Belize
Under Shade I Flourish
About Belize
Belize is a Central American country located along the Caribbean Sea. It lies just south of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and is bordered by Guatemala to the west and south. The country’s long eastern coastline is largely flat and characterised by coastal plains and wetlands, while low mountain ranges rise in the southern region. Tropical forests cover more than half of Belize’s land area, supporting rich biodiversity and extensive natural ecosystems.
Quasi Cabinet Portfolio Allocation
Justice and Governance
About Belize
Key facts
Date of Membership in CARICOM: 1 May 1974
Also Known as:Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret
Status of Independence:Independent 1981/09/21
Area: 22,966 km2; 8,867 miles
Capital City: Belmopan
Population: 344,700 (2010)
Currency: Belizean Dollar (Bz$)
Highest National Award: The Queen's Award
Economy
GDP: EC$4,031Mn (2011)
GDP Growth: 2.3% p.a. 2009–13
GNI: US$1.6bn
GNI PC: US$4,660
GDP per Capita: EC$9.894 (2004)
Key dates in history
1638 First recorded European settlement established
1798 Following victory over Spain in battle of St. George’s Cay, British rule confirmed
1862 Country officially became British colony known as British Honduras
1871 Crown colony system introduced. Ruled by Governor of Jamaica until 1884
1954 Universal Adult Suffrage
1973 Name changed to Belize after Mayan word ‘Beliz’, meaning muddy waters
1981Independence achieved. George Price, first Prime Ministe
Key Dates in History
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1971
Belize joins CARIFTA.
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1973
Name changed to Belize after Mayan word ‘Beliz’, meaning muddy waters
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1981
Belize attains Independence.
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1983
Full participation in CARICOM institutions expands
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1989
Supports deeper economic integration agenda
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2001
Signs Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas
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2010
Participates in CCJ framework.
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2017
Belize advances regional climate diplomacy initiatives.
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2021
CARICOM Secretary-General appointed from Belize.