A belt of alluvial soil, mostly below sea level, borders the coast in the north and is protected by dams and dikes. To the south, dense forest covers four-fifths of the country. The forest extends to interior highlands. Several rivers flow from south to north, forming spectacular waterfalls. The country has important mineral deposits of bauxite, manganese, and gold.
Dense forests contain greenheart and mora trees, which are used in the lumber industry.
Animals include anteaters, monkeys, and brilliantly colored birds and insects. Coconuts, coffee, cacao, citrus fruit, corn, manioc, and other tropical fruit and vegetables are grown primarily for home consumption. Large areas of rough pasture exist in the interior savannas. Substantial numbers of cattle, hogs, sheep, and chickens are raised. Cultivation is confined almost entirely to the narrow coastal strip of rich, alluvial soil.