A country of northern Central America. Originally inhabited by a Mayan civilization, Honduras was colonized by the Spanish in the early 1500s and gained its independence along with Mexico in 1821. Part of a short-lived confederation of Central American states, Honduras became a separate republic in 1838. Tegucigalpa is the capital and the largest city. Population: 7,480,000.
Hon·du'ran adj. & n.
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