Belize is a country on the northeast coast of Central America. It (known as British Honduras until 1973) was the last British colony in the Americas. Its long road to independence was marked by a unique international campaign (while it was still a British colony) against the claims of its neighbor Guatemala. Belize gained its independence on September 21, 1981, but has maintained its historic ties to the United Kingdom through membership in the Commonwealth.
Interesting facts, figures and data about Belize
Population of Belize: 414 ,824 (as of 2022)
The total land area of Belize is 22,700 square kilometers. Belize is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
Government: Unified Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
It is unclear how the name Belize came about, but some believe it came from a priest’s translator. The Mayan word “Balix” means “muddy water” and refers to the Belize River.
Prime Minister: John Antonio Briceño, also known as Johnny Briceño, is a Belizean politician and entrepreneur who has been Prime Minister of Belize since November 12, 2020 and Chairman of the People’s United Party since 2016.
Capital: Belmopan (13,381 inhabitants as of 2022) is the capital of Belize and its name is derived from the combination of two words: “Belize” and “Mopan”. After the devastating Hurricane Hattie destroyed the former capital Belize City in 1961, the government was moved to Belmopan in 1970.
Largest city of Belize (61,461 residents as of 2022) is located at the mouth of the Belize River and is known as Belize City. It has an estimated population of 79,600 and is the country’s main port and industrial center. It was discovered by British loggers in the mid-17th century and was the capital of British Honduras.
Around Belize there are about 450 islands called cayes (pronounced “keys”).
Agriculture: The land suitable for agricultural use is little used: People grow rice, corn, beans, cassava, plantain and vegetables for their own use on small areas. Cocoa, sugar cane, citrus fruits, bananas and coconuts are grown on the larger plantations, most of which are foreign-owned.
Industry: Belize’s poorly developed industry is limited to textile manufacturing and wood and food processing.
Independence Day lasts for two weeks. Belizeans begin Independence Day celebrations on September 10, their “national holiday,” with the Battle of St. George’s Caye. Until the official Independence Day on September 21, there are parades, marches, floats, live bands, and people all over the country wear their colors with patriotic badges. September is a great time to visit Belize.
Language: English is the official language of Belize. However, most of the population also speaks a Creole patois, and many Belizeans are multilingual. Many recognized regional languages are: Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna and Mayan.
Currency: of Belize is the Belize Dollar.
Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, also known as the Great Mayan Reef.
Belize was the heart of the ancient Mayan world. Tourists can visit Mayan ruins with horses in Belize.
The national flower of Belize is the black orchid.
The national animal of Belize is the tapir.
A superstition says that in Belize it is bad luck to swim on Good Friday.
Cuisine: Lobster is a popular dish in Belize. Typical breakfast dishes include Johnny Cakes (flatbreads made from cornmeal), Fry Jacks (deep-fried dough patties) or tortillas. It is accompanied by cheese, frijoles refritos or egg prepared in different ways. Typical local fruits and vegetables are very common.
Popular modes of transportation include local airlines, buses and water cabs.
Famous people of Belize
Dean Oliver Barrow is a Belizean politician and served as Prime Minister of Belize until 2020.
George Cadle Price was the first Prime Minister of Belize and is considered one of the most important architects of the country’s independence. Today, many refer to him as “the father of the nation.”
Arlen Alexander Escarpeta is a Belizean actor. He is best known for his roles in the films Friday the 13th, Final Destination 5 and Brotherhood.
Zee Edgell is Belize’s best-known contemporary author. Her most widely read novel, Beka Lamb (1982), describes the rise of nationalism in Belize City in the 1950s from the point of view of a young Creole girl. Another of Edgell’s novels, Time and the River (2007), focuses on Belize’s slave society in the early 19th century.
Barry Bowen (1945-2010) was a Belizean business magnate, politician and entrepreneur.
Moses Michael Levi Barrow (born Jamal Michael Barrow; November 8, 1979) is a Belizean rapper better known by his stage name Shyne. Barrow was born in Belize, but moved to New York as a child to live with his mother and began his music career in the United States.
Belize gold coins
Belize is not only an interesting destination for tourists who want to experience the country, nature, people, cuisine, etc. live. Belize is also very attractive for gold coins collectors. See for yourself how beautiful the gold treasures from Belize are. The following set of 4 coins was issued by Belize to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein: Belize 1992 El Alamein NGC Proof Set – https://rarecoinv4.wpengine.com/en/edelmetall-koenzen-kaufen/belize-1992 -el-alamein-set-ngc-pf68-pf69-ucam/
Do you have gold coins that you would like to sell? We look forward to hearing from you.
