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  • Title: Belize.
    Author: United States. Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs.
    Journal: Backgr Notes Ser; 1987 Aug; ():1-6. PubMed ID: 12177958.
    Abstract:
    In 1986, the population of Belize stood at 166,000, with an annual growth rate of 1%. The infant mortality rate was 56/1000, and life expectancy is 60 years. Of the work force of 50,000, 30% are engaged in agriculture, 27% are employed in industry and commerce, 25% are in the services sector, and 16% are government employees. Belize is a parliamentary democracy. Independence was achieved in 1981. The country's gross domestic product was US$156 million in 1985, with an annual growth rate of 1.5%. Per capita income is US$938. Forestry was the major economic activity until the timber supply began to dwindle. Sugar is now the principal export, although efforts are underway to expand the production of citrus, rice, beef, bananas, and tropical fruit. Domestic industry is constrained by the relatively high cost of labor and a small domestic market. Membership in the Caribbean community provides Belize with assured access to a large market for potential grain and livestock surpluses and should help stimulate the growth of commercial agriculture. Belize also expects to benefit from its designation for the Caribbean Basin Initiative, a US Government program designed to stimulate investment in Caribbean nations by providing duty free access to the US market for most Caribbean products. Economic growth has been hindered by the lack of infrastructure, especially roads, electricity, and port facilities. The Government recognizes the need to develop the country, and 54% of its 1986-87 budget of US$106.8 million is earmarked for development spending.
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