Country Information on Honduras

Terrain Honduras has two coastal plains, one of which extends over a length of 640 km on the Caribbean Sea; the other one is located on the Pacific Ocean and is 64 km long. Honduras consists mainly of a plateau with flat, fertile regions, mountain ranges, and deep valleys. The mountains are of volcanic origin and rise up to an altitude of 2,800 m. Most of the country's rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Among these, and also among the ones that are navigable, are the Ulúa, which drains about a third of the country, and the Coco, part of which forms the border with Nicaragua. Climate Honduras has a tropical climate, which is temperate in the higher-lying regions of the interior. Here the annual average temperature is around 21.1°C. In the coastal plains there are higher temperatures and high humidity. Here, the average annual temperature is approx. 26.7°C. The dry season lasts from November until May, the rainy season starts around May and ends in October. On the Caribbean coast rain falls throughout the year. In November 1998 the country was seriously afflicted by Hurricane Mitch. Fauna/Flora Oak and pine forests cover the cooler highlands; the lower parts of Honduras are covered with savannah grass. Mangroves and palms are found in the coastal areas. Deforestation is occurring at a rate of 3000 km² a year, which, if continued, will turn the country into a treeless desert within the next 20 years. Numerous animal species have their habitat in Honduras, among them bears, deer, primates, wolves, and coyotes. Furthermore there are predatory big cats, such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and lynxes. In addition, various reptiles, birds, and marine creatures are found. History/Politics The west of Honduras was part of the Mayan Empire during the 1st millennium AD. The ruins of Copán are evidence of the highly developed Mayan culture. Their star was already waning when Columbus reached their shores in 1502 during his fourth voyage. The conquest of Honduras began in 1524 and was characterized by bitter fighting between the Spanish and the indigenous population. Afterwards, Honduras became part of the General Captaincy of Guatemala. In 1821, the country was granted independence of Spain and in 1823 of Mexico. It then joined the Central American Federation. Between 1827 and 1829 the Honduran Francisco Morazán led the liberal troops to victory in a bloody civil war. He subsequently became president of the Federation and remained in office during its last ten years. Two years before his overthrow in 1840, Honduras declared its independence. From 1840 until the 1870s the republic was ruled by conservative dictators. More liberal dictators governed the country in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries. By the end of the 19th century, United Fruit Co. started business operations in Honduras by taking over vast areas of land for fruit production which led to interference with fundamental decision-making in the country's domestic affairs. In 1924 the U.S. invaded Honduras with the result of a period of formal democratic rule. In 1957 the liberal Ramón Villeda Morales was elected by the constituent assembly. He initiated membership in the Central American Common Market (CACM) and programmes leading towards agrarian reform and improvement of the educational system. In 1963, Villeda was ousted by military leaders supported by the Honduran oligarchy alarmed by Communism carrying the day in Cuba. As a result of demographic tension caused by 300,000 Salvadorean farmers immigrating looking for jobs, armed conflict erupted between Honduras and El Salvador in 1969. The 1981 presidential elections were won by the candidate of the Liberal Party, Roberto Suazo Córdova. The military, however, still had considerable influence. In 1997 Honduras and El Salvador agreed to settle their border dispute which had lasted for several years, and to normalize their relations. In the same year presidential elections took place, in which the liberal Carlos Roberto Flores Facusse, former president of parliament, won against his challenger, Nora de Melgar. Flores was succeeded by Ricardo Maduro in November 2001. Economy Agriculture is the chief support of the country's economy. Government are planning to support the sector of industrial production, to improve infrastructure, and to develop hydropower. The latter accounts for 80% of the production of electricity. Of the country's workforce (approx. 1.2 million) around 53% engage in agriculture. Honduras possesses rich deposits of silver, zinc, and lead. Further minerals, which are mostly not mined, are iron ore, coal, copper, and antimony. Since the mid 1950s, the industrial sector has grown considerably. Cement, cotton, sugar, and products made of wood are exported. Textiles, cleansing agents, chemicals, light metals, and food are mainly produced for the domestic market. The most important industrial areas are located in the environs of the capital, in the town of San Pedro Sula, and in the free port of Puerto Cortés. Culture The interplay between Indian and Spanish culture is obvious in Honduran architecture. In many colonial buildings there is evidence of considerable Indian influence, which was blended with European styles. Apart from architecture and a few Indian villages in which the ancient language and customs have been preserved, Honduran culture has largely been moulded by Spanish influence. The marimba is the most popular instrument and vital in most bands. Indigenous folklore, folk music, and dances only exist sporadically, and artistic activities are centred around the College for Fine Arts in Comayagua, the ancient capital. In the country's north-west Copán is situated, a centre of the ancient Mayan Empire with uncovered temples and pyramids. There are various festivities to honour the saints throughout the year.