Belize country facts

Capital of Belize

Belmopan

Exchange rate, currency Belizean Dollar

1 US$ = 2 Belizean Dollar, Bz$ (fixed rate).

Administrative divisions

Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo.

Population

294,000 growth rate 2.3% (2007 est.). Ethnic groups: Mestizo 49%, Creole 25%, Maya 10%, Garifuna 6%, other 10%.

Languages

English (official) 4%, Spanish 46%, Creole 33%, Mayan 9%, Garifuna 4%, other 4%.

Religions

Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 27%, other 14%, none 9%.

Climate

Tropical, very hot and humid. Rainy season from May to November, dry season from February to May.

Geography

22,966 sq. km. Flat coastal plains, low mountains in south. High proportion of reserved and protected land. Frequent hurricanes from June to November.

National Anthem

Listen to the National Anthem of Belize

Public holidays

January 1 - New Years Day.
March 9 - Baron Bliss Day.
March/April - Holy Saturday, Good Friday and Easter Monday.
May 1 - Labour Day.
May 24 - Commonwealth Day.
September 10 - St. George's Caye Day.
September 21 - Independence Day (1981 from UK).
October 12 - Columbus Day.
November 19 - Garifuna Settlement Day.
December 25 - Christmas Day.
December 26 - Boxing Day.

Newspapers

Amandala Online | Channel 5 Belize | The Belize Times | The Guardian | The Reporter | San Pedro Sun

Natural resources

Arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower.

Industries

Garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil.

Agriculture products

Bananas, cacao, citrus, sugar, fish, cultured shrimp, lumber, garments.

GDP

US$ 2.3 billion, real growth rate 3.5%, per capita US$ 8,400 (2006 est.).

Exports

US$ 427 million (f.o.b. 2006 est.). Sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood.