Honduras is the original banana republic, but travel there is easy, enjoyable and inexpensive. The slow pace, natural beauty and low-profile tourism make it particularly appealing to travelers (well-armed with insect repellent) who enjoy getting off the beaten track.

Despite its turbulent political history, the poor cousin of the region has barely registered on the Western radar, apart from its short role in the 1980s as a breeding ground for US covert operations and its devastation in 1998 at the hands of Hurrican Mitch.

Facts

Full country name: Republic of Honduras
Area: 112,090 sq km
Population: 6.7 million
People: 90% Mestizo, 7% indigenous, 2.5% Garífuna
Language: Spanish; Castilian, Carib
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, plus other Christian sects and indigenous forms of worship
Government: democratic constitutional republic
Head of State: President Ricardo Maduro

GDP: US$16.3 billion
GDP per capita: US$2,500
Annual Growth: -3%
Inflation: 7.7%
Major Industries: Coffee, bananas, beef, sugar cane, tobacco, forestry
Major Trading Partners: EU, USA, Japan