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Central America and Caribbean :: Belize

- ## Introduction :: BELIZE

- Background:
  Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high unemployment, growing involvement in the Mexican and South American drug trade, high crime rates, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Central America.

- ## Geography :: BELIZE

- Location:
  Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
  Geographic coordinates:
  17 15 N, 88 45 W
  Map references:
  Central America and the Caribbean
  Area:
  total: 22,966 sq km
  land: 22,806 sq km
  water: 160 sq km
  country comparison to the world: 152
  Area - comparative:
  slightly smaller than Massachusetts
  Land boundaries:
  total: 542 km
  border countries (2): Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 276 km
  Coastline:
  386 km
  Maritime claims:
  territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  Climate:
  tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
  Terrain:
  flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south
  Elevation extremes:
  lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Doyle's Delight 1,160 m
  Natural resources:
  arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower
  Land use:
  agricultural land: 6.9%
  arable land 3.3%; permanent crops 1.4%; permanent pasture 2.2%
  forest: 60.6%
  other: 32.5% (2011 est.)
  Irrigated land:
  30 sq km (2003)
  Total renewable water resources:
  18.55 cu km (2011)
  Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
  total: 0.22 cu km/yr (4%/49%/46%)
  per capita: 845.2 cu m/yr (2000)
  Natural hazards:
  frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)
  Environment - current issues:
  deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal
  Environment - international agreements:
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
  Geography - note:
  only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean

- ## People and Society :: BELIZE

- Nationality:
  noun: Belizean(s)
  adjective: Belizean
  Ethnic groups:
  mestizo 52.9%, Creole 25.9%, Maya 11.3%, Garifuna 6.1%, East Indian 3.9%, Mennonite 3.6%, white 1.2%, Asian 1%, other 1.2%, unknown 0.3%
  note: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin (2010 est.)
  Languages:
  English 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole 44.6%, Maya 10.5%, German 3.2%, Garifuna 2.9%, other 1.8%, unknown 0.3%, none 0.2% (cannot speak)
  note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (2010 est.)
  Religions:
  Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.6%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 10.5% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Morman, Muslim, Rastafarian), unknown 0.6%, none 15.5% (2010 est.)
  Demographic profile:
  Migration continues to transform Belize's population. About 16% of Belizeans live abroad, while immigrants constitute approximately 15% of Belize's population. Belizeans seeking job and educational opportunities have preferred to emigrate to the United States rather than former colonizer Great Britain because of the United States' closer proximity and stronger trade ties with Belize. Belizeans also emigrate to Canada, Mexico, and English-speaking Caribbean countries. The emigration of a large share of Creoles (Afro-Belizeans) and the influx of Central American immigrants, mainly Guatemalans, Salvadorans, and Hondurans, has changed Belize's ethnic composition. Mestizos have become the largest ethnic group, and Belize now has more native Spanish speakers than English or Creole speakers, despite English being the official language. In addition, Central American immigrants are establishing new communities in rural areas, which contrasts with the urbanization trend seen in neighboring countries. Recently, Chinese, European, and North American immigrants have become more frequent.
