Capital: Tegucigalpa
Currency: Lempira (HNL)
Borders: Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua 922
km
Honduras is a Central American country with a landmass of 111,890 sq
km. Its borders are Guatemala and El Salvador to the west, Nicaragua
and the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Caribbean sea to the
north and east. Just off the Honduras Caribbean coast are the Islas
de la Bahai or Bay Islands. This area of exceptionally beautiful
azure waters and coral reef is home to a complex variety of unique
marine life. The terrain of Honduras is intersected by many rivers
and has a water area of 200 sq km. The centre of Honduras is
occupied by a vast mountain plateau, supporting lush tropical cloud
forest, home to species of birds such as scarlet macaws and toucans.
The north of Honduras is largely comprised of the narrow coastal
plain and a series of tidal backwater lagoons and mangrove swamps.
Frequent earthquakes, hurricanes and floods bring with them much
destruction along the Caribbean coast. In the far north eastern
corner of the country lies the Mosquito Coast and the largest
unspoilt rainforest in Central and South America. Hondurans even
refer to it as “the little Amazon”. Honduras is also home to one of
the last remaining traces of the Mayan civilization, including some
stunning ruined jungle temples.The capital
isTegucigalpa. This bustling Central American city is home to many
colourful markets with hawkers selling anything from bananas to
bicycle chains. Honduras was once ruled by the Spanish, but managed
to pronounce independence in 1821. The official language is still
Spanish although Creole and English are also becoming popular. The
official unit of currency is the Lempira.
The workforce of Honduras is divided into three sectors: agriculture
(34%), industry (21%) and services (45%). The natural resources
found in Honduras include timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc
and iron ore. These are yet to be fully exhausted and if properly
managed, will provide Honduras with a much-needed economic boost.
The agricultural products of Honduras are bananas, coffee and
citrus. Industries include sugar, coffee, textiles and the
manufacturing of various wood products.
The climate of Honduras is sub tropical in the lowlands and
temperate in the highlands. This means that the highlands are the
place to be in order to experience cooler year-round weather. The
plains can get very hot and muggy, especially during the rainy
season, which lasts from May to October. The average daily
temperature in Tegucigalpa is 28°C. |
