanish, and various indigenous languages and Garifuna are spoken in coastal areas. The lempira (HNL) is the national currency.

Geography and environment are diverse, with mountain ranges and volcanic peaks inland, Caribbean lowlands to the north, and Pacific coastal plains to the south. The country includes notable natural areas such as the Mosquitia rainforest, Lake Yojoa, and the Bay Islands off the northern coast, home to Roatán and Utila. Copán Ruinas, near the western border, is a major Maya archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve on the Atlantic slope is another important protected area.

History covers pre-Columbian cultures such as the Lenca and Maya, followed by Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Honduras gained independence from Spain in 1821 and joined the short-lived Federal Republic of Central America before becoming a separate republic in 1838. The modern era has seen political and economic changes, including a 2009 constitutional crisis and ongoing democratization with multi-party elections.

Economy centers on agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with bananas, coffee, and seafood as key exports. Remittances from Hondurans abroad also play a significant role. Development challenges include poverty, inequality, and security concerns, while tourism is supported by archaeological sites, natural reserves, and Caribbean and Pacific coastal areas. Honduran culture reflects a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, with distinctive music, cuisine, and festivals.