Country Profile: Honduras

Honduras is a Central American nation with a diverse geography that includes mountainous terrain and coastal plains. It has a population of approximately 9.5 million people, predominantly of Mestizo descent. The economy, while historically reliant on agriculture, is gradually diversifying though faces challenges including high poverty rates and impacts from natural disasters. The country operates as a presidential republic, with a history marked by periods of military rule and significant political transitions.

Geography

Honduras is located in Central America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, with a small coastline along the Gulf of Fonseca. The country's terrain is primarily mountainous, characterized by narrow coastal areas. Its climate ranges from subtropical in the lowlands to temperate in the mountainous regions.

Total Area: 112,090 sq km, slightly larger than Tennessee.
Natural Resources: Timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc.
Elevation: Highest point is Cerro Las Minas at 2,870 m.
Population Distribution: Most residents live in the western mountainous region; major urban centers are Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.

People and Society

Honduras has a population of approximately 9.5 million, with the majority classified as Mestizo (90%). The society is diverse, with a mixture of ethnic groups and languages, primarily Spanish. Evangelical Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by Roman Catholicism.

Urban Population: 60.2% of the total population live in urban areas (2023).
Median Age: 25.7 years (2024).
Literacy Rate: 89% (2019).
Life Expectancy: 73.1 years at birth (2024).

Economy

Honduras boasts the second-fastest-growing economy in Central America but struggles with high poverty and inequality. The country heavily relies on agricultural exports, particularly coffee and bananas, and remittances play a significant role in its economy.

Real GDP (PPP): Estimated at $71.297 billion (2024).
GDP Growth Rate: Projected at 3.6% (2024).
Unemployment Rate: 6.1% (2024).
Population Below Poverty Line: 64.1% (2023).

Government

Honduras is a presidential republic with a vibrant political landscape, characterized by a unicameral National Congress. The government operates under a civil law system and has undergone significant changes over the years, especially since the 1982 transition to civilian rule.

Capital: Tegucigalpa.
Current President: Iris Xiomara Castro de Zelaya (since 2022).
Voting Age: Citizens can vote from 18 years old.
Administrative Divisions: Composed of 18 departments.

Military and Security

The Honduran Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Military Police, primarily focused on internal security and law enforcement support. The military has been involved in combating organized crime and drug trafficking.

Military Expenditures: 1.5% of GDP (2024).
Active Personnel: Approximately 15,000 (2025).
Service Age: Voluntary military service for ages 18-22; no conscription.
Major Security Focus: Collaborates with national police to combat narcotics trafficking.

Energy

Honduras has made significant strides in electricity access, with nearly universal coverage in urban areas. The country relies on a mix of energy sources for electricity generation.

Electricity Access: 94.4% of the population has access (2022).
Installed Generating Capacity: 3.334 million kW (2023).
Electricity Generation Sources: 33.2% from hydroelectricity.
Coal Consumption: 144,000 metric tons (2023).

Environment

Honduras faces environmental challenges including deforestation, land degradation, and pollution from mining activities. The government is a party to multiple international environmental agreements.

Forested Area: 56.5% (2022).
Municipal Solid Waste: Approximately 2.16 million tons generated annually (2016).
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 92.16 billion cubic meters (2020).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Honduras includes a network of roads, railways, and maritime facilities, facilitating both domestic and international trade.

Total Airports: 129 (2025).
Railways: Totaling 699 km (2014).
Merchant Marine: Comprises 489 vessels (2023).
Total Ports: 8 (2024).

Communications

Communication infrastructure in Honduras has been expanding, with increasing mobile phone and internet usage across the population.

Internet Users: Approximately 58% of the population (2023).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 7.92 million (2023).
Fixed-line Telephones: About 444,000 subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,529,188	(2024 est.)
Area	112,090 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$71.297 billion	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	16.642 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	19.9 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	6.1%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	73.1 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	60.2%	(2023 est.)
Literacy Rate	89%	(2019 est.)
Military Expenditures	1.5% of GDP	(2024 est.)