Honduras has more than seven million people. It is comprised of multiple ethic groups scattered throughout the country and cities. One of the biggest groups is the Mestizos. More than 90% of the people here are mixed with some sort of native and European ancestry. As other countries of this region they were once colonized by the Spanish.
When people travel to the country they will see a lot of different groups with many different shades of color. As you travel through the country, in some areas you will hear people speaking English. Spanish, however, is the official language and is spoken by more than 95% percent of the people that live there.
What you experience when you are in Honduras really depends on the area that you visit. If you are in the Bay Islands, it is common to encounter more people of Anglo-Afro Caribbean descent. If, on the other hand, you are in the Western Highlands there will be more encounters with Chortí and Lenca people.
The area is divided in several ways according to these different ethnic groups, but the climate is typically the same throughout Honduras; usually warm and between 80 degrees and the low 90s. This, unfortunately, brings many mosquitoes and sand flies but with the appropriate repellent you shouldn’t be bothered too much with these types of pests.
There is a long dry season that is characterized by a tropical climate. This is what makes people gravitate and want to visit Honduras. Ironically, it also makes others steer clear of the area due to possible hurricanes, but those are very infrequent.
Food, Dress, Education, and Religion in Honduras
Preferences also play a big part in the dietary options for the natives in Honduras. Beans and corn tortillas are definitely a favorite, but there are also some other things that find their way on the plate of Honduran natives. Some dishes may contain things like rice, white cheese, avocados, and fried plantains. Scrambled eggs and tomato salad are also popular items that may be found in restaurants in Honduras.
The indigenous Hondurans dress in colorful, bright, and festive clothing; however, the garments are usually light in nature as it keeps them cool from the heat. When visiting, it’s also best to dress casual and to wear clothing that will keep you cool, much like the people that live here. Things such as shorts or lightweight pants work great. In the evenings, casual wear is still the accepted norm – even for most restaurants.
A big value is placed on education, but most people have not been in positions to obtain higher levels of education. There is a western culture concept that puts the same value on college degrees, yet still there are lots of people that decide to farm and invest their time in trades and exports. There has been a long myth that has been perpetuated about the macho male in Honduras culture; however, most people would be surprised to find that women work in high positions as judges or lawyers.
More than half of the people work in agriculture. There are exports like bananas, coffee, citrus fruit, and maize. There are lots of cash crops that keep the economy afloat. It can be difficult for some crops to flourish at times due to droughts and the long dry seasons that occur in southern Honduras. The northern realm of Honduras has a shorter dry season which is better for raising crops.
The large majority of people that live in Honduras follow the Catholic teachings and there are eight dioceses which belong to the Conference of Episcopal of Honduras. There are many other represented groups as well. Those groups are Mennonite, Jehovah’s Witness, Lutheran, Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, etc. There are about 300 evangelical Protestant groups that populate this country as the government respects freedom of religion for its citizens.
Currency and Traveling in Honduras
Lempira is the Honduran currency. Merchants do accept the American dollar; however, you may get a better exchange rate if you pay for items purchased using the Lempira. Besides, if possible, try and minimize your “tourist” status; as in any country things usually increase once you are tagged as a sightseer.
There are many fine hotels and resorts on the island so no need to worry. When navigating throughout the island, a car is best. You can rent one, but stick to driving during the daytime; it’s safer and also because the roads are more manageable during daylight hours. There are many taxis and buses if that is your preference, but make sure you discuss the fee before using a taxi.
