About Belize
Belize lies along the Caribbean coast of Central America. The first British settlement came in 1638, and the United Kingdom (Great Britain) relinquished its last colony on the mainland of the Americas in 1981. English is the official language of Belize, but Spanish is widely spoken. Because of Belize’s plentiful land and peaceful environment, many refugees from troubling neighboring countries are attracted to Belize and make the country their home. Tourists flock to Belize to experience the tropical climate, the beaches on the Cayes and the Mayan ruins like Altun Ha. Wildlife is plentiful and boasts of jaguars, howler monkeys and toucans. Belize also is home to the Western Hemisphere’s longest coral reef.
Economy
Industry
Garment production, food processing, tourism, construction
Agriculture
Bananas, coca, citrus, sugar; fish; lumber
Exports
Sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products
Belize Flag
Fast Facts
Population: 292,000
Capital: Belmopan
Area: 22,965 square kilometers, (8,867 square miles)
Language: English, Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, Creole
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant
Currency: Belizean dollar
Life Expectancy: 67 years
Literacy Percent: 94%
GOP per Capita: U.S. $4,900
Text Source: National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004
Food in Belize