  Immigration accounts for an increasing share of Belize's population growth rate, which is steadily falling due to fertility decline. Belize's declining birth rate and its increased life expectancy are creating an aging population. As the elderly population grows and nuclear families replace extended households, Belize's government will be challenged to balance a rising demand for pensions, social services, and healthcare for its senior citizens with the need to reduce poverty and social inequality and to improve sanitation.
  Population:
  347,369 (July 2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 178
  Age structure:
  0-14 years: 34.87% (male 61,822/female 59,312)
  15-24 years: 20.86% (male 36,897/female 35,547)
  25-54 years: 35.88% (male 63,048/female 61,587)
  55-64 years: 4.69% (male 8,072/female 8,224)
  65 years and over: 3.7% (male 6,056/female 6,804) (2015 est.)
  population pyramid:
  Dependency ratios:
  total dependency ratio: 56.8%
  youth dependency ratio: 50.9%
  elderly dependency ratio: 5.9%
  potential support ratio: 17% (2015 est.)
  Median age:
  total: 22.1 years
  male: 21.9 years
  female: 22.3 years (2015 est.)
  Population growth rate:
  1.87% (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 59
  Birth rate:
  24.68 births/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 54
  Death rate:
  5.97 deaths/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 167
  Net migration rate:
  0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 107
  Urbanization:
  urban population: 44% of total population (2015)
  rate of urbanization: 1.93% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
  Major urban areas - population:
  BELMOPAN (capital) 17,000 (2014)
  Sex ratio:
  at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
  0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2015 est.)
  Maternal mortality rate:
  28 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 105
  Infant mortality rate:
  total: 19.82 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 22.08 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 17.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 87
  Life expectancy at birth:
  total population: 68.59 years
  male: 67.01 years
  female: 70.25 years (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 162
  Total fertility rate:
  2.95 children born/woman (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 55
  Contraceptive prevalence rate:
  55.2% (2011)
  Health expenditures:
  5.4% of GDP (2013)
  country comparison to the world: 121
  Physicians density:
  0.83 physicians/1,000 population (2009)
  Hospital bed density:
  1.1 beds/1,000 population (2012)
  Drinking water source:
  improved:
  urban: 98.9% of population
  rural: 100% of population
  total: 99.5% of population
  unimproved:
  urban: 1.1% of population
  rural: 0% of population
  total: 0.5% of population (2015 est.)
  Sanitation facility access:
  improved:
  urban: 93.5% of population
  rural: 88.2% of population
  total: 90.5% of population
  unimproved:
  urban: 6.5% of population
  rural: 11.8% of population
  total: 9.5% of population (2015 est.)
  HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
  1.18% (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 38
  HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
  2,700 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 114
  HIV/AIDS - deaths:
  100 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 128
  Major infectious diseases:
  degree of risk: high
  food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
  vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria (2013)
  Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
  20.6% (2014)
  country comparison to the world: 15
  Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
  6.2% (2011)
  country comparison to the world: 81
  Education expenditures:
  6.6% of GDP (2010)
  country comparison to the world: 29
  School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
  total: 14 years
  male: 13 years
  female: 14 years (2013)
  Child labor - children ages 5-14:
  total number: 27,751
  percentage: 40% (2001 est.)
  Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
  total: 25%
  male: 18%
  female: 35.6% (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 56

