About BZ

Location

Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, with the Caribbean Sea to the east.

Capital

The capital city of Belize is Belmopan, located in the Cayo District.

Population

Belize has a population of approximately 400,000 people.

Languages

The official language of Belize is English, making it the only country in Central America with English as its official language. However, Spanish and Belizean Creole are also widely spoken.

Ethnic Diversity

Belize is known for its cultural diversity, with a population composed of various ethnic groups, including Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo, and East Indian.

Geography

Belize is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, low-lying mountains, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. It is also home to lush rainforests, rivers, and numerous offshore cayes (small islands).

Economy

Belize has a mixed economy, with agriculture, tourism, and services being the main economic sectors. The country exports agricultural products such as sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas, as well as seafood and petroleum.

Currency

The currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD).

Government

Belize is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch as the head of state represented by a Governor-General. The Prime Minister is the head of government, and Belize's Parliament consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Tourism

Belize is known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, making it a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure travel. Visitors come to Belize to explore its ancient Maya ruins, dive and snorkel in the Belize Barrier Reef, and experience its diverse wildlife and landscapes.

National Items of Belize

Keel-billed Toucan

The Keel-billed Toucan is the national bird of Belize. Its vibrant plumage and distinctive bill symbolize the country's rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

Black Orchid

The Black Orchid is the national flower of Belize. It represents the unique and diverse flora of the country.

Mahogany Tree

The mahogany tree is the national tree of Belize. It symbolizes the country's history and its valuable timber resources, which have been crucial to its economy.

Tapir (Mountain Cow)

The Baird's Tapir, also known as the mountain cow, is the national animal of Belize. It symbolizes the country's wildlife diversity and commitment to conservation.

Maya Ruins

The ancient Maya ruins found throughout Belize, such as Caracol and Altun Ha, represent the rich historical and cultural heritage of the country.

Belizean Rice and Beans

Rice and beans, often served with stewed chicken, are a staple dish in Belizean cuisine. It represents the culinary traditions and cultural fusion of the country.

Belikin Beer

Belikin Beer is a popular beer brewed in Belize. It symbolizes the country's local brewing tradition and is a common feature at social gatherings.

Garifuna Drums

Garifuna drums are traditional instruments used in the music of the Garifuna people. They symbolize the cultural heritage and musical traditions of one of Belize’s ethnic groups.

The national anthem of Belize is called "Land of the Free." Here are the lyrics in English:

O, Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,

Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!

No tyrants here linger, despots must flee

This tranquil haven of democracy

The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,

Brought freedom from slavery, oppression's rod,

By the might of truth and the grace of God,

No longer shall we be hewers of wood.

Chorus:

Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,

Put on your armor, clear the land!

Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee -

Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,

O'er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;

Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold

Drove back the invader; this heritage hold

From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,

Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;

Keep watch with the angels, the stars, and the moon;

For freedom comes tomorrow's noon.

Chorus:

Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,

Put on your armor, clear the land!

Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee -

Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

Here are the lyrics in the local Kriol language:

Oh, lan a di fri, bai di Karib si,

Wahn niu Bilis wi mek, wi kyaahn fuwi di fri.

No waahn kyal rija de ya, no mo dikteta de,

Dis wahn stil hava, a pleis a di kriyeta si.

Di blod a wi aynshentas wa watha di grong,

Mek wi stap fri frum di slievri diktetason,

We di taal a tiut an di powa a Gad,

No mo wi wi go di taal wata an di wud.

Korus:

Bang up! Yo sun a di biimen klan,

Put aan yoh armah, kil di lan!

Draiv bak di tairant dem, mek di dikteta flei -

Wahn lan a di fri bai di Karib si!

Nietsha don bless yu wid richiz we no nyam,

Ova miyan an vali we preri huol;

Wi faada di biimen, de di valiyant an bould,

Draiv bak di inveda, dis eritij hoal.

From di praud Rio Hondo tu ol Sarstoon,

Tru kara ail, ova blu laguun;

Kip wach wid di aanjil, di staa an di muun;

Fu friidom kom tamara nuun.