Core Facts / Infobox

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Geography & Environment

• Located on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea.
• Features lush rainforests, rivers, savannas, mountains, lagoons, wetlands, and tropical coastlines.
• Home to the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Climate: tropical with a wet and dry season.
• Best time to visit: December–May.
• Major protected areas: Blue Hole Natural Monument, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
• Biodiversity includes jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, manatees, turtles, and hundreds of bird species.
• Environmental challenges: deforestation, coral bleaching, hurricanes, coastal erosion.

Demographics

• Population ~420,000.
• Median age ~25 years (one of the youngest in the region).
• Ethnic groups: Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Mennonite, East Indian, Chinese.
• Languages: English official; Spanish widely spoken; Creole and indigenous languages common.
• Religion: mainly Christianity; also Garifuna spiritual traditions and Maya beliefs.
• Urban population ~46%.
• Major cities: Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Orange Walk Town.

History

• Originally home to the ancient Maya civilization.
• Later inhabited by British settlers; became British Honduras.
• The region developed around logging, particularly mahogany.
• Internal self-government achieved in 1964.
• Gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981.
• Ongoing territorial dispute with Guatemala, currently at the International Court of Justice.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
• Head of State: British Monarch represented by a Governor-General.
• Executive: Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• Legislature: bicameral National Assembly with a House of Representatives and a Senate.
• Judiciary: Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
• Administrative divisions: 6 districts (Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo).

Economy

• Economy based on tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and services.
• Major industries: eco-tourism, marine tourism, sugar, citrus, bananas, shrimp, forestry.
• Main exports: sugar, bananas, citrus, lobster, conch, molasses.
• Main imports: machinery, fuel, manufactured goods, food, vehicles.
• Strengths: rich biodiversity, tourism potential, English-speaking workforce.
• Weaknesses: high debt, natural disaster exposure, dependency on limited exports.
• GDP sectors: Services (~62%), Industry (~25%), Agriculture (~13%).

Culture & Society

• A multicultural society blending Maya, Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, and European influences.
• Unique cultural traditions include Garifuna drumming, Maya rituals, and Caribbean festivals.
• Major celebrations: Garifuna Settlement Day, Carnival, Belize Independence Day.
• Music styles: punta, brukdown, reggae, soca, and Maya marimba.
• Languages and food reflect rich cultural diversity.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Rice and Beans with Stew Chicken served with plantains.
• Other notable dishes: Fry Jacks, Tamales, Hudut (Garifuna fish stew), Garnaches.
• Street foods: tacos, salbutes, panades.
• Beverages: local rum, cashew wine, bitters, tropical fruit juices.

Education & Institutions

• Medium of instruction: English.
• Literacy rate: ~83%.
• Leading institutions: University of Belize, Galen University.
• Strong fields: environmental science, agriculture, tourism management.

Tourism

• Top destinations: Great Blue Hole, Ambergris Caye, Placencia, Caye Caulker, Caracol Maya Ruins, Lamanai.
• UNESCO site: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.
• Natural attractions: jungle reserves, waterfalls, caves (Actun Tunichil Muknal), coral reefs.
• Adventure tourism: diving, snorkeling, cave tubing, hiking, birdwatching.
• Visa: visa-free for many nationalities.
• Transportation: buses, water taxis, domestic flights.

Practical Information

• Generally safe; caution advised in certain urban areas.
• Healthcare: good services in cities; limited in rural areas.
• Emergency number: 911.
• Plug type: A/B; Voltage: 110V.
• Internet: good in cities and islands; limited in remote areas.
• Best time to visit: December–May.
• Budget: moderate, depending on region and activities.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• Popular sports: football, basketball, cycling, softball.
• Notable figures: Marion Jones (athlete, Belizean heritage), Andy Palacio (Garifuna musician).
• Cultural icons: Pen Cayetano, Leela Vernon.

Neighboring Countries of Belize

Belize shares land borders with the following countries:

• 266 km with Guatemala
• 250 km with Mexico

Famous For

• The Belize Barrier Reef and Great Blue Hole.
• Ancient Maya cities and temples.
• Eco-tourism and rainforest adventures.
• Multicultural heritage and Garifuna traditions.
• Beautiful cayes and Caribbean beaches.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• Statistical Institute of Belize
• Government of Belize