Introduction
Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime.
Location
Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Geographic coordinates
17 15 N, 88 45 W
Area
total: 22,966 sq km
water: 160 sq km
land: 22,806 sq km
Land boundaries
total: 516 km
border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 NM in the north, 3 NM in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 NM; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala
exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
Terrain
flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m
Natural resources
arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower
Irrigated land
30 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards
frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)
Environment - current issues
deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Population
272,945 (July 2004 est.)