- ## Government :: BELIZE

- Country name:
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Belize
  former: British Honduras
  etymology: may be named after the Belize River, whose name possibly derives from the Maya word "belix," meaning "muddy-watered"
  Government type:
  parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm
  Capital:
  name: Belmopan
  geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W
  time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
  Administrative divisions:
  6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo
  Independence:
  21 September 1981 (from the UK)
  National holiday:
  Battle of St. George's Caye Day (National Day), September 10, 1798; Independence Day, 21 September (1981)
  Constitution:
  previous 1954, 1963 (preindependence); latest signed and entered into force 21 September 1981; amended several times, last in 2012 (2015)
  Legal system:
  English common law
  International law organization participation:
  has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
  Citizenship:
  citizenship by birth: yes
  citizenship by descent: yes
  dual citizenship recognized: yes
  residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
  Suffrage:
  18 years of age; universal
  Executive branch:
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17 November 1993)
  head of government: Prime Minister Dean Oliver BARROW (since 8 February 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar VEGA (since 12 February 2008)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among members of the National Assembly
  elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
  Legislative branch:
  description: bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats; members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; members serve 5-year terms) and the House of Representatives (31 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms)
  elections: House of Representatives - last held on 4 November 2015 (next to be held in or before 2020)
  election results: percent of vote by party - UDP 50.52%, PUP 47.77%, other 1.71%; seats by party - UDP 19, PUP 12
  Judicial branch:
  highest court(s): Supreme Court of Judicature (consists of the Court of Appeal with the court president and 3 justices, and the Supreme Court with the chief justice and 2 judges); in 2005, Belize ceased final appeals in civil and criminal cases to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London), replacing it with the Caribbean Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the Caribbean Community
  judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and justices appointed by the governor general upon advice of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; justices' tenures vary by terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the prime minister and the National Assembly opposition leader; other judges appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Section of the Public Services Commission and with the concurrence of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; judges can be appointed beyond age 65 but must retire by age 75; in 2013, the Supreme Court chief justice overturned a constitutional amendment that had restricted Court of Appeal judge appointments to as short as 1 year
  subordinate courts: Summary Jurisdiction Courts (criminal) and District Courts (civil)
  Political parties and leaders:
  Belize Progressive Party or BPP [Patrick ROGERS] (formed in 2015 from a merger of the People's National Party, elements of the VIP, and other smaller political groups)
  People's United Party or PUP [vacant]
  United Democratic Party or UDP [Dean Oliver BARROW]
  Political pressure groups and leaders:
  National Trade Union Congress of Belize or NTUC/B [Marvin MORA]
  International organization participation:
  ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
  Diplomatic representation in the US:
  chief of mission: Ambassador Patrick ANDREWS (since 17 September 2015)
  chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636
  FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888
  consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
  Diplomatic representation from the US:
  chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Roberto MORENO (since 24 June 2014)
  embassy: Floral Park Road, Belmopan City, Cayo District
  mailing address: P.O. Box 497, Belmopan City, Cayo District, Belize
  telephone: [501] 822-4011
  FAX: [501] 822-4012
  Flag description:
  blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland of 50 mahogany leaves; the colors are those of the two main political parties: blue for the PUP and red for the UDP; various elements of the coat of arms - the figures, the tools, the mahogany tree, and the garland of leaves - recall the logging industry that led to British settlement of Belize
  note: Belize's flag is the only national flag that depicts human beings; two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, also depict humans
  National symbol(s):
  Baird's tapir (a large, browsing, forest-dwelling mammal), keel-billed toucan, Black Orchid; national colors: red, blue
  National anthem:
  name: "Land of the Free"
  lyrics/music: Samuel Alfred HAYNES/Selwyn Walford YOUNG
  note: adopted 1981; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)

