Honduras

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.

Warning

Although there's no need to be overly paranoid, crime - particularly street crime - is on the increase in Honduras. Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are the worst places for street crime; generally the smaller towns are much safer than the big cities.

Most problems can be avoided by a few simple precautions - carrying only as much money as you need, securing valuables and avoiding displays of wealth. Walking downtown in the cities in the daytime and early evening is fine, but locals will tell you it's dangerous to walk in the downtown streets past 9pm or so.

In Tegucigalpa, don't ever walk through the market area of Comayagüela after dark. Caution should also be exercised on the north coast beaches, including in the daytime, especially in isolated places.

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