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Location
Central America, Caribbean coast.
Time
GMT - 6.
Area
22,965 sq km (8,867 sq miles).
Population
266,000 (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density
11.6 per sq km.
Capital
Belmopan City. Population: 12,300 (2004). Belize City (the former capital) has a population of 59,400.
Geography
Belize is situated at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America and borders Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country’s area includes numerous small islands (cayes) off the coast. The coastal strip is low and swampy, particularly in the north, with mangroves, many salt and freshwater lagoons and some sandy beaches crossed by a number of rivers. To the south and west rises the heavily forested Maya mountain range, with the Cockscomb range to the east and the Mountain Pine Ridge in the west. More than 65% of the area of the country is forested. The land to the west along the borders with Guatemala is open and relatively scenic compared to much of the interior. The shallow offshore cayes straddle a coral reef second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Government
Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1981.
Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II represented locally by Governor-General Sir Colville Young since 1993.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Said Musa since 1998.
Recent History
Said Musa was re-elected in 2003 with his People's United Party (PUP) winning 21 of the 29 assembly seats. However, the PUP's second term has been marred by financial problems, allegations of corruption and violent protests, including a riot in Belize City in April 2005. Drug-related violence has also been a problem. Furthermore, in 2006, the US state department included Belize on a list of countries considered not to be doing enough to tackle human trafficking. The PUP was heavily defeated in the March 2006 local elections by the opposition United Democratic Party (UPD). The next general election is due in 2008.
Language
English is the official language, but Spanish is spoken to some extent by over half the population. Garifuna (Carib), Maya and Creole are also spoken as well as a German dialect (by the Mennonites).
Religion
The people of Belize are mainly Roman Catholic (approximately 60% of the population). Other small groups practice Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bahai, as well as other Christian denominations.
Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Social Conventions
British influence can still be seen in many social situations. Flowers or confectionary are acceptable gifts to give to hosts if invited to their home for a meal. Dress is casual, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. It may be inadvisable to discuss politics, particularly if of a partisan nature.