Belize Facts

• Formerly known as British Honduras
• Capital city is Belmopan
• Major languages include English, Spanish, and Mayan
• Area is 22,965sq kilometers (8867sq miles)
• Life expectancy:73 years for women and 71 years for men
• Major export include bananas, sugar, fish, and wood
• Second largest barrier reef in the world
• Average temperature is 85 degrees fahrenheit
• The Tapir is the national animal
• The Toucan is the national bird
• The national flower is the Black Orchid
• The national tree is the Mahogany
• Belize borders the Caribbean Sea, Guatemala, and Mexico
• Slightly smaller than Massachusetts
• Almost all of Belize is covered by forest
• Belize is home to over 200 trees and 350 bird species
• Population of Belize is 266,000
• Population of the Peten region of Guatemala is 600,000
• Belizian currency is 1 Belize dollar
• Major religion is Christianity

These are a few facts about Belize. Belize is a small third world country that is experiencing many growing pains as it tries to pull itself out of the third world. It has beautiful jungles, Mayan Ruins, beaches, islands, and very good snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, its neighbor Guatemala is also trying to capitalize on its own growing tourist industry.