Belize, with its capital Belmopan, is slightly smaller than
Massachusetts encompassing a total area of 22,966 sq. km. The climate is
tropical, very hot and humid with a rainy season extending from May to November
and a dry season from February to May. The terrain is flat with a swampy
coastal plain and low mountains the in south. Belize is the only country in
Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. The natural
resources are: arable land, timber, fish, and hydropower.
The estimated population of this official English-speaking country is 256,062. Many other languages are spoken throughout the country including: Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), and Creole. The major industries are: garment production, food processing, tourism, and construction. Bananas, coca, citrus, sugarcane, lumber, fish, cultured shrimp are the main agriculture products cultivated. Current environment issues include: deforestation (clearing of forests) and water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff and solid waste disposal.
Click here for information about the wildlife and habitats of Central and South America.