| Area |
22,965 sq km (8867 sq miles). |
| Population |
282,600 (2004). |
| Capital |
Belmopan City- population 12,300. |
| Climate |
Subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. High annual temperatures and humidity. Dry and hot climate from January to April, with rainy season from June. The hurricane season is from June to the end of November. |
| Language |
English is the official language, but Spanish is spoken to some extent by over half the population. Garifuna (Carib), Maya and Creole are also spoken as well as a German dialect (by the Mennonites). |
| Religion |
The people of Belize are mainly Roman Catholic (approximately 60 per cent of the population). Other small groups practice Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bahai, as well as other Christian denominations. |
| Time |
GMT - 6
|
| Highlights |
Reefs and rainforest are the two defining features of Belize and the country is eager to promote eco-tourism. In the unspoilt inland jungle areas, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking are popular activities. Magnificent Mayan sites such as Lamanai, Altun Ha and Caracol are hidden in the jungle as well as an amazing wealth of tropical wildlife, birds and flora. To the south and west rises the magnificent Maya mountain range, with the Cockscomb range to the east and the Mountain Pine Ridge in the west. Belmopan is the country's new capital city, carved out of the tropical jungle in the geographic centre of Belize, near the foothills of the stunning Maya Mountains. The most impressive building is the National Assembly on Independence Hill, patterned in an ancient Maya motif. A visit to Ambergris Cay is essential when in the country - it is the most northerly cay and is regarded by many to be the best. It offers superb beaches with excellent opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. The bustling fishing village of San Pedro must not be missed. Most of Belize's islands are uninhabited but the larger ones support fishermen and are very popular with divers and marine naturalists. Placencia in the south of mainland Belize has stunning beaches with crystal clear waters, which are superb for swimming and snorkelling. |
| Country Facts |
Belize is situated at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America, and borders Mexico and Guatemala, with the Gulf of Honduras to the east. Along the coast lies an almost continuous chain of reefs and cays (small islands formed by the growth of coral), which lie between 15 and 60 km offshore. It is the longest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. More than 65% of the country is forested and to the south and west rises the Maya mountain range. |