World Happiness Report for Honduras 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Honduras: 61
- Happiness Score Honduras:5.968
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Honduras. HN.
Honduras is a country located in Central America. Its political structure is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and government. Notable cultural aspects include its rich indigenous heritage and traditional music and dance. In terms of economic significance, Honduras is a major exporter of coffee, bananas, and textile products.
Three interesting facts about Honduras:
- Honduras is home to the ancient Mayan ruins of Copan, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The country has a diverse ecosystem, including coastal plains, mountains, and rainforests.
- Honduras has a strong tradition of producing acclaimed indigenous handicrafts and art.
Honduras – A Comprehensive Overview
Historical Overview
Early History: The Maya civilization flourished in present-day Honduras from around 1000 B.C. to 900 A.D., leaving behind impressive archaeological sites such as Copán.
Kingdoms and Empires: Various indigenous tribes, including the Lenca, Pech, and Chorti, inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century.
Colonial Period: Honduras became a Spanish colony in 1524, with the establishment of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. The country experienced exploitation of its resources and indigenous populations during the colonial era.
Independence and Modern Era: Honduras gained independence from Spain in 1821, initially as a part of the Mexican Empire and later joining the Federal Republic of Central America. Political instability and military coups marked much of the 20th century, including the infamous “Soccer War” with El Salvador in 1969. Democracy was restored in the 1980s, but the country continues to face challenges related to poverty, corruption, and gang violence.
Current Political Situation: Honduras is a presidential constitutional republic with a multi-party system. The current president is Xiomara Castro, elected in 2022. The country has been grappling with issues of corruption and drug trafficking.
International Relations: Honduras maintains close ties with the United States and is a member of various regional organizations, including the Central American Integration System (SICA) and the Organization of American States (OAS).
Human Development and Economy: Honduras has a largely agricultural economy, with coffee, bananas, and textiles as major exports. Despite economic growth, poverty and inequality remain significant challenges, with high levels of income disparity and limited access to education and healthcare in rural areas.
Cultural Highlights: Honduras has a rich indigenous and Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage, with Spanish influences. The country is known for its vibrant traditional dances, music, and cuisine, as well as its natural attractions, including the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve and the Copán ruins.
Challenges and Opportunities: Key challenges facing Honduras include addressing poverty, inequality, crime, corruption, and environmental degradation. Opportunities exist in developing sustainable tourism, enhancing education and healthcare access, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Travel Tips for Honduras
– Best times to visit: The dry season from December to April offers the most favorable weather for travel.
– Cultural etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly, and avoid public displays of affection.
– Safety precautions: Exercise caution in certain areas due to gang activity and petty crime. Avoid walking alone at night and follow travel advisories.
– Must-see landmarks: Explore the Mayan ruins of Copán, the colonial town of Comayagua, and the Bay Islands for their beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
– Culinary experiences: Try traditional dishes like baleadas (flour tortillas with refried beans), tajadas (fried plantain chips), and soup de mondongo (tripe soup).
Living in Honduras
– Cost of living: Honduras has a relatively low cost of living, with affordable housing and daily expenses, especially outside major cities.
– Housing: Options range from modern apartments in urban areas to more traditional homes in rural communities.
– Healthcare: The public healthcare system is underfunded, so many expats opt for private healthcare facilities, which offer better services but can be costly.
– Education: The public education system faces challenges with quality and resources. Expat families often choose private international schools.
– Lifestyle: Embrace a slower pace of life and immerse yourself in the warmth of Honduran culture. Be prepared for potential power outages and infrastructure challenges.
– Cultural norms: Respecting local customs, learning Spanish, and building relationships are essential for a smooth transition.
Main facts
Location
Honduras is a country located in Central America. It borders the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Nicaragua. Honduras is situated in the northwestern part of the isthmus connecting North and South America.
Map References
Honduras is located in the Central American region.
Area – Comparative
The area of Honduras is slightly larger than the state of Virginia in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Honduras has a total land boundary length of 1,520 km. It shares borders with the following countries:
- Guatemala (256 km)
- El Salvador (342 km)
- Nicaragua (922 km)
Coastline
Honduras has a coastline of 820 km, including the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Notable features include the Islas de la Bahia and the Gulf of Fonseca.
Maritime Claims
Honduras claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
Honduras has a subtropical climate, with a hot and humid coastal region and a temperate interior. The climate varies from tropical in the lowlands to more temperate in the mountains.
Terrain
Honduras is predominantly mountainous, with narrow coastal plains and rugged interior highlands. The Cordillera Nombre de Dios and Cordillera Merendon are the principal mountain ranges, and the Sula Valley is a notable lowland area.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Honduras is Cerro Las Minas, at an elevation of 2,870 meters, while the lowest point is the Caribbean Sea at 0 meters.
