Belize

Belize lies on the eastern or Caribbean coast of Central America, bounded on the north and part of the west by Mexico, and on the south and the remainder of the west by Guatemala. Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America otherwise a melting pot of many races with an estimated population of approximately 274 000.
Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992.

border countries: Guatemala, Mexico

related countries: United Kingdom

other Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama

Official Name:
Belize
formerly: British Honduras

ISO Country Code: bz

Time:
Local Time = UTC -6h

Country Calling Code: +501

Capital City: Belmopan (2000 pop. est. 8 305)

Other Cities:
Belize City (54 125), Corozal (8075), Orange Walk (13 795), San Ignacio & Santa Elena (13 545), Dangriga (9020), Punta Gorda (4425), San Pedro (4965).

Government:
Type: Parliamentary democracy
Independence: 21 September 1981 from the UK.
Constitution: 21 September 1981.

Geography:
Location: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico.
Area (mainland and cayes): 22 966 sq. km.
(8 867 sq. mi.)
Terrain: plain coastline covered with mangrove swamps, low mountains in interior, highest point Doyle's Delight (1124 m).

Climate: Tropical, hot and humid. Rainy season May to November; dry season February to May.

People:
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Belizean(s).
Population: 274 000.
GNI per capita PPP: $ 7 635 (year)
Ethnic groups: Mestizo, Creole, Ketchi, Yucatec and Mopan Mayas, Garifuna and East Indian.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, other Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist.
Languages: English (official), Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, Mayan.
Literacy: 76%.

Natural resources: Arable land, timber, seafood, minerals.

Agriculture Products: Sugar, citrus fruits and juices, bananas, mangoes, papayas, honey, corn, beans, rice, cattle (12.7% of GDP).

Industries: Garment production, food processing, tourism, construction.

Exports partners: USA 37.2%, UK 26.8%, Jamaica 4.6% (2004)

Imports partners: USA 30.1%, Mexico 12%, Guatemala 7.4%, Cuba 7.2%, China 4.2%, Japan 4.1% (2004)

Currency: Belizean Dollar (BZD)