Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
22,966 |
| Land (km2) |
22,966 |
| Water (km2) |
160 |
| Population |
301,270 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
13 |
| Capital |
Belmopan |
| Religion (%) |
Roman Catholic 49.6%
Protestant 27%
Other 14%
None 9.4% (2000) |
| Time |
GMT -6 |
| Climate |
Tropical; very hot and humid.
Rainy season: May to November.
Dry season: February to May. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
Belize consists of flat, swampy coastal plains with low
mountains in the south.
Government
Formally a British colony, Belize is a parliamentary democracy
with Queen Elizabeth II as its Chief of State, represented by the
Governor General, Sir Colville Young, Sr.. The head of government
is Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Prime Minister Gaspar Vega is his
deputy. The cabinet is appointed by the governor general on the
advice of the prime minister.
Language
Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9%
(official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, other 1.4%, unknown
0.2% (2000 census).
Electricity
110/220 volts, 60Hz. Two varieties of three-pin plugs; not the
European variety.
Passports/Visa
Valid passports are required by all nationals to enter New
Zealand although proof of onward journey is not always necessary
for visitors from certain countries
Visas
Visas are not required for 30 days by citizens of the EU,
Caribbean Community Member States (except for Haiti), the US,
Commonwealth Realms and Republics (with some exceptions), Costa
Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, South Africa,
Tunisia and Uruguay. Citizens of all other countries require a visa
to enter Belize.
Passport/Visa Information
Belize High Commission
Third Floor, 45 Crawford Place
London W1H 4LP
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: 0044-20-7723-3603
Fax: 0044-20-7723-9637
E-mail: bzhc-lon@btconnect.com
Airports and Airlines
Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport
(BZE)
- Location: 10 miles from Belize City.
- Contacts: Tel: (501) 225-2045
- Transfer to the city: local airlines, taxis,
buses and water taxis are all available to take passengers to their
final destination.
- Car rental: Wide variety of rental companies
based in the airport car park. Rentals may be reserved prior to
arrival in Belize.
- Facilities: Shopping and restaurants available
in the terminals and departure lounge Parking: Parking is available
outside the airport.
- Website: www.pgiabelize.com/1.html
Standard of Living
The cost of living is generally less than that of the UK,
although imported goods tend to be higher and the better climate
cuts down heating expenses. However, standard of living is lower
than the UK with less developed infrastructure, facilities,
services and amenities. Wages tend to be on a lower lever and
quality, skilled labour can sometimes be hard to find.
Principal commercial centres and towns
Belmopan is the capital of Belize, although Belize City is the
most populous.
| Population by City/Town 2007 |
|
| Belize City |
62,200 |
| Belmopan |
14,900 |
| Dangriga |
11,200 |
| San Pedro |
9,300 |
| Corozal |
8,900 |
Source: US Department of State
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