Honduras
	In contrast to its neighbours, Honduras did not experience major internal conflict during the last decades. The country did not manage to profit from it and 70% of the population is still under the poverty line. Natural disasters, the El Nino phenomenon, Mitch hurricane and draught represent an important obstacle for the development process of the country. Soon Honduras will attain the group of HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) and thus an important reduction of its debt will take place.

 

Total population : 6.2 million Illiteracy rate : 25 % Total expenditures for education (in % of GNP) : 3.6 % (1996) Pupil/teacher ratio : 35 (1994) Refugee situation: Tens of thousands of refugees and displaced.