Global - Technology - Review

Honduras has a long northern Caribbean coast and a short section of Pacific in the south along the Gulf of Fonseca. As with so many other Central American nations it has suffered both from political instability and natural disasters. It also fought the so-called ‘Football War’ of 1969 against neighbouring El Salvador. The environment is diverse. The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site. The rainforest environment is home to a huge variety of species. The birdlife is particularly rich. One of the 600 species of orchid is the national flower. Despite high employment, economic growth in recent years has been strong. Deforestation has been a problem, though there are impressive plans to develop renewable energy sources. Honduras was once ruled by the Maya, and the site at Copan has extensive remains of an acropolis and temples, with some massive stone carvings. The Honduran capital is the sprawling metropolis of Tegucigalpa, severely damaged by flooding that resulted from the 1998 hurricane. Coconut is the mainstay of Honduran cuisine, as well as tropical fruits and seafood. Yojoa fish served with fried plantains is a speciality. The usual Central American delicacies like tamales, enchiladas, tortillas and tacos are common.