ABOUT BELIZE

      Location:

East Coast of Central America, bounded on the North by Mexico, on the South and West by Guatemala, and on the East by the Caribbean Sea.       

      Land Area:

8,867 square miles or 22,923 square meters.

      Capital and Major Towns:

Belmopan City (Capital, Cayo District)

Belize City (Commercial Center, Belize District)

San Ignacio (Cayo District)

Benque Viejo Del Carmen (Cayo District)

Corozal Town (Corozal District)

Orange Walk Town (Orange Walk District)

Dangriga (Stann Creek District)

Punta Gorda (Toledo District)

San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

      Climate:

Sub Tropical (dry and wet season)

      Rainfall:

Ranges from 60 inches in the North to 200 inches in the South annually.

      Population:

Approximately 270,000

Density of Population:

Nine persons per square kilometer

      Languages:

Official language is English.  Spanish is widely spoken.  Other ethnic languages include Garifuna, Maya, Chinese, Indian.

      Religions:

Mainly Christian denominations.

      Form of Government:

Democratic -- Bicameral Legislature based on Westminster System.

      Currency:

Belize Dollars.

      Exchange Rate:

US $1.00 = BZ $2.00

      Principal Exports:

Sugar, citrus, bananas, fish products, garments, and timber.

      Principal Imports:

Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and beverages, construction materials, fuel, and lubricants.

      Major Trading Partners:

United States of America, United Kingdom, CARCICOM countries, Mexico, and Canada.

      Electric Power:

Belize Electricity Limited Voltage 110 Volts, optional 220 volts.  Cost per Kilo Watt Hour (kwh) B$0.38.

      Telecommunications:

All automatic systems:  Direct dialing with major countries in the world, cellular, telexes, and faxes.  Internet access widely available.

      Entry and Visa Requirement:

Visitors are permitted to stay up to one (1) month provided they have a valid passport.  Nationals of few countries require a visa for entry to Belize.