- ## Economy :: BELIZE

- Economy - overview:
  Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner in this small economy, followed by exports of crude oil, marine products, sugar, citrus, and bananas. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led to GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007. Oil discoveries in 2006 bolstered this growth and oil exploration continues, but production has fallen in recent years and future oil revenues remain uncertain. Growth slipped to 0% in 2009, due to the global economic slowdown, natural disasters, and a temporary drop in the price of oil, but growth grew to 2.5% in 2014. Although Belize has the third highest per capita income in Central America, the average income figure masks a huge income disparity between rich and poor, and a key government objective remains reducing poverty and inequality with the help of international donors. High unemployment, a growing trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden continue to be major concerns.
  GDP (purchasing power parity):
  $2.975 billion (2014 est.)
  $2.872 billion (2013 est.)
  $2.829 billion (2012 est.)
  note: data are in 2014 US dollars
  country comparison to the world: 186
  GDP (official exchange rate):
  $1.699 billion (2014 est.)
  GDP - real growth rate:
  3.6% (2014 est.)
  1.5% (2013 est.)
  3.8% (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 91
  GDP - per capita (PPP):
  $8,300 (2014 est.)
  $8,000 (2013 est.)
  $7,900 (2012 est.)
  note: data are in 2014 US dollars
  country comparison to the world: 145
  Gross national saving:
  8.5% of GDP (2014 est.)
  11% of GDP (2013 est.)
  12.5% of GDP (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 156
  GDP - composition, by end use:
  household consumption: 69.5%
  government consumption: 17.2%
  investment in fixed capital: 17.3%
  investment in inventories: 0.7%
  exports of goods and services: 58.8%
  imports of goods and services: -63.5%
  (2014 est.)
  GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
  agriculture: 13.1%
  industry: 16%
  services: 70.9% (2014 est.)
  Agriculture - products:
  bananas, cacao, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber
  Industries:
  garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil
  Industrial production growth rate:
  -1.5% (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 177
  Labor force:
  120,500
  note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (2008 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 180
  Labor force - by occupation:
  agriculture: 10.2%
  industry: 18.1%
  services: 71.7% (2007)
  Unemployment rate:
  12.9% (2014 est.)
  14.1% (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 137
  Population below poverty line:
  41% (2013 est.)
  Household income or consumption by percentage share:
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%
  Budget:
  revenues: $500 million
  expenditures: $550 million (2014 est.)
  Taxes and other revenues:
  29.4% of GDP (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 90
  Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
  -2.9% of GDP (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 117
  Public debt:
  77.6% of GDP (2014 est.)
  78.5% of GDP (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 29
  Fiscal year:
  1 April - 31 March
  Inflation rate (consumer prices):
  1.2% (2014 est.)
  0.5% (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 76
  Central bank discount rate:
  18% (31 December 2010)
  12% (31 December 2009)
  country comparison to the world: 6
  Commercial bank prime lending rate:
  10.8% (31 December 2014 est.)
  11.57% (31 December 2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 75
  Stock of narrow money:
  $657 million (31 December 2014 est.)
  $561 million (31 December 2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 160
  Stock of broad money:
  $1.372 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
  $1.239 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 166
  Stock of domestic credit:
  $1 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
  $947.5 million (31 December 2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 157
  Market value of publicly traded shares:
  $NA
  Current account balance:
  -$130 million (2014 est.)
  -$72 million (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 84
  Exports:
  $588.6 million (2014 est.)
  $608 million (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 168
  Exports - commodities:
  sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood, crude oil
  Exports - partners:
  UK 20.5%, US 20.5%, Mexico 6%, Nigeria 5.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.8%, Netherlands 4.6%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.1% (2014)
  Imports:
  $925.5 million (2014 est.)
  $876 million (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 182
  Imports - commodities:
  machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco
  Imports - partners:
  US 21.8%, Mexico 10.8%, Cuba 9.6%, China 8.8%, Guatemala 8.5%, Trinidad and Tobago 5.2%, Spain 4.6% (2014)
  Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
  $634.1 million (31 December 2015 est.)
  $486.9 million (31 December 2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 142
  Debt - external:
  $1.348 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
  $1.249 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 159
  Exchange rates:
  Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar -
  2 (2014 est.)
  2 (2013 est.)
  2 (2012 est.)
  2 (2011 est.)
  2 (2010 est.)

- ## Energy :: BELIZE

- Electricity - production:
  423 million kWh (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 165
  Electricity - consumption:
  605 million kWh (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 169
  Electricity - exports:
  0 kWh (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 108
  Electricity - imports:
  234 million kWh (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 87
  Electricity - installed generating capacity:
  194,100 kW (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 161
  Electricity - from fossil fuels:
  46.9% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 155
  Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
  0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 52
  Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
  27.3% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 83
  Electricity - from other renewable sources:
  25.8% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 6
  Crude oil - production:
  1,818 bbl/day (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 89
  Crude oil - exports:
  3,240 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 76
  Crude oil - imports:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 162
  Crude oil - proved reserves:
  6.7 million bbl (1 January 2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 95
  Refined petroleum products - production:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 159
  Refined petroleum products - consumption:
  3,500 bbl/day (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 179
  Refined petroleum products - exports:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 154
  Refined petroleum products - imports:
  3,486 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 171
  Natural gas - production:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 160
  Natural gas - consumption:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 120
  Natural gas - exports:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 64
  Natural gas - imports:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 164
  Natural gas - proved reserves:
  0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 115
  Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
  675,200 Mt (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 174

