|
|
| Motto: |
Under the Shade we
Flourish |
| Location: |
On the Caribbean coast of
Central America with Mexico bordering on the north and part of the west,
and Guatemala on the southwest. |
| History: |
Belize was part of the Mayan
empire 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 the country became British Honduras. The country was
renamed Belize in 1973 and gained independence in 1981. |
| Elections: |
Elections last held 5 March 2003 (next to
be held March 2008) |
| Ruling Party: |
People's United Party (PUP) |
| Major Political Parties: |
People's United Party (PUP),
United Democratic Party (UDP), National Alliance for Belizean Rights (NABR) |
| Economic Summary: |
Real economic growth slowed
to approximately 4.2% in 1991 compared with the 9% average of the past
five years. This was due to adverse factors affecting agriculture and
tourism. However, public sector investment continued through externally
sourced funds and a draw down of Central Bank government deposits. There
was growth in forestry, fishing and mining. Tourism is increasing in
relative importance, and there is a manufacturing sector. |
| Airport: |
Phillip Goldson International |
| Status: |
Independent (21 September
1981) |
| Capital: |
Belmopan |
| Head of Government: |
Hon.Said
Musa is the Prime Minister of Belize
. the third in the
nation's short history He was born in San Ignacio, Cayo District on 19
March, 1944., He studied law at Manchester University. In 1966, he
obtained an Honours Degree in Law (L.L.B., Hons.). He was called to the
Bar at Gray's Inn, London, after obtaining a Certificate from the Council
of Legal Education in 1960. During this period, he married Joan Musa and
started a family.
He served as a Circuit Magistrate during
the latter part of 1967 into 1968, and as Crown Counsel in the Office of
the Director of Public Prosecutions between 1968 and 1969.
He co-founded the law firm of Musa and
Balderamos. He formed the People's Action Committee (PAC) and the Society
for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR).
Said Musa has been in public life for the
past twenty five years. During this time he worked and served Belize as
Attorney General; Minister of Education; Foreign Affairs; Economic
Development; Sports and Culture. He has won four general elections as the
representative of the Fort George constituency of Belize City.
|
| Head of State: |
Sir Colville N. Young
Sr., Governor-General |
| Area: |
22,960 square kilometres;
8,866 square miles |
| Population: |
230,000 (1997) |
| Currency |
Belize Dollar |
| GDP Per Capita (at Current
market Prices) |
EC$7,258 (1997) |
| Total Exports: |
EC$438 m (1998) |
| Total Imports: |
EC$789.1 (1998) |
| Intra-Regional Exports: |
EC$31.1m (1998) |
| Intra-Regional Imports: |
EC$28.9 m (1998) |
| Business Hours: |
Commercial: 08:00 to
16:00 hrs Monday to Friday
Government: 08:00 to 17:00 hrs
Monday to Friday
|
| National Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January);
Baron Bliss Day (09 March); Good Friday; Holy Saturday; Easter Monday;
Labour Day (02 May); Sovereign's Day (24 May); National Day (10
September); Independence Day (21 September); Columbus Day (12 October);
Garifuna Settlement Day (19 November); Christmas Day (25 December);
Boxing Day (26 December) |
| Date of CARICOM Membership: |
1 May 1974 |
| National Anthem: |
Land of the Free
O, Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,
Our Manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod
Brought freedom from slavery oppression's rod,
By the might of truth and the grace of God.
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.
Chorus:
Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,
Put on your armours, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee -
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!
Nature has blessed thee with wealth
untold,
O'er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage bold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes to-morrow's noon.
|
| Highest National Award: |
The Queen's Award |
| Favourite Dish: |
Rice and beans with meat and
potato salad |
