From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 2m
Honduras in Latin America
Honduras' role in Latin America: US ties, Taiwan choice, and economic weight.
In brief
Honduras' role in Latin America: US ties, Taiwan choice, and economic weight. Honduras, with 11 million people, has US$39.6 billion GDP and a 31% remittance share of GDP, faces a Taiwan recognition choice that impacts Central American alliances. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Honduras in Latin America
Honduras has 11.0 million people, about 1.7 percent of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Economic Weight
Its economy produced US$39.6 billion in 2025, about 0.5 percent of regional output.
Who Governs
President Nasry Asfura of the National Party has been in office since January 27, 2026.
Alliances
Honduras has US$12.5 billion in two-way trade with the United States and 600 US personnel at Soto Cano Air Base.
Taiwan Choice
Honduras moved recognition from Taiwan to China in March 2023, but President Asfura has yet to decide on Taiwan.
Remittances
Family remittances were about US$12.2 billion in 2025, roughly 31 percent of GDP.
Blocs
Honduras belongs to the Organization of American States, CELAC, SICA, and CAFTA-DR but not Mercosur or CARICOM.
Gulf of Fonseca
The Gulf of Fonseca is a key area for Honduras' border disputes with El Salvador and Nicaragua.
US as Anchor
The United States is Honduras' largest economic partner with US$12.5 billion in trade and 600 personnel at Soto Cano Air Base.
Taiwan Recognition
Honduras recognized China in March 2023, but President Asfura has yet to decide on Taiwan.
Regional Peers
Guatemala has 18.7 million people and US$123.3 billion GDP, while Honduras has 11.0 million and US$39.6 billion GDP.
Investor Protection
Honduras left the World Bank's ICSID arbitration convention in August 2024 but re-joined in March 2026.
Border Disputes
Honduras has border disputes with El Salvador and Nicaragua over the Gulf of Fonseca.
What It Means for US Readers
US investors face legal risks from Honduras' pending US$11 billion claim and remittances impact household budgets.
What to remember
Honduras, with 11 million people, has US$39.6 billion GDP and a 31% remittance share of GDP, faces a Taiwan recognition choice that impacts Central American alliances.
