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Country Fact File : Belize
Volunteer on Wildlife Projects in Belize
Dipping its toes in the Caribbean Sea, Belize has more in common with its island neighbours than with the fiery volatility of Central America. English-speaking, Creole-dominated and with a thoroughly coup-free history, this tiny country has an atmosphere so laid-back it's almost comatose. Unpaved roads, high prices and a lack of infrastructure can make it a difficult place to travel, but it compensates with some of the best diving in the world, dramatic Mayan ruins looming out of untouched jungle and secluded eco-lodges catering to the most sedentary adventurers.
| Location | Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico |
| Area | 22,966 sq km |
| Border Countries | Guatemala and Mexico |
| 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 |
| Highest Point | Victoria Peak 1,160 m |
| 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% |
| Religions | Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Anglican 5.3%, Methodist 3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Pentecostal 7.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14% (2000) |
| Languages | English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole |
| Type of Government | Parliamentary Democracy |
| Capital | Belmopan |
| Independence Day | 21 September 1981 (from UK) |
| Chief of State/ Head of Government |
Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17 November 1993) Head of Government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28 August 1998) |
| Currency | Belizean dollar (BZD) |
| Time | GMT -6 |
Useful Numbers & Web Addresses
International dialing code: +501
Police tel: 911
Ambulance tel: 911
British Embassy: British High Commission, PO Box 91, Belmopan. Tel:(501) 822 2146. Email: brithicom@btl.net
Embassy in UK: Third Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP. Tel: (020) 7723 3603. Email: bzhc–lon@btconnect.com
1 888 653 6028
Duration and Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks | US$2350 |
| 8 Weeks | US$2830 |
| 12 Weeks | US$3140 |
| Group Size |
|---|
| Maximum of four per project site, plus project staff. |
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