Belize - Tourism and Travel

Belize is a country in Central America, on the Yucatan Peninsula, along the coast of the Caribbean. It has a large barrier reef as well as many cays.

Lighthouse Reef is one of the many coral reefs that make up the barrier reef.

Belize's barrier reef is made up of distinct zones. Most of the reef development takes place in the deep ocean, where there are high levels of energy in the water. The coralline features in this part of the reef are very different from those in the lagoon between the coral reef and the mainland.

Belize is 8,867 square miles (22,965 square kilometers) in area.

Most of Belize is covered in tropical rainforest. Along the coast, there are mangrove swamps and low, white cliffs of limestone.

The Maya Mountains lie in the southwest.

Belize has a humid tropical climate, which is moderated by winds from the sea.

307,000 people live in Belize, one third in Belmopan, the capital.

49% are of mixed white and Native American descent, 35% are of mixed white, Native American and black African descent, 11% are Maya, 6% are Garifuna and 3% are Asian Indian.

English is the official language. Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna and English Creole are also spoken.

Agriculture, fishing and forestry are important industries.

Bananas, raw sugar and orange concentrate are major exports.

Belize has a parliamentary system of government.

It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Belizean dollar is the official currency of Belize. It is equal to 100 cents.