BELIZE IN CENTRAL AMERICA

Belize in Central America

Belize in Central America

Belize is a small country in Central America. It is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and is 8,867 square miles. Belize is outlined by Mexico on the north, the Caribbean Sea on the east, and Guatemala on the south and west. A majority of people in Belize live along the Caribbean coast. Belize city is the only city along the coast. Belize has a flat dense vegetation and is known as a pine palm country. The many islets or quays, along the coast are associated with an extensive reef system. Clear water prevails, making the area charming for advertising and sport fishing. The official and widely used language of Belize is English followed by Spanish.

Other languages spoken are Maya and Garifuna. Belize is made up of different nationalities of people. Approximately 50% of the people are from African descent, and the rest are from European, East Indian, Carib, Chinese or Lebanese descent. About 60% of the people are Roman Catholics and the rest are Protestants. Most of the people are poor because of the high unemployment in the city and low farm production in the rural areas are which are major problems for the economy of Belize. Belize has a population of approximately 224,663 people.

Belize is a "constitutional monarchy" government. That is, it functions as a parliamentary democracy. It belongs to the Commonwealth, an organization of "former British colonies and the Organization of American States, an association of North and South American countries." The prime minister is the head of the government. He along with the assistance from his 10 Cabinet ministers carry out the operations of the government. There is a National Assembly which is made up of 28 members from the House of Representatives, and eight members from the Senate as follow: 5 senators are appointed to advice the majority party in the House, 2 senators are appointed to advice the minority party and one senator is appointed on the "recommendation of the governor general's advisory council."

Belize's economy is based on agriculture. Sugar cane is its chief crop followed by oranges, grapefruits and bananas. Processed sugar cane is the country's main export. The Caribbean sea provides conchs, fishes, lobsters, and shrimps. The minerals are oil and limestone. Belize was once one of the major producers of logwood, an important source of dyestuff until modern chemical dyes were developed. Belize was also a major producer of mahogany, the noble wood, that was used in building ships and elegant furniture.

The climate in Belize is mostly hot and humid. The temperature ranges from 60 to 90 degrees along the coast. The temperature is usually hotter inland. Rain falls almost every day, except during the dry season from February to May Children is Belize must attend school between the ages of 5 years old and 14 years old. There are only 3 colleges in the country. The country does not have that many professionals such as doctors, or ...