Belize - a few words

Where is Belize?

On the Atlantic coast of Central America in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Immediate neighbors are Guatemala to the west and south, and Mexico in the north. Across Belize in the Gulf of Honduras Honduras is. The capital is Belmopan and since 1961 no longer is to Belize City. The country has about 300,000 inhabitants. The small area of country covers about 23,000 square kilometers, with approximately 1,000 islands off the coast are at sea.

History

The first European settlers arrived in the 17 Century. It was not until 1981 that the country gained independence from Britain. That state was therefore the last in America, this was achieved. In 1993, also recognized the independence of neighboring Guatemala officially. Previously, he raised since its independence in 1821, are entitled to British Honduras.

People

The Belizeans are a mixed group of mestizos, African, Mayan and Garifuna. The percentage of whites is perhaps one percent. Dominated by the religion of the Catholic Church in Belize. The official language is in contrast to many other Latin American countries, English. Another popular language is Creole, Spanish and Mayan. Over 70 percent of Belizeans are literate.

Climate and landscape

Belize has a narrow coastal plain. The rest is dominated by forest and grassland. The highest mountain is 1160 meters, the Victoria Peak. The climate is tropical, with rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season is concentrated during the months of June and July and September to January. Belize is in the hurricane zone in Central America.

Economy

Belize is fruitful. Almost one third of the population works in agriculture. The main agricultural products are corn, beans, sweet potato, banana, citrus and sugar, which accounts for the bulk of export earnings. Other natural resources include timber and gum. In addition, coastal fisheries and textiles have been developed. Belize also experienced a boom in tourism and citrus. With tourism accounting for only 10 percent of the economy.