Synopsis of Belize
|
| Location: |
17 15 N, 88 45 W |
|
Area: |
22,966 km2 (land=22,806 km2;
water=160 km2) |
|
Coastline: |
386 km |
|
Climate: |
Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May
to November); dry season (February to May) |
|
Terrain: |
Flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in
south |
|
Lowest Point: |
Caribbean Sea 0 m |
|
Highest Point: |
Victoria Peak 1,160 m |
|
Natural Resources: |
Arable land potential, timber, fish,
hydropower |
|
Natural hazards: |
Frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to
November) and coastal flooding (especially in south) |
|
Environmental issues: |
Deforestation; water pollution from sewage,
industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage
waste disposal |
|
Population: |
272,945 (July 2004 est.) |
| Ethnic groups: |
mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%,
Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7% |
| Languages: |
English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib),
Creole |
|
