About Belize
An English-speaking former colony, the former British Honduras is located on the coast of Central America. It is bordered on the north by Mexico, on the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Belize has a sub-tropic to tropical climate with temperatures remaining warm all year round. Just 180 miles long and 68 miles wide, Belize is known for the abundance and diversity of its ecosystems and its eco-tourism. Belize has 36% of its territory under protected status (vs. 26% for nearby Costa Rica).
With 333,200 people, the lowest population density in Central America, Belize features the world’s second-largest living barrier reef with fishing, boating, scuba diving and snorkeling. Its rivers offer rafting and kayaking while its wildlife reserves feature biodiversity attractive to hiking, bird watching and helicopter touring. Its many Mayan ruins and extensive cave systems attract visitors worldwide. Belize has long been a popular stopover for Caribbean cruise ships and is poised to become a favor destination for Baby Boomer retirees. In addition to the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize has hundreds of islets and islands (“cayes”).
With 333,200 people, the lowest population density in Central America, Belize features the world’s second-largest living barrier reef with fishing, boating, scuba diving and snorkeling. Its rivers offer rafting and kayaking while its wildlife reserves feature biodiversity attractive to hiking, bird watching and helicopter touring. Its many Mayan ruins and extensive cave systems attract visitors worldwide. Belize has long been a popular stopover for Caribbean cruise ships and is poised to become a favor destination for Baby Boomer retirees. In addition to the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize has hundreds of islets and islands (“cayes”).
History, Culture, Politics and the Belize Economy
Subordinate to Jamaica among the British colonies, Belize was the source of much of the mahogany trade during the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Self-governing since 1964, British Honduras became Belize in 1973. Full independence was achieved in 1981.
Arable land is the largest natural resource in Belize along with timber, seafood and minerals. Its main exports are sugar, citrus concentrate, marine products, bananas, molasses and crude oil. The U.S. is both its largest market and its largest supplier. Some 185 U.S. companies operate in Belize. Tourism attracts the most foreign direct investment though significant U.S. investment is found in telecommunications and agriculture, Americans account for 70% of tourist arrivals. The U.S. is also home to the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated at 70,000.
Arable land is the largest natural resource in Belize along with timber, seafood and minerals. Its main exports are sugar, citrus concentrate, marine products, bananas, molasses and crude oil. The U.S. is both its largest market and its largest supplier. Some 185 U.S. companies operate in Belize. Tourism attracts the most foreign direct investment though significant U.S. investment is found in telecommunications and agriculture, Americans account for 70% of tourist arrivals. The U.S. is also home to the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated at 70,000.
Per capita income is $8,200 with an annual inflation rate of 0.3%. The U.S. dollar is widely used throughout Belize. The multiracial population is 44% mixed Mayan and European (Mestizo); 30% are of Afro-European (Creole) ancestry. Slightly more than half the population lives in rural areas. About one-fourth live in Belize City, the principal port, commercial center and former capital. The rate of functional literacy is 76%. Two-thirds of the population is of working age.
The Mayan civilization spread into the area between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourished until AD 1200. Belize is a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model and is a member of the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and is represented by a governor general. In 1990, Belize became a member of the Organization of American States and in 2001 joined the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM).
Forestry was the only economic activity of any consequence until well into the 20th century when the supply of accessible timber began to decline. Belize receives military assistance from the U.S. and the U.K. and benefits from USAID programs. Over the past 4 years, some 2,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Belize.
The Mayan civilization spread into the area between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourished until AD 1200. Belize is a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model and is a member of the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and is represented by a governor general. In 1990, Belize became a member of the Organization of American States and in 2001 joined the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM).
Forestry was the only economic activity of any consequence until well into the 20th century when the supply of accessible timber began to decline. Belize receives military assistance from the U.S. and the U.K. and benefits from USAID programs. Over the past 4 years, some 2,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Belize.
- LOCATION – Belize lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea.
- POPULATION – The population of Belize is approximately 320,000. There is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans, including Hispanic, Creoles (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian.
- LANGUAGES – English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish. Other languages include Creole, German, Mayan and Garifuna.
- CURRENCY – Belizean dollar although US dollar is commonly accepted.
- SIZE – Approximately 8,866 square miles and also consists of over 200 cayes (islands).
- COAST LINE – 2,237 km.
- CLIMATE – Belize weather is characterized by two seasons: a rainy and a dry season.
- GOVERNMENT TYPE – Independent nation since 1981, member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Parliamentary democracy with two major political parties, the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s United Party (PUP). Belize has a Constitution, which includes a Bill of Rights.
- CAPITAL – Belmopan.
- INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport which is located in Ladyville.
