LibGuides: Honduras: Home

Introduction to Honduras

Pre-Columbian: The region was inhabited by indigenous tribes like the Maya, Lenca, Tolupan, and more.
Spanish Conquest: Honduras was conquered by Spain in the early 1500s and made part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.
Independence: Gained independence from Spain in 1821 and joined the Federal Republic of Central America before full sovereignty in 1838.
20th Century: Period of instability and military rule, including the 2009 coup against President Manuel Zelaya.

Cuisine: Known for baleadas, carne asada, tamales, seafood dishes, and more.
Folklore: Garifuna culture has a strong presence. Punta music and dance are popular.
Religion: Majority Catholic Christian. Minority Protestant, indigenous beliefs.
Sports: Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by baseball.

Caribbean Coast: Home to coral reefs, rainforests, beaches, islands. Known as the Bay Islands.
Interior Highlands: Mountainous terrain covered in pine and oak forests. Contains most major cities.
Climate: Tropical, rainy climate. Prone to hurricanes and tropical storms.

José Cecilio del Valle - Patriot and poet, "Father of Honduran Independence"
Ramón Amaya Amador - Novelist, wrote about life in Honduras
Carloz Flores Facussé - Businessman, newspaper owner, politician
MSN - Popular Honduran music artist

Economic Overview: Honduras has a developing economy reliant on agriculture, manufacturing, and remittances. Major exports are coffee, apparel, bananas, seafood, and palm oil.
Tourist Attractions: The Bay Islands have become a major coastal destination. Inland cities like Copán and Comayagua have colonial architecture. Eco-tourism opportunities in areas like La Mosquitia.