belize flag

Belize

Ambassador Accredited to CARICOM
H.E. Mr. Lawrence Sylvester
Authority responsible for Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports, & Diaspora Relations
CSME Participation
Full
Belize is a Central American country located along the Caribbean Sea. It lies just south of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and is bordered by Guatemala to the west and south. The country’s long eastern coastline is largely flat and characterised by coastal plains and wetlands, while low mountain ranges rise in the southern region. Tropical forests cover more than half of Belize’s land area, supporting rich biodiversity and extensive natural ecosystems.

Key facts

Date of Membership in CARICOM: 1 May 1974

Also Known as:Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret

Status of Independence:Independent 1981/09/21

Area: 22,966 km2; 8,867 miles

Capital City: Belmopan

Population: 344,700 (2010)

Currency: Belizean Dollar (Bz$)

Highest National Award: The Queen's Award

Economy

GDP: EC$4,031Mn (2011)

GDP Growth: 2.3% p.a. 2009–13

GNI: US$1.6bn

GNI PC: US$4,660

GDP per Capita: EC$9.894 (2004)

Key dates in history

1638   First recorded European settlement established

1798   Following victory over Spain in battle of St. George’s Cay, British rule confirmed

1862   Country officially became British colony known as British Honduras

1871   Crown colony system introduced. Ruled by Governor of Jamaica until 1884

1954   Universal Adult Suffrage

1973   Name changed to Belize after Mayan word ‘Beliz’, meaning muddy waters

1981Independence achieved. George Price, first Prime Ministe

Date of CARICOM Membership
Human Development Index
Human Development Index
Justice and Governance
Belize
Hon. John Briceño
Date of Independence
Motto
Under Shade I Flourish
Otherwise Known As
Mother Natures Best Kept Secret
Population
312,698 (2010)
SDG Profile
Sustainable Development Country Profile
SDG Dashboards and Trends
Website
Government Website