Natural Resources
The major natural resources in Honduras include:
- Timber
- Gold
- Silver
- Copper
- Lead
- Zinc
- Iron ore
- Antimony
- Coal
- Fish
- Hydropower
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Honduras include:
- Ulua River
- Choluteca River
- Aguan River
- Lago de Yojoa (shared with Guatemala and El Salvador)
- Golfo de Fonseca (shared with El Salvador and Nicaragua)
Natural Hazards
Honduras is prone to the following natural hazards:
- Frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes in the southwestern part of the country
- Extremely susceptible to damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean coast
Geography – Notes
Honduras is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world, with a wide range of plant and animal life, including many endangered species. However, the country faces significant environmental challenges, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The Trifinio region, where the borders of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala meet, is an important area for conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 40.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 9,813. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 28.90%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 15.199999-86.241905.
- Capital: The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa
- Major Cities:
- Tegucigalpa – Population: 1.157 million
- San Pedro Sula – Population: 639,000
- Choloma – Population: 240,000
- La Ceiba – Population: 204,000
- El Progreso – Population: 149,000
- Population: 9,746,117
- Area(Km2): 112090
- Population Density( P/Km²):89. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:504
- Official Language(s):Honduras is Spanish 87%, with English and indigenous languages also spoken.
- Currency: HNL
Main Economic Indicators
Honduras has a relatively small and open economy dominated by agriculture, particularly the export of coffee, bananas, and other tropical fruits. The industrial and service sectors remain underdeveloped. Key economic challenges include high poverty rates, lack of economic opportunities, corruption, and the impact of natural disasters. Notable economic policies focus on trade liberalization, privatization, and promoting foreign investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
4.8% (2022 est.)
4.5% (2021 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B+ (Stable)
Moody’s: B1 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 13.7%
Industry: 26.4%
Services: 59.9%
Source: CIA World Factbook (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural: Coffee, bananas, palm oil, citrus fruits, shrimp and lobster, sugar, corn, African palm
Industrial: Sugar, coffee, woven and knit apparel, soap and baked products, paper, wood products, cigars
Labor Force
3.911 million (2022 est.)
Ranked 96th in the world
Current Account Balance
-$1.29 billion (2022 est.)
-$1.11 billion (2021 est.)
Ranked 139th in the world
Exports and Imports
Exports: $7.77 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Germany, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua
Main Commodities: Insulated wiring, knit or crocheted fabric, palm oil, bananas, coffee
Imports: $13.94 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: United States, China, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador
Main Commodities: Refined petroleum, packaged medicines, cars, insulated wiring, broadcasting equipment
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
$8.814 billion (2022 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$25,095,395,475. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 17.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 39.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.98. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $1.01. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 5.39%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Honduran(s)
Adjective: Honduran
2. Ethnic Groups
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%
Amerindian 7%
Black 2%
White 1%
3. Religions
Roman Catholic 46%
Protestant 41%
Other 2%
None 11%
4. Age Structure
0-14 years: 32.34%
15-64 years: 62.48%
65 years and over: 5.18%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 59.9
Youth dependency ratio: 51.7
Elderly dependency ratio: 8.3
6. Median Age
Total: 23.8 years
Male: 23.2 years
Female: 24.4 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 23.4% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 3.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)
Tobacco use: 16.1% of adults (2020)
Life expectancy at birth: 75.1 years (2022 est.)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.1. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 88.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:21.6. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.46. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 19%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 5,626,433. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):49.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Armed Forces of Honduras consist of the following branches:
- Honduran Army (Fuerzas Armadas de Honduras)
- Honduran Navy (Fuerza Naval de Honduras)
- Honduran Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Hondureña)
The National Police (Policía Nacional de Honduras) is responsible for maintaining internal security and public order.
Military Expenditures
Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.2%
- 2021: 1.3%
- 2020: 1.4%
- 2019: 1.4%
- 2018: 1.5%
Honduras ranks 98th globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in Honduras is around 16,000, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 12,000
- Navy: 1,500
- Air Force: 2,500
The National Police has a strength of approximately 14,000 officers.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Honduras primarily operates older military equipment, including:
- Main Battle Tanks: T-55 and M41 Walker Bulldog
- Armored Personnel Carriers: M113, V-150, and V-300
- Artillery: M101A1 and M114A1 howitzers
- Aircraft: A-37B Dragonfly and MD 500 helicopters
- Naval Assets: Coastal patrol boats
There are currently no significant planned or ongoing military acquisitions or development programs.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service is voluntary, and the age range for enlistment is 18-30 years. There is no mandatory military service obligation.
Military Deployments
Honduras has a small contingent of around 300 personnel deployed as part of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
Strategic Military Notes
Honduras’ defense strategy focuses on maintaining internal security, border protection, and countering organized crime and drug trafficking. The military plays a supporting role to the National Police in domestic security operations.
Honduras is an active member of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and has participated in regional peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations.
- Armed Forces Size: 15000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.31
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 68.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.