In the past few decades, tourism has become the most important legitimate economic source for the coastal area. In 2005 it had an estimated population of about 372,532 people. The department covers a total surface area of 4,251 km².
The department was formed in 1902 from territory previously parts of the departments of Colón, Cortés, and Yoro. In 1910 it had a population of about 11,370 people.[citation needed]
Medical care is available at the Jungle Hospital,[6]
which is located in the village of Rio Viejo, 20.1 road kilometers south of La Ceiba in the valley of the Rio Cangrejal. From La Ceiba, one should take the Carretera a La Cuenca (V200) to Rio Viejo.