COUNTRY
PROFILE:
In 1998, Honduras (population
7.5 million) was devastated by Hurricane Mitch. At least
5,000 people were killed and 70 per cent of the country's
crops were destroyed. The damage was estimated at $3bn,
setting development back by decades.
Honduran society is rife with
economic inequality, malnutrition, poor housing and
infant diseases are widespread. Life expectancy is 70
years for men and 75 years for women.
GNI per capita is US $1, 800, and infant mortality is
28.2 per 1, 000 live births.
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Map courtesy
of FCO (UK) |
The country has a youthful population,
with fifty per cent of Hondurans under the age of 19 years.
But endemic poverty, chronic unemployment and the prospects
offered by drug trafficking have contributed to a virulent
crime-wave conducted mainly by youth gangs known as “maras”.The
maras are said to have tens of thousands of members and use
threats and violence to control poorer districts in towns
and cities.
Meanwhile, police officers have been implicated in high-profile
crimes, and the police have been accused of involvement in
the murders by death squads of youths and street children.
HISTORY OF GOAL IN HONDURAS:
GOAL has been working
in Honduras since November 1998, when Hurricane Mitch wreaked
devastation across large parts of the country. Since then,
we have responded to every natural disaster that has occurred
there.
CURRENT GOAL PROGRAMMES:
• Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
• Water Harvesting
• Water and Sanitation and Hygiene Rehabilitation
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