Country Guide • Belize
Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America. It is bound by the Caribbean Sea to the east, Mexico to the north and north west and Guatemala to the west and south west. The coastline is fringed by cays as well as the world's second longest barrier reef.
| Official Name | Belize |
|---|---|
| Area | 22,966km² (8,867mile²) |
| Population | 266,400 |
| Continent | Central America/North America |
| Population per mile² | 30 |
| Capital City | Belmopan |
| Religions | Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27%, other 14% |
| Language | English, English Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garífuna |
| Government | Parliamentary Democracy |
| Member of EU | N/A |
| Currency | Belize Dollar |
| GDP | $1.28 billion |
| GDP per Head | $4,900 |
| Natural Resources | Arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower |
| Land Use | Arable Land 3% |
| Agriculture | Bananas, Cocoa, Citrus Fruits, Sugarcane, Timber, and Fish |
| Industry | Garment Production, Food Processing, Timber, Tourism and Construction |
| Tourism | Belize has more in common with its Caribbean island neighbours than with the fiery volatility of the rest of Central America. English-speaking, Creole-dominated and with a thoroughly coup-free history, most of this tiny country has an atmosphere so laid-back it's almost comatose. Belize can be a difficult place to travel - only three of its major highways are fully paved. Belize compensates with some of the best diving in the world, dramatic Mayan ruins looming out of untouched jungle and secluded ecolodges catering to the most sedentary adventurers |
| Natural Hazards | Frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south) |
| Health Risks | Cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid |
| Climate | Belize has a subtropical climate that is uniformly hot and humid, but can be cooler at times from the trade winds. The dry season is from February to March with another brief spell during August, while the hurricane season which often causes severe damage is from July to October. Average annual precipitation varies from 1,270 mm (50 inches) in the north to more than 3,810 mm (100 inches) in the south. Average temperature ranges in Belize City are from 19 to 27°C in January to 24 to 31°C in August |
| Time | GMT/UTC-6 hours |
| National Days | September 21 |
| Visas | Citizens of the US, European Union and Commonwealth countries do not require visas if they have a passport and return ticket. All other nationalities require a visa. British embassies frequently handle Belize's diplomatic affairs |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
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