Population 287,730


Population & Density (all countries) here
 

Capital City Belmopan (52,000)


Currency Belizean Dollar (BZD)


Currency Converter here
 
Languages English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, Creole

National Day September 21


Religions Catholic (50%), Protestant (27%), others


Geographic Coordinates Latitude/Longitude (Capital City) 16º 13' N, 88º 48' W


Relative Location Belize is positioned in both the northern and western hemispheres. Located in North America on the northern edge of the Central America isthmus - a somewhat narrow strip of land that connects North and South America - the country is bordered by Guatemala, Mexico, the Gulf of Honduras and the Caribbean Sea.


Land Statistics

Coastline 240 miles (386 km)

Land Areas

(land) 8,805 sq miles (22,806 sq km)
(water) 62 sq miles (160 sq km)

(TOTAL) 8,867 sq miles (22,966 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here

Belize Climate

Average rainfall varies considerably, ranging from 1,350 mm (53 in) in the north and west to over 4,500 millimetres (180 in) in the extreme south. Seasonal differences in rainfall are greatest in the northern and central regions of the country where, between January and April or May, fewer than 100 mm of rain fall per month. The dry season is shorter in the south, normally only lasting from February to April. A shorter, less rainy period, known locally as the "little dry", usually occurs in late July or August, after the initial onset of the rainy season.

Landforms Belize is divided into four main geographic regions, including the relatively low Maya Mountains of the south that dominate all but the narrow coastal plain; the northern lowlands and its many rivers and streams; the flat and swampy coastal plain, and the almost countless cayes, islands and lagoons that fringe its Caribbean coastline.




More than 50% of Belize is covered by tropical rain forest that's dissected by a network of rivers, mostly small in length. The largest and most significant river is the navigable Belize that stretches from the Guatemala border all the way to the Caribbean Sea.


Second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coastline of Australia, a 175 mile long barrier reef fronts the Belize coastline, intermixed with literally hundreds of islands and cayes.




58 miles direct east of Belize City sits the Blue Hole; more than 1,000 feet across and some 400 feet deep, it's the opening to a former Ice Age cave, and is today one of the world's most popular dive sites.


Highest Pt. 

  Both are found in the Maya Mountains in south western Belize.

Lowest Pt. Caribbean Sea - 0 ft. (0 m)

 
Land Divisions 6 districts; including 1.

The structure of government is based on the British parliamentary system, and the legal system is modeled on the Common Law of England. The current head of state is Elizabeth II, Queen of Belize. Since the Queen primarily resides in the United Kingdom, she is represented in Belize by the Governor-General. However, the cabinet, led by the Prime Minister of Belize, who is head of government, acting as advisors to the Governor-General, in practice exercise executive authority. Cabinet ministers are members of the majority political party in parliament and usually hold elected seats within it concurrent with their cabinet positions.

Country Dialing Code 501


Electricity

Belize uses 110/220 volts AC (60 HZ) Electrical adapters, products and tips

PASSPORTS - TRAVEL VISAS