Region: Central America

Capital: Belmopan

Population: 272,945 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 22,696 sq km

Currency: dollar

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,900 (2002 est.)

Background:
Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime.

Economy – Overview
In this small, essentially private enterprise economy the tourism industry is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by cane sugar, citrus, marine products, bananas, and garments. The government’s expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led to GDP growth of 6.5% in 1999, 10.8% in 2000, 4.6% in 2001, and 3.7% in 2002. Major concerns continue to be the sizable trade deficit and foreign debt. A key short-term objective remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international donors.

United Nations membership date: 25 September 1981

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations
675 Third Avenue, Suite 911
New York, N.Y. 10017 USA
Telephone: 212-986-1240, 593-0999
Fax: 212-593-0932