BEL IZE
FACTS & FIGURES
he adjective“unique” is somewhat abused by
the global tourism trade, yet Belize seems to
warrant it. An English-speaking Central
American nation in the Caribbean, Belize
combines natural splendor with Mayan ruins, a
multi-cultural society living in harmony and a
government determined to make the best of its
assets while preserving the environment.And this
heavenly getaway is only two hours by flight from
the United States.“We areAmericans too,” jokes
PrimeMinister SaidMusa.“I don’t thinkwe should
lose sight of that fact at all.”
Belizewas BritishHonduras until 1973when it
changed its name, and in spite of independence
eight years later, remained a part of the
Commonwealth with Elizabeth I as its queen.
Bordered by Mexico to the northwest and
Guatemala to thewest and south, the countrywas
once also an important part of theMayanEmpire.
The present population of almost 300,000 represents a
rainbowof races fromAfrican toChinese, and Spanish is
quickly becoming its second language.
Add the largest barrier reef in the hemisphere,
second only to the one in Australia, and 40% of
protected reserves over a total expansion of 8,867
square miles and Belize becomes a very powerful
tourism product: one which, at 20% of GDP, hasn’t yet
reached its true potential. “We have both the
Caribbean and the Central American influences, with
the best of both worlds,” says Minister of Tourism
Godfrey Smith. “Our geographic composition, our
history and our culture provide a creativemix that can
easily be integrated into the tourism product.”
Belize has taken a niche-oriented approach to its
development that hasbeenvery successful so far.Earnings
from tourism increased by almost 24% in 2006, mostly
due to stay-over visitors who have begun to appreciate
the special advantages of ecological, adventure and
archaeological tourism in the country.The 185 miles of
coral reef and hundreds of unspoiled cays harbor a
stunning variety of marine life that includes whales,
dolphins, manatees, turtles, crocodiles and 14 spawning
sites for endangered fish,making this aparadise for divers.
The most famous site for diving is the Blue Hole,
internationally promotedby JacquesCousteau through a
television special: it was originally a cave until the roof fell
in 10,000 years ago and the land receded into the sea.
Numerous mangrove systems, offshore and along
the coast, create ecosystems for more species of fish,
birds and mammals such as the tapir and the jaguar.
The baboons or black howlermonkeys are protected
at the Baboon Sanctuary in 18 squaremiles of private
land, where they co-exist peacefully with the
landowners. National parks set in rainforests feature
caves, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and mountains like
Victoria Peak as high as 3,675 feet.More adventurous
tourists may canoe, kayak, fish or trek their way
throughmiles andmiles of reserves.
The Natural Niche
Promising opportunities, incentives to investors and stunning natural beauty have put Belize in the
international limelight. In the meantime, tourists keep flocking to the Central American nation, to
discover rich heritage and outdoor adventures.
T
“Oneofourmajor challenges
is tradewith theonset
of globalization...Wemust
becomemore competitive.”
Hon. SaidWilbertMusa, PrimeMinister
Location:
Central
America, bordering
the Caribbean Sea,
between Guatemala
and Mexico
Area:
22,966 sq km, slightly smaller than
Massachussets
Climate:
tropical; rainy season (May to
November); dry season (February to May)
Population:
287,730 (July 2006 est.)
Languages:
English (official), Spanish, Mayan,
Garifuna (Carib), Creole
Capital:
Belmopan
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$2.3
billion (2006 est.)
Exports - partners:
US 31%, UK 25%,
France 5%, Jamaica 4% (2005)
Local Currency:
Belizean dollar (BZD)
Source: The CIA World Factbook
An Advertising Feature created by
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Text by:
Amanda Taylor
Researched by:
IvánMolina
Marketing:
Laetitia Saint Maur
Design:
Dispar Comunicación
Photos:
Courtesy of Juan Carlos Cuellar/Tony Rath
Photographywww.trphoto.com,Copyright©2006
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