Where is Belize?
Belize is the northernmost Central American nation. It shares its borders with Mexico in the north, Guatemala in the southwest, and Caribbean Sea in the east. It is a constitutional monarchy with an estimated population of 333,200. Its total area is 8,867 square miles.
What is the capital of Belize?
Belmopan is the capital of Belize and has an estimated population of 20,000. Its name derives from the union of two words: “Belize” and “Mopan”. After the devastating Hurricane Hattie destroyed the former capital, Belize City, in 1961, the government was shifted to Belmopan in 1970.
What is the religion of Belize?
The constitution of Belize provides for freedom of religion. Almost 80% of the population is Christian. Hindus, Bahais, and Buddhists are some of the minorities present in the country.
What is the literacy rate in Belize?
The literacy rate in Belize is approximately 80%.
What is the currency of Belize?
The currency of Belize is Belize dollar. Its ISO 3166 code is BZ. Since 1978, the official value is pegged at 2 BZD = 1 US dollar.
Which is the largest city in Belize?
The largest city of Belize is located at the mouth of the river Belize River and is known as Belize City. It has an estimated population of 79,600 and is the main port and the industrial hub of the country. It was discovered in the mid-17th Century by British lumber harvesters and was the capital of British Honduras. It is the former capital of the country. In 1961, it was almost completely destroyed by Hurricane Hattie, after which the capital was shifted to Belmopan.
When is the national day of Belize celebrated?
September 10 in Belize is celebrated as the National Day or St George’s Caye Day. On this day in 1798, Spanish forces were repelled by the British in the Battle of St George’s Caye, with no reported casualties on either side.
When did Belize gain independence?
Belize gained complete independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981. George Cadle Price was the first prime minister of independent Belize. He served from 12 September 1981 to 17 December 1984.
Who are the national heroes of Belize?
Philip Goldson, Monrad Metzgen and George Cadle Price are the national heroes of the country and have received Belize’s highest honors.
What is the national symbol of Belize?
National Flower: Black Orchid
National Tree: Mahogany tree
National Bird: Keel Billed Toucan
National Animal: Baird’s Tapir
Who are the political leaders of Belize?
Monarch: Elizabeth II
Governor General: Sir Colville Young
Prime Minister: Dean Barrow
What is the official language of Belize?
Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Apart from English, there are many recognized regional languages: Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, Maya and Plautdietsch.
What is the economy of Belize like?
Belize has a small private enterprise economy which is largely dependent on agriculture, agro-based industry and merchandising. Tourism and construction and the recent discovery of oil field have presented new prospects for the country. The estimated GDP of the country is 1.354 billion dollars. Major trading partners are the United States of America, Mexico, Central America and the European Union.
Belize Geography