General background: Territorial disputes between
the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize
(formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused
to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has
become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains
plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in
the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime.
Area comparative: Slightly smaller than Massachusetts
Climate: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy
season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
Terrain: Flat, swampy coastal plain; low
mountains in south
Population: 262,999 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%,
Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7%
Religions: Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant
27% (Anglican 5.3%, Methodist 3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%,
Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Pentecostal 7.4%, Jehovah's
Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14% (2000)
Language: English (official), Spanish, Mayan,
Garifuna (Carib), Creole
Government type: Parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belmopan
Legal system: English law
Economic overview: The small, essentially
private enterprise economy is based primarily on agriculture,
agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism
and construction assuming greater importance. Sugar,
the chief crop, accounts for nearly half of exports,
while the banana industry is the country's largest
employer. The government's expansionary monetary and
fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led
to GDP growth of 6.4% in 1999 and 10.5% in 2000. Growth
decelerated in 2001 to 3% due to the global slowdown
and severe hurricane damage to agriculture, fishing,
and tourism. Major concerns continue to be the rapidly
expanding trade deficit and foreign debt. A key short-term
objective remains the reduction of poverty with the
help of international donors.
Communication/Telephone system: Above-average
system, trunk network depends primarily on microwave
radio relay. Satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean).
Places of interest: Dramatic Mayan ruins looming
out of untouched jungle and secluded ecolodges catering
to the most sedentary adventurers.
Travel Tips: Belize can be a difficult place
to travel - only three of its major highways are fully
paved, prices are high for this part of the world,
and except in the touristed areas hotels are few and
far between.
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