Belize Fast Facts
Population: 292,000 - Capital-Belmopan: 9,000 - Area: 22, 965 square Kilometers [8,867 sqare miles]
Languages: English, Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, Creole
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant
National Symbols:
National Anthem: Land of the Free, lyrics Samuel Haynes, music Walford Young, a national prayer presumably written by George Price
National Animal: Baird's tapir (locally called mountain cow because of its habitat)
National Flower: Black Orchid
National Tree: Mahogany (exported in huge quantities in the 18 and 1900's; one of Belize's first exports)
National Bird: Keel billed toucan
PROFILE
Belize lies along the Caribbean coast of Central America. The first British settlement came in 1638, and the United Kingdom relinquished its last colony on the mainland of the Americas in 1981. English is the official language, but Spanish is widely spoken. Peace and plentiful land attract refugees from troubled neighboring countries. Tourists flock to see Maya ruins like Altun Ha; wildlife such as jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans; and the Western Hemisphere's longest coral reef.
ECONOMY
Industry: garment production, food processing, tourism, construction.
Agriculture: bananas, coca, citrus, sugar; fish; lumber.
Exports: sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products.
Text source: National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004
The Belizean Prayer
Almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed your glory to all nations, please protect and preserve Belize, our beloved country.
God of might, wisdom and justice, please assist our Belizean government and people with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude.
Let the light of your divine wisdom direct their plans and endeavours so that with your help we may attain our just objectives.
With your guidance, may all our endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge.
We pray, O God of Mercy, for all of us that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law, that we may be preserved in union and in that peace which the world itself cannot give. And, after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that you have prepared for those who love you.
Amen.
