Naranjito, Honduras

Naranjito was officially founded in 1820, and was elevated as a municipality in 1844. On 28 December 1931, the Naranjito district was created consisting of the municipalities of Protection, Atima and El Naranjito.^[2]

Naranjito is located in the department of Santa Bárbara in Honduras.^[3] It borders the municipalities of Protección to the south, Atima and San Luis to the north, San Nicolás, Trinidad, and San Jose to the west, and Lepaera to the east.^[2][4] The municipality covers an area of 130.5 km² (50.4 sq mi) and has an average elevation of 930 m (3,050 ft) above sea level.^[2][5] It is watered by the Jicatuyo River. There are several hot springs located near the municipality.^[4][2]

The municipality comprises 12 aldeas (villages) and their associated caseríos (hamlets).^[6]: 20

At the time of the 2013 census, Naranjito had a total population of 11,901 inhabitants, of whom 5,948 (50.0%) were male and 5,953 (50.0%) were female.^{[6]: 20 [7][6]: 20} The population increased from 10,367 inhabitants in 2001 to 11,901 in 2013.^[7] The municipality had an urban population of 4,214 (35.4%) and a rural population of 7,687 (64.6%).^[6]: 20 By broad age group, 35.8% of the population were aged 0–14, 57.9% were aged 15–64, and 6.3% were aged 65 and over. The median age was 20.9 years and the mean age was 26.2 years.^[6]: 19 Of the population, 0.25% were classified as Indigenous and rest as non-indigenous.^[7] Among the population aged 15 and over, the illiteracy rate was 30.6%, which was higher than the departmental average of 22.2%.^[6]: 19

The economy of Naranjito is primarily based on agriculture, especially the cultivation of coffee, maize, and beans. Livestock rearing and small-scale commerce also contribute to the local economy.^[2][4] Naranjito celebrates its annual festival on 15 August in honour of its patron Virgin of the transit.^[2]