Country profile: Belize

Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize has more in common with the

Caribbean island-states than with its Central American neighbours. This is

reflected in its principal languages, English and Creole, and in its mainly

Anglo-Caribbean style of architecture and its relatively non-violent

political culture.

OVERVIEW

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However, the country also has many peoples and cultures found elsewhere in

the Americas - Spanish-speaking Mestizos, who are of mixed Maya Indian and

European ancestry, Creoles, who speak a Creole dialect of English and who

are largely of African and African-European extraction, and Garifuna, who

are descendants of Carib Indians and Africans.

Nonetheless, Belize's ethnic make-up is changing, and the country is moving

rapidly to being a Spanish-speaking nation. This follows an amnesty for many

immigrants from neighbouring Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Belize was the last British colony on the American mainland, its

independence delayed until 1981 by long-running tension with neighbouring

Guatemala, which claims a large portion of its territory. Indeed, despite

recognising Belize's independence in 1991, Guatemala has never entirely

dropped its claim on its small neighbour.

Like many Caribbean states, Belize's economy has undergone a fundamental

transformation, with the service sector overtaking agriculture, fishing and

forestry. In particular, the tourism industry, which is already a major

source of foreign currency, has great potential, thanks to Belize's

wide-ranging attractions, from abundant wildlife and Mayan ruins to diving,

swimming and fishing.

But tourism has its costs, and, among the challenges facing Belize is the

threat to the habitats of mammals and birds.

In addition, Belize faces increasing violent crime, much of which is

drug-related, and has to contend with the problem of drugs trafficking to

the US.

FACTS

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BELIZE FACTS

Population: 249,200

Capital: Belmopan

Major languages: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib),

Creole

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 73 years (women)

Monetary unit: 1 Belizean dollar = 100 cents

Main exports: Sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, clothing, fish products,

molasses, wood

Average annual income: US $2,940

Internet domain: .bz

International dialling code: +501

LEADERS

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Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General Sir

Colville Young

Prime Minister: Said Wilbert Musa

Born in 1944, Musa became prime minister in 1998, when his People's United

Party won a landslide victory. Prior to that, he held a number of government

posts over a 25-year period, including attorney-general and foreign

minister.

A lawyer, Said was a key figure in drafting the constitution at independence

and in the discussions leading to independence.

During the 1998 election campaign Musa ran on an anti-tax platform and

pledged to make Belize a party to international treaties on indigenous

peoples' rights. However, the problem of indigenous rights, especially Maya

land and resource rights, remains unresolved.

Agriculture and fisheries minister: Daniel Silva

Finance minister: Said Musa

Foreign minister: Assad Shoman

Defence minister: George Cadle Price

Tourism minister: Mark Espat

MEDIA

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Although the Belizean media are free from the kind of government

interference experienced in neighbouring countries, successive governments

have been sensitive even to minor criticisms. Furthermore, while the

constitution guarantees media freedom, it provides exceptions in the

interest of national security, public order and morality.

Belize has no daily newspapers, but there are a number of privately-owned

weeklies, some of which are subsidised by major political parties.

The two radio stations of the state-run Broadcasting Corporation of Belize

were privatised in 1998, but the government has retained ownership of

transmitters.

Fourteen private television stations operate, including four cable systems.

The press

Amandala - weekly, independent

The Belize Times - weekly, mouthpiece of the People's United Party

The Reporter - weekly

The San Pedro Sun - weekly

Television

CTV (channel 9) - commercial

Tropical Vision (channels 7 and 11) - commercial

Radio

Broadcasting Corporation of Belize (BCB) - privatised in 1998, broadcasts in

English and Spanish and carries programmes in Garifuna and Maya

Love FM - private, commercial

Radio Krem Ltd - private