Belize

The country of Belize lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea.  It is separated by sea from its neighbor to the southwest, Honduras.  Belize is the only country in Central America that has English as its official language.  Other languages also spoken in Belize are Spanish, Creole, German, Mayan, and Garifuna.

The population of Belize is approximately 294,385.  There is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans, including those who are Hispanic, Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Creole (African-European), Mayan, Garifuna (African-Indian), Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian.  The largest single group is Hispanic.

Belize has been an independent nation since 1981.  It is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 

Belize Profile
Capitol: Belmopan
Currency: Belizean Dollar

Religions: 
Roman Catholic 49.6%
Protestant 27%
Pentecostal 7.4%
Anglican 5.3%
Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%
Mennonite 4.1%,
Methodist 3.5%
Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%
Other 14%
None 9.4%