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)
Government Type: parliamentary
democracy |
Population:
287,730 (July 2006 est.)
Languages: English (official),
Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole
Religion: Roman Catholic 49.6%,
Protestant 27% (Pentecostal 7.4%, Anglican 5.3%, Seventh-Day
Adventist 5.2%, Mennonite 4.1%, Methodist 3.5%, Jehovah's
Witnesses 1.5%), other 14%, none 9.4% (2000)
Life Expectancy: 68.3 |
Currency:
Belizean dollar (BZD)
GDP(per capita): $6,800 (2005
est.)
Overview: In this small, essentially
private-enterprise economy the tourism industry is the
number one foreign exchange earner followed by marine
products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments.
The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies,
initiated in September 1998, led to sturdy GDP growth
averaging nearly 5% in 1999-2005. 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.
Exports: sugar, bananas, citrus,
clothing, fish products, molasses, wood
Import: machinery and transport
equipment, manufactured goods; fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals;
food, beverages, tobacco |
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Location:
Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between
Guatemala and Mexico
Area: total: 22,966 sq km
land: 22,806 sq km
water: 160 sq km |
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.
Current concerns include high unemployment, growing
involvement in the South American drug trade, and increasing
urban crime.
Independence Day: 21 September
1981 (from UK)
Capital City: Belmopan
Administrative divisions: 6
districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann
Creek, Toledo |
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