Honduras was a Spanish possession until 1821. In 1823, it formed the United Provinces of Central America with four neighboring nations.

• 1838 Declares full independence.
• 1890s US banana plantations set up.
• 1932–1949 Dictatorship of Gen. Tiburcio Carías Andino of PNH.
• 1954–1957 Elected PLH president Villeda Morales deposed, reelected.
• 1963 Military coup.
• 1969 13-day Soccer War with El Salvador sparked by World Cup.
• 1980–1983 PLH wins elections but Gen. Gustavo Alvarez holds real power. Military maneuvers with US. Trades unionists arrested; death squads operate.
• 1984 Return to democracy.
• 1988 12,000 Contra rebels forced out of Nicaragua into Honduras.
• 1995 Military defies human rights charges.
• 1998 Hurricane Mitch wreaks havoc.
• 1999 Appointment of first civilian defense minister.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004