BELIZEBELIZE

About BelizeAbout Belize Belize, formally known as British Honduras Belize, formally known as British Honduras

(official name changed in 1973), lies on the (official name changed in 1973), lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, bordered eastern coastline of Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico, on the west and south on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. Caribbean Sea.

About BelizeAbout Belize Approximately 8,866 square miles, Approximately 8,866 square miles,

its mainland measures 180 miles its mainland measures 180 miles long and 68 miles wide at its longest long and 68 miles wide at its longest and widest points. Belize also and widest points. Belize also consists of over 200 cayes (islands), consists of over 200 cayes (islands), ranging in size from a few hundred ranging in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and four miles feet to 25 miles long and four miles wide; most of which are located wide; most of which are located inside its 200 mile Barrier Reef.inside its 200 mile Barrier Reef.

Natural ResourcesNatural Resources

Belize’s Barrier Reef, second only to Belize’s Barrier Reef, second only to Australia’s, is the foundation for a Australia’s, is the foundation for a thriving ecosystem, which features thriving ecosystem, which features the beautiful coral waters, and various the beautiful coral waters, and various species of trees and flowers where species of trees and flowers where numerous birds make their habitat. Its numerous birds make their habitat. Its diverse flora consists of over 4,000 diverse flora consists of over 4,000 flowering plants, some 250 species of flowering plants, some 250 species of orchids, and 700 or so different trees. orchids, and 700 or so different trees.

Natural ResourcesNatural Resources In addition, there are many other In addition, there are many other

natural resources that are a part of this natural resources that are a part of this beautiful country. The rainforest (home beautiful country. The rainforest (home for several wild cats and other for several wild cats and other animals), the Maya ruins namely -- animals), the Maya ruins namely -- Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha, La Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha, La Milpa, and Lamanai -- each unique in Milpa, and Lamanai -- each unique in itself, revealing varying characteristics itself, revealing varying characteristics of their empire, and blue holes and of their empire, and blue holes and caves.caves.

Belize DistrictsBelize Districts Belize, became an independent nation in Belize, became an independent nation in

1981. It is divided into six districts, 1981. It is divided into six districts, Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo, Stan Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo, Stan Creek and Toledo each offering something Creek and Toledo each offering something splendid for you to see and enjoy.splendid for you to see and enjoy.

The capital city, Belmopan, is located in The capital city, Belmopan, is located in the Cayo District.the Cayo District.

EthnicityEthnicity

Belize’s population of approximately Belize’s population of approximately 300,000 is made up of a very diverse 300,000 is made up of a very diverse ethnic background, which includes ethnic background, which includes Creoles (African-European), Mestizo Creoles (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian. Asian.

LanguagesLanguages The official language is English; The official language is English;

however, Spanish is widely spoken in however, Spanish is widely spoken in addition to other languages and addition to other languages and dialects such as Kriol (Creole), dialects such as Kriol (Creole), German, Mayan and Garifuna.German, Mayan and Garifuna.

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