Population: In 1992 population estimated at nearly 5.1 million. Rate of annual growth 2.8 percent. Most of population lives in western part of interior highlands and Caribbean lowlands northeastern Honduras sparsely settled. Population about half rural but rapidly urbanizing.

Education and Literacy: Literacy reportedly at about 60 percent in 1990 but varies widely regionally. Few people complete primary school.

Health and Welfare: High degree of malnutrition high infant and child mortality rates. Major diseases: malaria, enteric diseases and typhoid, influenza, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. Life expectancy: nearly sixty-five years in 1992. Medical care minimal for most of population.

Language: Spanish official language and spoken as primary or secondary language by almost all of population. English also used on Caribbean coast. Miskito of northeastern Honduras speak native language, as do Black Caribs of Caribbean coast.

Ethnic Groups: Approximately 90 percent of population mestizo. Caribbean coast population most diverse, with mestizo, Creole, and Black Carib. Northeastern Honduras population primarily Miskito.

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, although Protestant denominations growing rapidly.

Data as of December 1993