Honduras (Listeni/hɒnˈdʊərəs/), officially the Republic of Honduras (Spanish: República de Honduras [reˈpuβlika ðe onˈduɾas]), is a republic in Central America. It was at times referred to as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from British Honduras, which became the modern-day state of Belize.[5] The country is bordered 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.
Honduras was home to several important indigenous cultures, most notably the Maya. Much of the country was conquered by Spain which introduced its now predominant language and many of its customs in the sixteenth century. It became independent in 1821 and has been a republic since the end of Spanish rule.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Roatan Island, Honduras. Photo by James Willamor
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Honduras – is a country in Central America. The official name of the state – is the Republic of Honduras (República de Honduras). The coast of Honduras is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean in the west and by the waters of Caribbean Sea in the East.
Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala – are the neighbors of Honduras.
Honduras – is a small beautiful country with a long history, with the majestic pyramids of the Maya and with well-preserved forests and numerous wild animals.
20 Interesting Facts About Honduras
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Alter Q, erected by King Yax Pac in 776 A.D. Photo by Dennis Jarvis
1. In ancient times, Indians inhabited the territory of modern Honduran. Honduras was the one of the largest centers of the Mayan. However, in the 6th century (for unknown reasons) they left the area and moved to Mexico.
2. Remains of an ancient Mayan empire – are the main attraction of Honduras. Copan is the oldest city in the country. In Copan preserved Mayan pyramid.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Sunset in Tegucigalpa, Honduras at Cafemania. Photo by Nan Palmero
3. Tegucigalpa – is the capital of Honduras. Tegucigalpa is the capital and the largest city in Honduras. It is on the banks of the River Choluteca, on the slopes of El Picacho, in the central region of the country. Tegucigalpa ranks third place among the cities in Latin America.
Tegucigalpa was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1578. It was erected on the site of the ancient Aztec settlement. Initially, the city was called San Miguel de Tegucigalpa de Heredia.
In those days, it was the center of golden and silver industry. There is a version that is why the city was named so (Tegucigalpa – “silver mountain”).
In those days, it was the center of golden and silver industry. There is a version that is why the city was named so (Tegucigalpa – “silver mountain”).
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tegucigalpa. Photo by Kristin Klein
In 1880 Tegucigalpa became the capital of Honduras. It is a major economic, industrial and cultural center with a population of 1.68 million inhabitants. Compared with other major cities of Honduras Tegucigalpa less affected from the destructive power of the nature. There remained many beautiful monuments of colonial architecture. There are small one and two-story buildings and narrow streets with endless stairs. In Tegucigalpa there are carnivals. All the city’s residents are taking part in carnivals.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: 752 Landing in Tegucigalpa Airport. Photo by Enrique Galeano Morales
4. In Tegucigalpa, there is the one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The location of the runway near the mountains makes difficult takeoff and landing. Also, the runway is one of the shortest in the world here.
5. Honduras – is a country of bananas. Climate and hard work of local people pushed the country to the second place of the largest exporters of bananas.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Banana Packaging Facility – San Manuel, Cortes, Honduras. Photo byAdalberto.H.Vega
6. Huge number of wild animals lives in the territory of Honduras – due to the small population of the country. If you want to see the wild animals in their natural environment – come to Honduras.
7. On the territory of Honduras you can meet a usual for Central America, and rare species: bears, various species of deer, monkeys, wild pigs and peccaries, tapirs, badgers, coyotes, wolves, foxes, jaguars, cougars, bobcats, ocelots, rare black panther, alligators, crocodiles, iguanas and snakes (including venomous and deadly), anteaters, coatis, sloths and armadillos.
Rich avifauna of Honduras includes: wild turkey, pheasant, parrots, including macaws, herons, toucans and many other species.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Mangrove Tunnel, Roatan, Honduras. Photo by Woody Hibbard
8. If you ever have read about the adventures of the pirates in the Caribbean, then you know about the famous Captain Kidd. There is a legend, that all the stolen gold he hid on the islands of Honduras. Pirates often raided the islands of Honduras, in the past.
