nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%
Languages
Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9% (official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, other 1.4%, unknown 0.2% (2000 census)
Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
Exports
sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood
petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals, agricultural products, basic manufactures
External Debt
$1,457,000,000 $
$63,740,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar - 2 (2008 est.), 2 (2007), 2 (2006), 2 (2005), 2 (2004)
bolivars (VEB) per US dollar - 2.147 (2008 est.), 2,147 (2007), 2,147 (2006), 2,089.8 (2005), 1,891.3 (2004) note: On 1 January 2008 Venezuela revalued its currency with 1000 old bolivares equal to 1 new bolivar
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
1.200%
0.700%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
0
1
Location
Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana
Area
22,966 km sq
912,050 km sq
Coastline
386 km
2,800 km
Climate
tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
