Belize
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.
Geography
Location: Central America, bordering
the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Area: total: 22,966 sq km
water: 160 sq km
land: 22,806 sq km
water: 160 sq km
land: 22,806 sq km
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
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m
People
Population: 272,945 (July 2004 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.39% (2004
est.)
Languages:English (official), Spanish,
Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole
Government
Country name: conventional short
form: Belize
former: British Honduras
former: British Honduras
Government type: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belmopan
National holiday: Independence Day,
21 September (1981)
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH
II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Colville
YOUNG, Sr. (since 17 November 1993)
head of government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28 August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September 1998)
head of government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28 August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September 1998)
overview: In this small, essentially
private enterprise economy the tourism industry is the number one foreign
exchange earner followed by cane sugar, citrus, marine products, bananas,
and garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies,
initiated in September 1998, led to GDP growth of 6.5% in 1999, 10.8%
in 2000, 4.6% in 2001, and 3.7% in 2002. Major concerns continue to be
the sizable trade deficit and foreign debt. A key short-term objective
remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international donors.
GDP - real growth rate: 3.7% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,900 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 18%; industry: 24%; services: 58% (2001 est.)