Belize Guide and Resources

Check for available hotels in Belize

Location
Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico

Size Comparison To U.S-located Area
slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Geographic Coordinates
17 15 N, 88 45 W

Capital
Belmopan

Nationality
Belizean(s)

Currency
Belizean dollar (BZD)

Languages Spoken
English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole

Population
262,999 (July 2002 est.)

Total Population Ratio Based On Gender
1.03 male(s)/female (2002 est.)

Migrant Ratio
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)

Ethnic Groups
mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7%

Religion Demographics
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)

Geographic Areas
Total :: 22,966 sq km
Land :: 160 sq km
Water :: 22,806 sq km
Coastline :: 386 km

Bordered By
Guatemala, Mexico

Argentina 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

Natural Resources
arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Natural Hazards
frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)

Brief Geography Notes
only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean

Government
parliamentary democracy

Administrative Districts
6 districts