lempira

The lempira is the official currency of Honduras, abbreviated HNL, and commonly denoted by the symbol L. It is subdivided into 100 centavos and is issued by the Central Bank of Honduras. The lempira serves as the primary medium of exchange for most economic activity in the country.

The currency’s name honors Lempira, a 16th‑century Lenca ruler who led resistance against the Spanish conquest and is regarded as a national hero in Honduran history. The name reflects a sense of national identity and heritage that is widely celebrated in modern Honduras.

The lempira was introduced as Honduras’s national currency in 1931, replacing earlier monetary units in circulation and establishing a decimal system. Since its introduction, the central bank has issued coins and banknotes to meet domestic demand and reflect changing economic conditions.

Banknotes and coins feature a range of Honduran symbols, historical figures, and cultural themes. Over time, designs have evolved to incorporate security features and to adjust denominations in response to economic needs and collecting trends.

In international contexts, the lempira operates with a managed exchange rate regime, with the central bank able to intervene as needed to maintain stability. The currency is used in most domestic transactions, while the United States dollar is accepted in some contexts, particularly in tourism and border areas.