Honduras
Honduras is a Central American nation characterized by its rugged mountains and extensive Caribbean coastline of 823 km (511 mi). Current estimates indicate a population of approximately 11 million people, with an estimated GDP per capita of 3,674 USD.
Where is Honduras?
Honduras
- Continent
- Americas
- Country
- Honduras
- Coordinates
- 15.00°, -86.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 11M
- Area
- 112,492 km²
- Density per km²
- 100 / km²
- Growth rate
- +1.68%
- Annual growth
- +188.6K people
- Daily growth
- +516.65 people
- World population share
- 0.14%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Honduras
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Tegucigalpa
- Region
- Americas
- Area
- 112,492 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Honduran lempira (L)
- Timezones
- UTC-06:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
Honduras maintains an economy driven by agricultural exports like coffee and bananas, alongside a growing manufacturing sector. Recent data shows an annual GDP growth of 3.55% and an unemployment rate of 4.92%. The nation holds a global GDP rank of 106 of 212 and ranks 43 of 45 for GDP per capita in the Americas, placing it 6 of 7 within Central America.
Society
Health and education indicators show steady progress, with life expectancy currently at 73.04 years, ranking 123 of 215 globally. The adult literacy rate stands at 88.25%, which places the country 106 of 170 worldwide. Digital connectivity is also expanding, as 58.62% of the population uses the internet, representing a rank of 154 of 212 globally.
Climate & Environment
The country features a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent temperatures across the coastal lowlands. Inland mountainous areas reach elevations like Cerro Las Minas at 2,870 m (9,416 ft), where conditions are notably cooler and more temperate than the Caribbean shores. The region typically experiences a distinct rainy season from May to November.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- presidential republic
- Independence
- 1821-09-15 (Spain)
Honduras is a presidential republic where the president serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term and leads the executive branch, which is responsible for implementing national laws and managing the country's administration. The legislative branch consists of the National Congress, a unicameral body with 128 seats. Deputies are elected through a system of proportional representation to represent the diverse departments of the nation. The judicial system is headed by the Supreme Court of Justice, with judges elected by the National Congress based on recommendations from a nominating board. Political activity in the capital, Tegucigalpa, has historically been characterized by a multi-party system that manages issues ranging from regional security to economic integration. The government operates under a constitution that establishes a clear separation of powers and guarantees fundamental rights for its citizens.
History
The history of Honduras is rooted in the legacy of the Maya civilization, which established a major political and ceremonial center at Copán. Following the arrival of Spanish explorers in the early 16th century, the region became a key part of the Spanish Empire's colonial administration in Central America. Honduras gained its independence from Spain on 15 September 1821 and briefly joined the First Mexican Empire before participating in the United Provinces of Central America. After the federation dissolved in 1838, Honduras became a fully sovereign state. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the influence of American fruit companies significantly shaped the political and economic landscape, as the country became the world's leading exporter of bananas. This era was followed by various periods of political instability and military rule. A significant turning point occurred in 1982 with the adoption of a new constitution and the transition to civilian leadership. Modern development has been defined by efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and recover from the devastating impact of 1998 Hurricane Mitch. Over the last few decades, the nation has focused on regional cooperation, economic diversification, and addressing social inequalities while preserving its rich cultural and archaeological heritage.
Notable Facts
- Honduras is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world, which offers world-class diving off the coast of the Bay Islands.
- The archaeological site of Copán is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its elaborate stone carvings and the longest known hieroglyphic inscription in the Maya world.
- The national currency is the Lempira, named after a Lenca chieftain who fought against Spanish colonization during the 1530s.
- The highest peak in the country is Cerro Las Minas, which reaches an elevation of 2,870 m (9,416 ft) within the rugged Celaque National Park.