- ## Communications :: BELIZE

- Telephones - fixed lines:
  total subscriptions: 22,700
  subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 180
  Telephones - mobile cellular:
  total: 172,300
  subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 51 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 182
  Telephone system:
  general assessment: above-average system; trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay
  domestic: fixed-line teledensity of slightly less than 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 70 per 100 persons
  international: country code - 501; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 8 (Intelsat - 2, unknown - 6) (2011)
  Broadcast media:
  8 privately owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV provides access to foreign stations; about 25 radio stations broadcasting on roughly 50 different frequencies; state-run radio was privatized in 1998 (2007)
  Radio broadcast stations:
  AM 1, FM 16, shortwave 0 (2006)
  Television broadcast stations:
  7 (2008)
  Internet country code:
  .bz
  Internet users:
  total: 91,200
  percent of population: 26.8% (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 170

- ## Transportation :: BELIZE

- Airports:
  47 (2013)
  country comparison to the world: 92
  Airports - with paved runways:
  total: 6
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 2
  under 914 m: 3 (2013)
  Airports - with unpaved runways:
  total: 41
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 11
  under 914 m:
  29 (2013)
  Roadways:
  total: 2,870 km
  paved: 488 km
  unpaved: 2,382 km (2011)
  country comparison to the world: 170
  Waterways:
  825 km (navigable only by small craft) (2011)
  country comparison to the world: 70
  Merchant marine:
  total: 247
  by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 33, cargo 156, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 9, refrigerated cargo 30, roll on/roll off 10, specialized tanker 1
  foreign-owned: 152 (Bulgaria 1, China 61, Croatia 1, Estonia 1, Greece 2, Iceland 1, Italy 3, Latvia 9, Lithuania 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 2, Russia 30, Singapore 4, Switzerland 1, Syria 4, Thailand 1, Turkey 16, UAE 3, UK 4, Ukraine 6) (2010)
  country comparison to the world: 33
  Ports and terminals:
  major seaport(s): Belize City, Big Creek

- ## Military :: BELIZE

- Military branches:
  Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, BDF Air Wing (includes Special Boat Unit), BDF Volunteer Guard (2011)
  Military service age and obligation:
  18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1; initial service obligation 12 years (2012)
  Manpower available for military service:
  males age 16-49: 81,284
  females age 16-49: 79,185 (2010 est.)
  Manpower fit for military service:
  males age 16-49: 59,431
  females age 16-49: 57,221 (2010 est.)
  Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
  male: 3,723
  female: 3,584 (2010 est.)
  Military expenditures:
  NA% (2012)
  1.08% of GDP (2011)
  NA% (2010)

- ## Transnational Issues :: BELIZE

- Disputes - international:
  Guatemala persists in its territorial claim to half of Belize, but agrees to the Line of Adjacency to keep Guatemalan squatters out of Belize's forested interior; both countries agreed in April 2012 to hold simultaneous referenda, scheduled for 6 October 2013, to decide whether to refer the dispute to the ICJ for binding resolution, but this vote was suspended indefinitely; Belize and Mexico are working to solve minor border demarcation discrepancies arising from inaccuracies in the 1898 border treaty
  Trafficking in persons:
  current situation: Belize is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the coerced prostitution of women and children by family members has not led to arrests; child sex tourism, involving primarily US citizens, is on the rise; sex trafficking and forced labor of Belizean and foreign women and LGBT individuals occurs in bars, nightclubs, brothels, and domestic service; workers from Central America, Mexico, and Asia may fall victim to forced labor in restaurants, shops, agriculture, and fishing
  tier rating: Tier 3 – Belize does not comply fully with the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; authorities did not initiate any new trafficking investigations of prosecutions, and cases from previous years remain pending; law enforcement efforts to use informal means to identify and refer victims were ineffective and draft procedures for referring victims to services are still not finalized; trafficking victims were more commonly arrested, detained, or deported based on immigration violations than provided with assistance; the government did not make progress in implementing the 2012-2014 anti-trafficking national strategic plan (2015)
  Illicit drugs:
  transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis, primarily for local consumption; offshore sector money-laundering activity related to narcotics trafficking and other crimes (2008)

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