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Country Fact File : Belize
Volunteer Work in Belize
Dipping its toes in the Caribbean Sea, Belize has more in common with its island neighbours than with the fiery volatility of Central America. English-speaking, Creole-dominated and with a thoroughly coup-free history, this tiny country has an atmosphere so laid-back it's almost comatose. Unpaved roads, high prices and a lack of infrastructure can make it a difficult place to travel, but it compensates with some of the best diving in the world, dramatic Mayan ruins looming out of untouched jungle and secluded eco-lodges catering to the most sedentary adventurers.
| Location | Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico |
| Area | 22,966 sq km |
| Border Countries | Guatemala and Mexico |
| 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 |
| Highest Point | Victoria Peak 1,160 m |
| Natural Hazards | Frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south) |
| Environmental Issues | Deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal |
| Population | 272,945 (July 2004 est.) |
| Ethnic Groups | Mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7% |
| Religions | Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Anglican 5.3%, Methodist 3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Pentecostal 7.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14% (2000) |
| Languages | English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole |
| Type of Government | Parliamentary Democracy |
| Capital | Belmopan |
| Independence Day | 21 September 1981 (from UK) |
| Chief of State/ Head of Government |
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 Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28 August 1998) |
| Currency | Belizean dollar (BZD) |
| Time | GMT -6 |
Useful Numbers & Web Addresses
International dialing code: +501
Police tel: 911
Ambulance tel: 911
British Embassy: British High Commission, PO Box 91, Belmopan. Tel:(501) 822 2146. Email: brithicom@btl.net
Embassy in UK: Third Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP. Tel: (020) 7723 3603. Email: bzhc–lon@btconnect.com
01727 250250
Duration and Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks | £1175 |
| 8 Weeks | £1415 |
| 12 Weeks | £1570 |
| Group Size |
|---|
| Maximum of four per project site, plus project staff. |
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