Fact 1: The Meaning Behind Its Name
The word "Honduras" literally translates to 'depths' in Spanish. This name was penned by Christopher Columbus, the iconic explorer, during his final voyage in 1502. Columbus referred to the deep waters off the northern coast when he named the area "Honduras".
Fact 2: Has the Second Largest Barrier Reef
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, also known as the Great Mayan Reef, lies in the waters of Honduras. It is the second largest coral reef system in the world, following Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This ecological wonder hosts an array of aquatic life, making it a haven for divers, snorkelers, and marine biologists.
Fact 3: Home to an Ancient Mayan Civilization
Honduras’ Copán is the site of a major Mayan Civilization. Here you can explore ruins of an ancient city that thrived for hundreds of years, starting from 5th century AD. The site includes temples, altars, homes, and an impressive hieroglyphic stairway, offering a significant insight into Mayan culture and history.
Fact 4: Land of Natural Parks
Honduras boasts more than 20 national parks, 2 World Heritage sites, and numerous nature reserves. Some of these include the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, Jeanette Kawas National Park, and Cusuco National Park. The country is full of biodiversity, with unique plant and animal species.
Fact 5: The First Banana Republic
Honduras was coined the first 'Banana Republic' due to the immense power held by banana companies in the 19th and 20th centuries. The United Fruit Company and The Standard Fruit Company had significant control over the country's infrastructure, workforce and even politics.
Fact 6: The Country With No Formal Army
Believe it or not, Honduras has not had a formal standing army since 1994. Instead, it has a public security force that oversees all aspects of safety and security within the country.
Fact 7: A Country Rich in Biodiversity
Honduras is a host to an impressive number of plant and animal species. Among them are over 680 types of birds including macaws and toucans, 110 species of reptiles, and a vast array of flora and fauna. The jungles and rainforests of Honduras are rich in biodiversity, promising a rewarding exploration for eco-tourists.
Fact 8: Home to The Football War
In 1969, Honduras and El Salvador engaged in what is typically referred to as the Football War. It started over tensions surrounding a soccer game but was actually based on existing conflicts over land reform and immigration issues, with the football match serving as a catalyst.
Fact 9: Home to the Garifuna Community
The Garifuna community, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is found in the coastal regions of Honduras. They have preserved their unique language, music, and dance traditions, reflecting an Afro-indigenous culture.
Fact 10: Honduras' Wonder Flower
The national flower of Honduras is the beautiful orchid, Rhyncholaelia digbyana. It was chosen as the national flower due to its exotic appearance and incredible resilience, reflecting the character of the Honduran people.
Fact 11: Love for Coffee
Coffee plays a very crucial role in Honduras' economy. The country is one of the top coffee producing nations in the world and is particularly known for its high-quality Arabica beans.
Fact 12: Love for Baseball
While soccer may be the most popular sport in Honduras, baseball also holds a special place, especially on the Atlantic coast and the Bay Islands. In fact, there are professional Honduran baseball players known internationally, like Gerald Young.
Fact 13: The Swing of La Ceiba Festival
Each May, Hondurans celebrate the famous carnival known as the 'Swing of La Ceiba', which is considered the biggest carnival in Central America. The celebration is a mix of dance, music, float parades, and a whole lot of cultural immersion.
Fact 14: A Unique Tradition on Christmas Eve
It’s a Honduran tradition to light fireworks on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Charming luminous shapes fill the night sky, punctuated by delightful explosions as a warm way to celebrate Christmas.
Fact 15: The City Built of White
Comayagua, one of Honduras' oldest cities, features a distinctive colonial architecture with many buildings famously built from white stone. As a result, Comayagua is sometimes referred to as the ‘White City’.
Fact 16: The Honduran Emerald Hummingbird
The Honduran Emerald hummingbird, the national bird of Honduras, is the only bird species endemic to the country, meaning that it is found nowhere else in the world. This little gem of a bird is unfortunately critically endangered.
Fact 17: The Impressive Lake Yojoa
Lake Yojoa is the largest natural lake in Honduras. The area surrounding the lake boasts three national parks, 400 bird species, and archaeological sites. It’s also a key spot for coffee production due to its rich volcanic soil.
Fact 18: Pathway for Migratory Birds
Honduras serves as a vital pathway for migratory bird species. Every year, birds migrating from North to South America pass through Honduras, adding to the country's already impressive number of bird species.
Fact 19: The Creation of a Mega-Port
The Honduran government has approved construction for a mega-port on the Caribbean Sea, using investment from both local and international sources. This project is aimed at further boosting the country's economy and promoting trade.
Fact 20: Honduras' Legendary Lost City
Honduras' Mosquitia Rainforest is believed to hold a legendary, ancient city often referred to as 'La Ciudad Blanca' or 'The White City'. Documented as far back as the 16th century, this city is a source of myths and exploration, and as of now, archaeologists have found remnants suggesting a complex, ancient civilization.