Belize

QUICK FACTS

Capital: Belmopan

Official Language: English

Status: Independent 21 September 1981

Area: 22,966 sq Km, 8,867 sq Mi

Population: 312,698 (2010)

Currency: Belize dollar (BZD)

Motto: Under the Shade I Flourish

 

Belize, located on the north eastern coast of Central America, boasts an abundance of terrestrial and marine species, and its diversity of ecosystems give it a key place within the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. It is the only nation in the region with a British colonial heritage, but as a part of the Western Caribbean Zone, it also shares a common heritage with the fellow Anglophone Caribbean countries. In general, Belize is considered to be a Central American and Caribbean nation with strong ties to both the Caribbean and Latin America and is few of the Caribbean Countries that are Continental rather than being an Island.

MINISTRY AND MINISTER

 

Hon. Rodwell Ferguson

Minister of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics

 

Ministry of Finance, Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities

Tel: 501 828 4800

Email: energy.secretary@energy.gov.bz

CARICOM ENERGY FOCAL POINT

 

Mr. Marconi Leal Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Email: ceo@publicutilities.gov.bz

 

DATE OF CARICOM MEMBERSHIP

 

1 May, 1974

Energy Policy

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Energy Report Card

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Location

Belize lies on the Caribbean Coast of Central America. It borders the Caribbean Sea to the east, Mexico to the north-northwest and Guatemala to the south-southwest. Belize is a land of thick forest, abundant wildlife, rivers and waterfalls.

 

History

Belize was part of Central America, which flourished between 300 and 900 AD. The country changed hands between Spain and Britain from the early 1600s until 1862, when it became British Honduras. The country was renamed Belize in 1973 and gained independence in 1981.

 

Economic Summary

Agriculture is the leading sector. Citrus -orange and grapefruit- products are processed into frozen concentrate for export. Meanwhile, efforts are advancing to diversify into non-tradition crops such as papaya, cucumber and ginger. Other export crops include cocoa, vegetables and tropical fruits.

Marine products have become an important source of foreign exchange as well as being a vital domestic food source.

The forestry industry has been growing in recent years. Government has initiated a national reforestation programme, adding new impetus to this sector’s development.

Tourism is on the upswing, realising some of the nation’s potential as a specialist holiday destination. The barrier (coral) reef- the second longest in the world- is a popular site for scuba diving, Mayan archaeological sites are among a number of important tourist attractions being promoted

 

Airport

Phillip Goldson International

 

Business Hours

Commercial: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Government: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.

 

National Holidays

New Year’s Day, January 1; Baron Bliss Day, March 9; Good Friday; Holy Saturday; Easter Monday; Labour Day, May 1; Commonwealth Day, May 24; St. George’s Caye day, September 10; Independence Day, September 21; Columbus Day, October 12; Garifuna Settlement Day, November 19; Christmas Day December 25; Boxing Day December 26.  Holidays that fall on a Sunday are observed the following Monday.

 

Date of CARICOM Membership

1 May, 1974

 

The Flag

Blue, white and red – Unity of the nation

Wreath – 50 laurel leaves representing the long struggle for independence since 1950

Centre – Coat of arms