9. The national currency of Honduras – is Lempira. Lempira is divided on 100 centavos. Currency is named in honor of Indian chief, who in 1536 started the war with the Spanish colonizers. Chief Lempira was killed, but for his courage – he is a national hero of Honduras.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Red Macaw Parrot – Symbol of Honduras. Photo by Shane Gorski
10. According to the legends of the peoples of Central America, Macaw parrot – is the ominous bird, which is bringing rain, it is a symbol of the soul, and Macaw is a messenger between the living and the dead. Parrot Macaw (Ara macao) – is a sacred bird. Red Macaw is a symbol of Honduras.
11. People of Garifuna – are the ethnic group, living in Honduras. In 2001, the Garifuna are recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Garifuna managed to preserve its unique music and traditional dances – “punta”, “vanaragua”, “charikavi”, “Xhumba.” In the performance of dance and music, as in olden days, people of Garifuna use drums, maracas, guitar and tortoise shells.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Honduras Flora – Muelle de Cabotaje – La Ceiba, Honduras. Photo byAdalberto.H.Vega
12. Fish rain happens in Honduras. Every year for more than a hundred years between May and July in the department of Yoro, in Honduras, witnesses watched as in the sky appears the dark cloud, lightning flashes, thunder, strong winds and 2-3 hours pours of heavy rain. Upon rain’s completion, hundreds of alive fish are left on the ground. Locals collect fish from the ground and carry it home for cooking meal. People likes this unusual natural phenomena and they even celebrate it on festival («Festival de la Lluvia de Peces»).
Interesting Facts About Honduras: First Bight, Roatan, Honduras. Photo by Richard Martin
13. Honduras is considered the most dangerous country in Central America.
14. Between Honduras and El Salvador was war because of the football match, this war called the Soccer War. Soccer War began with a football match between El Salvador and Honduras in 1969. El Salvador lost the match, between states increased the tension and 14 June army of El Salvador launched an offensive on Honduras. During four days, army of El Salvador was avenging residents of Honduras for the defeat of his football team. Casualties in this war amounted to 3,000 persons.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: West Bay Beach – Roatan, Honduras. Photo by Adalberto.H.Vega
15. In Honduras, you can have a wonderful beach vacation. In this country, beautiful sandy beaches, azure sea, picturesque islands and magically beautiful coral reefs.
16. Roatan and the other tiny islands, Utila, Guanaja and Cayos Cochinos, are surrounded by the largest living coral reef in the world, home of a huge number of colorful fish and numerous plants. So it’s no surprise that scuba diving and swimming and snorkeling are so popular among tourists.
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Cayos Cochinos. Photo by Oisin Prendiville
17. National language of Honduras is Spanish, but in tourist areas all understand English.
18. Citizens of Honduras are very polite people. And they love when they are called not just by name, but also by the nature of their activities.
19. The national cuisine of Honduras (as the cuisines of other countries in Central America) based on beans, rice, meat, seafood, potatoes and cheese. However, there are dishes that can be tasted only in this country. For example, mondongo – soup with tripe (stomach of ruminants) Tapada – meat or vegetable soup and nakatamales – prepared on the basis of maize, meat, pine nuts, chicken or other fillings (depending on the region).
Interesting Facts About Honduras: Local Cuisine. Photo by Micah MacAllen
Honduras – is the birthplace of pupusy – cakes, dough of which is made from corn, mixed with white cheese and sometimes ham. In every corner of the country you can found pupusarias – specialty restaurants, which serve pupusy. Pupusy is served with coleslaw and seasoned with a sauce of onions, carrots, tomatoes, lemon and vinegar. Pupusy is also popular in El Salvador.
Mangoes, papayas, pineapples, avocados and baked bananas are also components of the national cuisine.
20. Traditional local drink – is rompopo made of alcohol, milk and eggs. It is tasty.
21. There are also deposits of Opal Gemstone in Honduras.
Source -: http://www.travelingmyself.com/2013/04/21/venezuela-tourist-attractions-what-to-do-in-venezuela/
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