Choluteca is one of the 18 departments (departamentos) into which Honduras is divided. It is the southernmost department of Honduras, bordering the Gulf of Fonseca to the west and the Republic of Nicaragua to the east and south.
The departmental capital is city of Choluteca. There is also a river named Choluteca that runs through the department.
The department covers a total surface area of 4,211 km² and, in 2005, had an estimated population of 420,350 people.
Choluteca department was formed in 1825 as one of the original departments of post-colonial Honduras. It took its current form in 1893 when Valle department was formed out of the westernmost portion of the department.
The Choluteca Department has a number of 9 deputies elected for the National Congress.
{*Deceased before the period ended. His substitute continue his charge until the end of the period.}
{** Since June 28, 2009 until the end of the congressional period}
{*Mauricio Oliva was Vice-President of the National Congress during the second half of the 2010-2014 congressional term.}
The department is, historically, a prominent producer of gold, silver, and copper. The region also had a cattle industry.
Coordinates: 13°19′N 87°13′W / 13.317°N 87.217°W