Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

Some facts and information about Belize...

Capital: Belmopan
Population: 273,700
Land Area: 8,876 sq mi

National Bird: Keel-billed Toucan
National Animal: Baird's Tapir
National Flower: Black Orchid
National Tree: Mahogeny

Belize is located in Central America; bound by Mexico in the north, Guatemala on the west and south, and 174 miles of Carribean coastline on the east. The land area of the mainland and cayes is 8,867 square miles; roughly the size of Massachusetts. The population is estimated to be 273,700; comparable to the population of St. Paul, Minnesota. Massachusetts has about 6.5 million people. The ethnic groups include Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian. Belize was a British colony, formerly known as British Honduras. English is the official language; Creole and Spanish are also commonly spoken. Agriculture (sugar, citrus, and bananas), tourism, fisheries, and forestry play a major role in the economy of Belize.



With 40% of it's territory designated as protected areas, Belize has the highest percentage in the world. Belize has a wealth of natural resources, icluding pristine forests, coral reefs, natural monuments, archaeological reserves, private and public land and a diversity of fauna and flora. The are 51 parks and forest reserves, 8 recognized private protected areas and 9 archaeological reserves, 11 marine reserves, and 12 marine spawning agregations.

"From the soft adventure novice to the hard adventure enthusiast, Belize is a paradise on earth. Hike through exotic jungle trails... tube along an underground river... explore the brilliant depths of a magnificent barrier reef... Belize can satisfy the adventurer in all of us. Adventure into a land rich in natural beauty and steeped in the magic of its Maya past. Renowned for pristine waters, exotic marine and wildlife, lush, unspoiled landscapes, and superb diving, Belize is Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret. Natural and unspoiled, Belize is a haven for some of the planet's most exotic and endangered species. It has become a recognized leader in preservation and conservation, where nature reserves abound, and a fascinating population of birds, beasts, and marine life reside."
-BELIZE TOURIST BOARD (www.travelbelize.org)