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Belize is located in the heart of Central America with the glitter and beauty of the Caribbean Sea as its attire. Originally named British Honduras,
she was given the name Belize on June 1st, 1973.
The name Belize comes from a Mayan word that means "Muddy Water". Belize achieved independence in September 1981, but the negotiations were complicated
by Guatemala's claim to the land, based upon an unfulfilled provision of an 1859 treaty. This claim to our land is still an issue today.
A few weeks before the independence ceremonies were to take place, Guatemala broke off diplomatic relations with Britain. To forestall an invasion,
Britain guaranteed that its military force would remain after independence. Guatemala recognized Belize as a full sovereign nation in September 1991,
and the two countries established diplomatic relations. Celebration of this event and carnival make September one of the most festive months of the year.
Boarded by Mexico to the North and Guatemala to the West and South, Belize engrosses a land area of 8,867 square miles. She is known for having the
largest Barrier Reef in the western hemisphere and second largest in the world (second only to Australia's Barrier Reef). A reef that stretches out 185 miles along the Eastern Coast of Belize.
Belize's barrier reef is home to 70 hard corals and over 430 species of reef fish. Considering this abundance of marine life, along with its tropical
climate, beautiful breezes and friendly people, it is with some understanding why so many visitors who have discovered Belize have chosen to return again and again.
Beautiful Cayes line Belize from Corozal all the way down to Toledo giving you the opportunity to choose from many little islands away from the city or
country. Some Cayes are more exclusive than others but each one promises its own unique touch of Belize. Our culture is diverse which gives us a
multiracial flavor that will prove itself very tasteful. We pride ourselves on a conservation for jaguars which is located in the Southern district
of Stann Creek. A place called Cockscomb Basin.
Belize is a land of mountains, swampy lowlands, and tropical jungle. The Maya Mountains form a plateau in the south. Victoria Peak, which rises to
3,681 feet (1,122 meters) in a spur of the Maya range, is the highest point. Lowlands lie along the coast, and jungle covers most of the interior.
The climate is subtropical with a dry season from February to May and a rainy season from June to November. Hurricanes occasionally cause extensive
damage.
The chief cities are Belize City, the main port and commercial center, Orange Walk, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Corozal, and the capital, Belmopan, which
is located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) inland. After Belize City, the former capital, was devastated by a 1961 hurricane, construction of Belmopan
began in 1966, financed by a British grant. Government operations moved there in 1970.
The population of Belize includes mestizos (descendants of Spaniards and Carib Indians), Creoles (persons of mixed racial background), black Caribs
(descendants of blacks and Carib Indians), Mayan Indians, and a small percentage of whites and Asian Indians. Although English is the official language,
the Creole dialect, Spanish, and several Indian dialects are also spoken.
A majority of the people of Belize earn their living from agriculture. Fishing and forestry are other important sources of income. Furniture, boats,
and wood products are manufactured from the high quality native wood. Chief exports include sugar, citrus fruits and products, bananas, fish and lobster,
and clothing. Sugarcane, oranges, and grapefruits are the main food crops. Farmers also raise pigs and cattle.
The earliest European settlements in Belize were established by British loggers in the 1600s. Because Spain claimed sovereignty over the region, Spanish
settlers repeatedly attacked the British. The dispute continued until a decisive British naval victory in 1798. In 1862 the settlement was declared a
British crown colony. It was Britain's last colony on the American mainland when self-government was finally granted in 1964.
Belize's parliamentary government consists of a cabinet and a National Assembly that is composed of an 8-seat appointed Senate and a 29-seat elected House
of Representatives. National elections are held every five years. George Price, who had served as head of government for 23 years before his party lost
the 1984 election, regained the office of prime minister in 1989. Population (2000 estimate), 250,000.
We believe that we hold true to the name "The Jewel of the Caribbean" and take pride in our country which is the only English-speaking country in Central
America and yet we are still considered a part of the Caribbean. We are a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the
Organization of American States and CARICOM.
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