- The nation possesses approximately 823 km (511 mi) of coastline, primarily along the Caribbean Sea, which supports vital fishing and tourism industries.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Cerro Las Minas (2,870 m)
- Lowest Point
- Caribbean Sea (0 m)
- Coastline
- 823 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in HondurasExplore weather and climate data for cities in Honduras
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Tegucigalpa
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 28°C / 17°C | 28°C / 18°C | 1days (5 mm) Excellent | 10.9h Excellent | 70% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| February best | 29°C / 17°C | 29°C / 18°C | 1days (4 mm) Excellent | 11.4h Excellent | 64% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| March best | 31°C / 19°C | 32°C / 20°C | 3days (13 mm) Excellent | 11.8h Excellent | 61% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| April | 32°C / 20°C | 34°C / 22°C | 9days (56 mm) Wet | 11.7h Excellent | 63% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| May | 30°C / 20°C | 34°C / 23°C | 20days (231 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 74% Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| June | 28°C / 20°C | 32°C / 23°C | 25days (311 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July | 29°C / 20°C | 32°C / 22°C | 17days (108 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 77% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| August | 29°C / 20°C | 33°C / 22°C | 23days (196 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 79% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| September | 29°C / 20°C | 33°C / 23°C | 25days (332 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October | 28°C / 20°C | 32°C / 22°C | 25days (273 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 83% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 27°C / 19°C | 29°C / 21°C | 14days (137 mm) Wet | 9.7h Good | 81% Humid | Good | View Details |
| December best | 27°C / 18°C | 28°C / 19°C | 5days (16 mm) Good | 10.6h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 28°C / 17°C . Feb: 29°C / 17°C . Mar: 31°C / 19°C . Apr: 32°C / 20°C . May: 30°C / 20°C . Jun: 28°C / 20°C . Jul: 29°C / 20°C . Aug: 29°C / 20°C . Sep: 29°C / 20°C . Oct: 28°C / 20°C . Nov: 27°C / 19°C . Dec: 27°C / 18°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 5 mm. Feb: 4 mm. Mar: 13 mm. Apr: 56 mm. May: 231 mm. Jun: 311 mm. Jul: 108 mm. Aug: 196 mm. Sep: 332 mm. Oct: 273 mm. Nov: 137 mm. Dec: 16 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Honduras is approximately 11M (2024).
The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa.
Honduras's GDP per capita is $3.7K (2024).
Life expectancy in Honduras is 73.04 years (2024).
Honduras covers 112,492 km² (43,433 sq mi).
Honduras has a moderate population density of 100 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Honduras's population is growing rapidly at 1.7% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Based on GDP per capita, Honduras falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $3.7K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Honduras's intentional homicide rate is 31.4 per 100,000 people, among the highest reported globally.
The official language of Honduras is Spanish.
Honduras uses the Honduran lempira (L) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Honduras are January, February, March, December, based on climate data for the capital.
Recent estimates show the population of Honduras has reached approximately 11 million people. This makes it the 2 of 7 most populous country in Central America and ranks 88 of 215 countries globally. Growth remains steady at an annual rate of 1.68% as urban centers continue to expand.
The current GDP per capita in Honduras is estimated at 3,674 USD. Globally, the nation ranks 152 of 212 for this indicator and 43 of 45 within the Americas. Economic activity is supported by a mix of agricultural exports, manufacturing, and an annual GDP growth rate of 3.55%.
Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language in Honduras. While it is the primary language for government and education, several indigenous languages are spoken by ethnic groups who make up 7% of the population. Approximately 90% of the population identifies as mestizo, which is a mix of Amerindian and European descent.
The adult literacy rate in Honduras is 88.25%, placing it at a rank of 106 of 170 countries globally. This figure reflects the national commitment to primary education, although differences between urban and rural school systems remain. Improving secondary school enrollment continues to be a major priority for national development.
Recent data indicates that 58.62% of the population in Honduras uses the internet. This level of connectivity ranks the country 154 of 212 globally. Access is most concentrated in urban centers like Tegucigalpa, with mobile technology playing a crucial role in expanding digital reach to more remote communities.
Honduras currently holds the global population rank of 88 out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it ranks 16 of 46 countries in the Americas and is the 2nd largest by population in Central America. This ranking places it as a mid-sized nation on the global stage.
According to the latest official 2024 data, 58.8% of the Honduran population lives in urban areas. This urbanization rank is 130th globally. The shift toward city living is driven by industrial growth in San Pedro Sula and the administrative expansion of the capital, Tegucigalpa, attracting rural migrants.
The estimated 2026 population density of Honduras is 100 people per km² (259 people per sq mi). This density ranks 109th globally and 24th within the Americas. The population is most dense in the central and northern regions, while the eastern Mosquitia region remains very sparsely populated.
The fertility rate in Honduras is 2.48 births per woman, based on the latest official 2024 data. This rate is the 79th highest in the world. Although the fertility rate has been declining over recent decades, it remains high enough to support continued population growth for the foreseeable future.
The population of Honduras is growing at an annual rate of 1.68%. This growth is supported by a birth rate of 21.6 per 1,000 people and a low death rate of 4.5 per 1,000. Current estimates show a net daily increase of approximately 500 people across the country.
All Indicators
Explore Honduras's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
Military & Security
Infrastructure
Geography
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