1 GeoFroggy

Background

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

Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico

Area Comparative

Slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Maritime Claims

Exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

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

Climate
Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

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, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements

Geography Note

Only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean
Year

Map Reference

  • Central America and the Caribbean

Irrigated Land 1998

  • 30 sq km

Area 2003

  • Total
    22,966 sq km
  • Water
    160 sq km
  • Land
    22,806 sq km

Coastline

  • 386 km

Geographical Coordinates

  • 17 15 N, 88 45 W

Land use 2003

  • Arable Land
    2.81%
  • Permanent Crops
    1.1%
  • Other
    96.09%

Terrain

  • Flat
  • Swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Elevation

  • Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  • Highest Point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m

Land Boundaries

  • Total
    516 km
  • Guatemala
    266 km
  • Mexico
    250 km

Natural Resources

  • Arable land potential
  • Timber
  • Fish
  • Hydropower
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