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Information and Facts About Honduras — World Vision

Who are the people?

Approximately 90 percent of the population in Honduras is mestizo, of mixed Indian and European ancestry. Spanish is the official language and is spoken by most Hondurans.

The country is made up almost entirely of mountain terrain. Nearly three-quarters of the inhabitants live in mountain valleys, with 40 percent in urban areas and 60 percent in rural settings.

More than half of the population depends on agriculture as a livelihood. Approximately 20 percent is employed in service industries. Manufacturing and construction also offer job opportunities.

Many farmers can grow only enough food for their families, leaving them without produce to sell. These peasant laborers sometimes decide to move to a city environment. Sadly, hardships—including poverty—often await them there.

Lack of income causes some young people to turn to prostitution or drugs. Fortunately, sponsorship can help provide an alternative to those choices. With an education, children can obtain the knowledge and skills they need to build a better life for themselves and grow to become confident, capable adults.

What is it like to live there?

The Central American country of Honduras is bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. It has coastline on the Pacific Ocean as well as the Caribbean Sea. Most of the interior is volcanic plateau, although there are no volcanoes in the mainland. The terrain is rugged, with deep valleys and fertile plains. One of the country’s most significant natural resources is its forest land. However, a loss of trees has caused severe soil erosion in some areas.



 
Country Statistics 
Population7.2 million
Land Mass43,201 sq. miles
Life Expectancy69 years
Infant Mortality Rate31 / 1,000
Literacy Rate80%
School Enrollment91%
Access to Safe Water87%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)US$1,190
 
 
The climate along the coastal plains is semitropical, but temperatures are cooler in the mountains. The dry season (November to April) is sunny and hot. During the rainy season (May to October), some leave their homes because of the threat of flooding.

The rough terrain in Honduras has limited the development of a transportation network, keeping much of the rural population isolated. For this and other reasons, non-urban areas and even some cities lack schools, water and power systems, health care, and adequate housing.

Honduras is at risk for natural disasters during tropical storm seasons, when hurricanes threaten the land and people. In the fall of 1998, Hurricane Mitch caused widespread, devastating damage to Honduras. World Vision responded with emergency relief and continues today to help the country recover.

How You Can Pray for Your Sponsored Child
  • Pray that your sponsored child might be open to God’s love and grace.
  • Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
  • Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.


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