Honduras

The Republic of Honduras is an independent country in western Central America, bordered to the west by Guatemala, to the south west El Salvador, to the south east by Nicaragua, to the south by the Pacific Ocean, to the north by the Gulf of Honduras and the Caribbean Sea. Belize (formerly "British Honduras") is 75 km away across the Gulf of Honduras.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Honduras

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The population of Honduras is predominantly of Mestizo descent and Roman Catholic faith, but there are also several Evangelical denominations. Along the northern coast are communities of English speakers who have maintained their culture since Honduras was part of the British Empire. Groups of Garífuna live along the north coast. In the 20th century, Garífunas became part of Honduras' identity through theatrical presentations such as Louvavagu. Asians in Honduras are mostly of Chinese and Japanese descent. Citizens of British descent dwell among the Bay Islands, Roatán, and Utila. Hundreds of families can find their roots in Lebanon or Palestine, in Middle Eastern families called "turcos", those Hondurans with economically-powerful interests in manufacturing, finance, retail, and food production. The so-called "Turcos" along with the Jewish minority population dominate the Honduran economy and politics by having the highest income. Many others have connections to Spain, the United States (especially New Orleans, Florida and California) and the Cayman Islands. Overall, Honduras can be considered a multi-ethnic country.

Related Topics:
Mestizo - Roman Catholic - Evangelical - British Empire - Garífuna - Louvavagu - Asian - Chinese - Japanese - British - Bay Islands - Roatán - Utila - Lebanon - Palestine - Spain - United States - New Orleans - Florida - California - Cayman Islands

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Even with all the "new-comers" in the country, the indigenous peoples of Honduras are widely scattered throughout the country. Tribes like Chortís (Mayan descent), Payas or Pech, Tolupanes or Xicaques/Jicaques, Lencas, Sumos or Tawahkas, and Olmecas. For the most part, these tribes live in extreme poverty due to their remote locations and uninterested government.

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