More Maps of Belize
Belize is a constitutional dominion and is the northernmost country in Central America. The country covers a total area of 8,867 square miles. The estimated population of Belize is 333,200 (2010). The per capita nominal GDP of the country is $4,158. The official language is English. Most of the Belizean people are Christians.
The history of Belize goes back to thousands of years. The Mayan civilization extended into the territory of Belize in the middle of 1,500 BC and 200 AD and prospered till around AD 1,200. Many famous archeological locations—particularly, Caracol, Cahal Pech, Lubaantun, Lamanai, Xunantunich, and Altun Ha—showcase the developed society and highly dense populace of that time. The first documented European colony was set up by castaway English mariners in 1638. In the following 150 years, other English colonies were also founded. This phase also was characterized by robbery, random deforestation, and intermittent raids by pre-America aborigines and bordering Spanish colonies. The country achieved independence from the UK on September 21, 1981.
Belize features a small, basically private venture-oriented economy, which is mostly dependent on agriculture, agro-oriented sectorrs, and trading, with construction and tourism industry presently getting higher significance. Major industries include tourism, banking, and agriculture. Belize also produces industrial minerals. The country is almost completely dependent on imported petroleum for its power requirements. Sugar is the main crop and it represents almost 50% of the amount of exports, though the banana industry is the biggest employer in the nation.
