Belize flag

Belize Overview

Belize, formerly British Honduras, is located in Central America and borders Guatemala, Mexico and the Caribbean. Belize is the only Central American country that has no coast to the Pacific Ocean.

Capital: Belmopan
Biggest city: Belize City
State: monarchy within the Commonwealth
Language: English
Religion: catholicism, protestantism
Surface: 22,966 km²
Population: 334 300 (2013)
Population density: 13 residents per km²
Life expectancy: 68 years
Illiteracy: 23%
Currency: Belize dollar (BZD)
1 dollar = 4.20 kr
GDP per capita: $ 7,600 (2010)
Time difference: -7 hours
Electricity: 110/220 V AC, 60Hz
National Day: September 21st
Country area code: 501
2-Letter country abbreviation: BZ (See more abbreviations on Abbreviationfinder)
Business: service sector 60%, agriculture 30%, industry 10%
Climate: tropical with rainy seasons from June to July and from September to January

Belize flag

Until 1973, Belize was a British colony that had to wait to become independent until 1981, as Britain and Guatemala could not agree on the border. Guatemala did not recognize the new state until 1992 and still claims half of southern Belize. In the border area between the countries, Guatemala continues to build new settlements. Belize’s economy consists mainly of private companies and tourism is the industry that draws in the most foreign currency.

The country has major economic problems, including a large foreign debt, rising crime, high unemployment and widespread poverty. One third of the country’s population is considered poor.

WORLD HERITAGE

The following objects in Belize are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The year in which the item was added to the list is indicated in parentheses.

Belize Barrier Reef (1996)

ELECTRICAL OUTLET

Electricity and electrical outlets in Belize

Voltage: 110 V / 220 V

Frequency: 60 Hz

Type of plug: B, G

Need an adapter: Yes, Swedes need an adapter.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Weather in Belmopan

Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Christmas Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average temperature °C 22 23 24 25 27 27 26 26 26 25 23 23
Rain (mm) 113 57 45 40 71 208 225 131 183 182 178 142

Belize 2

Belize City

Belize City has 70,800 residents (2005) and is Belize’s largest city with an important export port. The city was the capital of the country until 1970 when the administration moved to Belmopan. Belize City is the country’s economic center and is also home to the country’s only international airport.

The city was founded in the 18th century by Englishmen who came to cut down rainforests, including mahogany and zericote. The area was also home to pirates such as Blackbeard, who attacked Spanish gold transports.

Belmopan

According to Countryaah, Belmopan is the capital of Belize and has about 20,000 residents (2009). Belmopan was built specifically to become the country’s new capital, as it wanted to move the country’s administration from Belize City, which was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The city began construction in 1967 and was completed in 1970. It is located 80 km from the former capital Belize City, and contains mainly the state administration.