Amelia Barreto
 Your International
 & Florida Realtor

RIGHT CHOICE REALTY
6360 Presidential Ct
Suite 4A
Fort Myers, FL 33919

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Belize - Affordable Luxury Real Estate

& InvestmentOpportunities

Real Estate / Investment Properties (coming soon)

About Belize: Belize, an independent state, is located in northeastern Central America bounded on the north and northwest by Mexico, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the south and west by Guatemala. Known as British Honduras until 1973, Belize gained independence in 1981 and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (British Commonwealth). The total area of Belize is 22,965 sq km (8,867 sq mi).

Land & Resources: The northern half of Belize consists of lowlands. The southern half is dominated by mountain ranges, notably the Maya Mountains, which rise to a maximum elevation of 1,120 m (3,675 ft) atop Victoria Peak. The Caribbean coastline is fringed by coral barrier reefs and numerous cays (islets). The principal streams are the Belize River; the Río Azul, which forms much of the boundary with Mexico; and the Sarstún River, which forms the southwestern boundary with Guatemala. The climate of Belize is subtropical, moderated by sea breezes along the coast. The average annual temperature is about 26° C (about 79° F). The total annual rainfall increases from north to south and averages about 1,800 mm (about 71 in). A rainy season extends from May to February.Some 59 percent of Belize is covered by forests. Deciduous trees are found in the north; tropical hardwood trees predominate in the south. Principal species include the commercially important mahogany, cedar, and rosewood, as well as pine, oak, and palms. Mangrove swamp vegetation is found along the coast. Wildlife includes jaguar, deer, tapir, and numerous species of birds and reptiles.

Population & Education: The majority of the population of Belize is of mixed racial descent. Groups include Native Americans, principally Carib and Maya, located in the north and west; people of European descent, mainly English and Spanish; and people of mixed Native American-European descent. The population of Belize is 266,440 (2003 estimate). The overall density of 12 persons per sq km (30 per sq mi) is the lowest in Central America. Population is concentrated in a few principal urban centers, of which Belize City (population in 2000 was 49,050) is the largest; it is also the principal port. Belmopan (8,130), a newly constructed city, supplanted Belize City as the official capital in 1972. English is the official language; other languages spoken include Carib, Mayan, Spanish, and a Creole dialect of English. More than half the people are Roman Catholic, and most of the remainder are Protestant. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 14. Attendance at primary schools was widespread in 1999'2000, but only 72 percent of children in secondary school were enrolled. Higher education is available at colleges in Belize City and Corozal. The literacy rate of 93 percent is one of the highest in Latin America.

Government & Judiciary: Belize is governed under a constitution that became effective at independence in 1981. The British sovereign is head of state and is represented by a governor-general, who has little power. Executive power is mainly exercised by a cabinet of ministers, led by a prime minister. The bicameral National Assembly consists of a Senate of 8 appointed members and a House of Representatives of 29 members elected by universal suffrage to terms of up to five years. The prime minister must have the support of a majority of the members of the House. The leading political parties are the People's United Party (PUP, 1950) and the United Democratic Party (UDP, 1974). The judiciary is independent of government and the Court of last appeal is the Privy Council in London.

Economy & Currency: The main economic resource is Belize's arable land, although only 3 percent of the total land area is under cultivation. Agricultural exports include sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas. Rice, beans, and corn are grown.

For additional information, contact Amelia Barreto.

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