Overview of Belize

Profile

Belize is a Commonwealth realm uniquely using English as the official language in Central America, with the blue Caribbean Sea and the world's second-largest barrier reef system - the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve - as tourism centerpieces. Over 60% of the country is dense jungle supporting diverse flora and fauna, while the coast features over 450 small islands (cayes) known as diving and snorkeling sanctuaries. Ethnically diverse with Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna and others coexisting, multilingual and multicultural life is everyday reality. Agriculture and tourism are economic pillars, using the Belize Dollar while US Dollars circulate widely. Security is relatively stable but as a hurricane-prone area, weather monitoring is essential.

Official name: Belize
Common name: Belize
Numeric code: 084
Alpha-3 code: BLZ
Alpha-2 code: BZ
Population: Approx. 440,000 (2024)
Population density: Approx. 19 persons/km²
Primary languages: English, Spanish, Belizean Creole
Major religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant
National anthem: Land of the Free
Calling code: +501
Internet TLD: .bz

History

Developed as British Honduras, gained independence from Britain in 1981.

The region flourished under Maya civilization from preclassic to postclassic periods, with British settlers arriving in the 17th century for timber harvesting. In 1862 it was formally incorporated as the British colony of British Honduras, developing primarily through mahogany exports. Post-World War II self-governance expanded, with the name changed to Belize in 1973. Independence negotiations were complicated by neighboring Guatemala's territorial claims, but independence was achieved on September 21, 1981. Border demarcation issues remain under ICJ review, but domestically the country maintains stable parliamentary democracy.

Geography & climate

Over 60% of land is lowland tropical rainforest, with Maya Mountains running south and highest peak Doyle's Delight (1,124m) rising. East faces Caribbean Sea, dotted with over 450 coral reefs and cayes.

Tropical Monsoon Climate

Area: North America / 22966 km²
Capital: Belmopan
Largest city: Belize City
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Mexico, Guatemala

Natural resources

Mahogany, Sugarcane, Fishery resources (lobster), Freshwater, Limestone, Tourism resources (coral reefs), Hydroelectric potential, Wildlife diversity, Cacao, Bananas

Politics

Government: Constitutional Monarchy (Parliamentary Cabinet System)

Economy

Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)

GDP (nominal): 27 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 49 hundred million international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Spanish, Belizean Creole

Time zone: Belize Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Mennonite (German), East Indian, Chinese, Caucasian

Life expectancy

74.0 years

Literacy rate

82%

National sports

Soccer, Basketball, Softball, Cricket, Athletics, Canoe Racing