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 |
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 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.