Honduras was home to several important
Mesoamerican cultures, most notably the
Maya, before the
Spanish colonization in the sixteenth century. The Spanish introduced
Catholicism and the now predominant
Spanish language, along with numerous customs that have blended with the indigenous culture. Honduras became independent in 1821 and has since been a republic, although it has consistently endured much social strife and political instability, and remains one of the poorest countries in the
Western Hemisphere. In 1960, the northern part of what was the
Mosquito Coast was transferred from Nicaragua to Honduras by the
International Court of Justice.
The nation's economy is primarily agricultural, making it especially vulnerable to natural disasters such as
Hurricane Mitch in 1998. The lower class is primarily agriculturally based while wealth is concentrated in the country's urban centers. Honduras has a
Human Development Index of 0.625, classifying it as a nation with medium development. When adjusted for income inequality, its
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index is 0.443. (Full article...)
The eastern end of the island is capped by a thin veneer of
basaltic volcanic rocks, erupted from several
pyroclastic cones including 74 m (243 ft) Pumpkin Hill which forms the highest point on the island. It has been documented in history since Columbus' fourth voyage, and currently enjoys growing tourism with emphasis on recreational diving and is known as one of the world's best dive locations. The people of Utila are of African (
Garifuna), English and Dutch descent. Since 2013 the entire island and its cays have been designated as a protected
Ramsar site. (Full article...)
... that although the
type specimen of the black catbird(pictured) was reportedly collected in Honduras, the species has never been recorded there since?
... that in March 1871, Sensuntepeque was raided by Salvadorian Liberals with Honduran army backing after Honduras declared war on El Salvador?
Image 5National Theater and opera, Manuel Bonilla (from Culture of Honduras)
Image 6The railroad transportation suffered a lot of economic issues and disadvantages during the 2000s, it was not until 2010 passenger trains where reactivated. (from History of Honduras)
Image 12The Central American peace conference in 1907. (from History of Honduras)
Image 13Map of the town of Trujillo from the 16th century. (from History of Honduras)
Image 14Mayan representative hieroglyphic of the
Yax Kuk Mo Dynasty that later would become the emblem of the Kingdom of "Oxwitik" also known as Copán. (from History of Honduras)
Image 15Train station in
La Ceiba during the 1920s. The locomotives were one of the main means of transportation in Honduras during the 20th century. (from History of Honduras)
Image 17The
church of la Merced in the city of Comayagua was the first Cathedral of Honduras in 1550 and is the oldest Honduran church still standing. (from History of Honduras)
Image 18European pirates, especially British, French, and Dutch attacked Honduran towns during the colonial era.
Image 19The baleada is a popular Honduran fast food dish. (from Culture of Honduras)
Image 68First coat of arms of Honduras given by the emperor
Charles I of
Spain an 5th of the
Holy Roman empire. By the time of the colonial era Honduras suffered a demographic change due the arrival of Spanish immigrants (from History of Honduras)