Honduras, formally referred to as the Republic of Honduras, is a country in Central America. The republic of Honduras is surrounded to the west by Guatemala, to the southwest by El Salvador, to the southeast by Nicaragua, to the south by the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Fonseca, and to the north by the Gulf of Honduras, a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea. Its resources as well as largest city is Tegucigalpa.

Honduras was home to several vital Mesoamerican cultures, most significantly the Maya, before the Spanish Colonization in the 16th century. The Spanish introduced Catholicism and also the now primary Spanish language, in addition to various custom-mades that have mixed with the native society.

Honduras became independent in 1821 and has actually given that been a republic, although it has actually continually sustained much social strife and also political instability, as well as stays one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. In 1960, the northern part of what was the Mosquito Shore was transferred from Nicaragua to Honduras by the International Court of Justice.

The nation’s economic situation is largely farming, making it particularly susceptible to all-natural calamities such as Storm Mitch in 1998. The lower ranks is mostly agriculturally based while wide range is concentrated in the nation’s urban facilities. Honduras has a Human Growth Index of 0.625, identifying it as a nation with medium advancement. When readjusted for earnings inequality, its Inequality-adjusted Human Being Growth Index is 0.443.

Honduran society is mostly Mestizo; however, there are additionally significant American Indian, black and white communities in Honduras. The country had a reasonably high political security up until its 2009 coup and also once again with the 2017 governmental election.

Honduras extends about 112,492 km2 (43,433 sq mi) and has a populace surpassing 9 million. Its northern portions become part of the western Caribbean zone, as reflected in the area’s demographics and culture. Honduras is recognized for its rich natural resources, consisting of minerals, coffee, tropical fruit, and also sugar cane, as well as for its expanding fabrics sector, which serves the worldwide market.