Week 1 (GEOL9): Introducing Honduras

Honduras is primarily located in Central America and is the second-largest country in the region. It borders Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and the Caribbean Sea. Honduras comprises 18 departments and 298 municipalities, covering an area of 112,090 square kilometers (43,278 square miles). The country is home to numerous protected areas, including the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its population in 2024 is 10,759,406. While Spanish is the official language, several indigenous languages are also spoken in various regions. See its map below.

Natural hazards represent potential threats, while disasters and catastrophes are actualized events with varying degrees of impact. The frequency and intensity of these events often correlate with their severity. Natural hazards occur more frequently but may not always result in significant damage. Disasters, being less common, cause considerable harm and disruption to communities. Catastrophes, the most severe and rare, have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond immediate recovery efforts. Human factors, such as population density, infrastructure quality, and preparedness measures, play a significant role in determining whether a natural hazard escalates into a disaster or catastrophe.