Introduction
Honduras
Background
Honduras, which was once a significant part of Spain's extensive empire in the Americas, achieved independence in 1821. Following a period of military governance lasting over twenty-five years, a democratically elected civilian administration took office in 1982. Throughout the 1980s, Honduras served as a refuge for the anti-Sandinista contras opposed to the Marxist government in Nicaragua, as well as a supporter of Salvadoran government forces engaged in combat against leftist guerrillas. The country was struck by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, resulting in approximately 5,600 fatalities and damages estimated at around $2 billion. Since that time, the economy has gradually recovered, although it faced challenges due to COVID-19 and severe weather events in 2020 and 2021.