The country of Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of Central America. Until 1973 it was known as British Honduras. In 1961 Belize City, the capital, was ravaged by a hurricane. After that the government was moved to a new capital, Belmopan, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the west. GeographyBelize has an area of 8,867 square miles (22,965 square kilometers). It is bounded by Mexico to the north and northwest, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The highest point is Victoria Peak, which rises to 3,681 feet (1,122 meters) in the Maya Mountains. Lowlands lie along the coast and rain forests cover much of the country's interior. The world's second largest barrier reef lies off the coast. Belize has a subtropical climate. There is a dry season from late February to May and a rainy season from June to November. From September to December winds from the north bring cool, dry air. There are occasional hurricanes from July through November. Plants and animalsAlmost half of Belize is forested. In the north are found deciduous trees, or trees that lose their leaves. These include sapodilla and mahogany. The southern forests contain evergreen trees. There are swamps along the rivers. The coastal plain is largely covered with savanna, or grasslands, and is fringed with mangrove trees. A wide variety of wildlife is found in Belize. Among the more unusual animals are the jaguar, tapir, American crocodile, and manatee. People and cultureThere are several groups of people in Belize. They include mestizos (people of European and Mayan descent), Creoles (people of European and African descent), Mayan Indians, and Garifuna (people formerly called Black Caribs, who are descended from Africans and Carib Indians). There are also Europeans, Asian Indians, and small numbers of Chinese and Arabs. The population groups are not distributed evenly throughout the country. The Creoles, for example, tend to live along the coast. The Garifuna are concentrated in the south. English is the official language of Belize, though many local languages are also spoken. A majority of the people are Christian, but a number of other religions are practiced as well. The diversity of the population also is reflected in the country's mixtures of dress, styles of music, and range of folklore. EconomyTourism and trade are the most important parts of the economy in Belize. People come to the country to fish and swim along the barrier reef and to experience the rain forest. A large number of people in Belize also earn their living from farming. Sugarcane, oranges, grapefruit, and bananas are among the main food crops. Rice is grown on large farms in the valley of the Belize River. Beef cattle and pigs are raised in parts of the country. Fishing and forestry are other important sources of income. Furniture, boats, and wood products are manufactured from the country's high-quality wood. Belize's chief exports include sugar, citrus fruits and products, bananas, fish and lobster, and clothing. The main port is located at Belize City. There is an international airport nearby. HistoryFrom 300 to 900 the area of what is now Belize was inhabited by the Maya. Important Mayan ruins are found at Caracol and Xunantunich. The first Europeans to reach the area were the Spanish in the 16th century. In the 17th century British loggers established the earliest European settlements. The region was declared a British colony in 1862 as British Honduras. By the time self-government was granted in 1964, it was Britain's last colony on the American mainland. Belize gained independence on September 21, 1981. Population (2000 estimate), 253,000. |