LAND OF THE FREE
O, land of the free by the carib Sea,
Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,
Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
Chorus.
our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery oppression's rod,
By the might of truth and the grace of God.
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.
put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee-
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!
O'er mountains and valleys where praries roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon'
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow's noon.
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.
Population:
Languages:
Capital:
Population Estimates 2003
Today Belize's population is estimated to be at approximately 273,700. The country is a melting pot of many races and over the years the muliti-racial make-up has risen through the influx of many people of Central America, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. Males outnumber the female population only by 1%.
The population census shows that the main ethnic groups: Mestizo, Creole, Ketchi, Yucatec and Mopan Mayas, Garifuna and East Indian maintains a large percent of Belize's population. Other ethnic groups: German and Dutch Mennonites, Chinese, Arabs and Africans accounts for a small percentage of the population. The ethnic groups, however, are heavily intermixed.
English is the official language of Belize. However, English Creole is widely spoken and remains a distinctive part of everyday conversations for most Belizeans. Spanish is also common and is taught in primary and secondary schools in order to further develop bi-lingualism.
Spanish is spoken as a mother tongue by the majority of the people in the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts, north of Belize and the Cayo District in the west, In the southern Districts: Stann Creek and Toledo, there are people whose first language is Garifuna or Maya.
Belmopan is the capital of the country. Built in 1970, it is the seat of Government and has been classified as the Garden City of the country. It was created following extensive damage to the former capital Belize City, caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Belmopan is geographically located at the centre of the country, some 80 kilometers to the south-west of Belize City on higher ground. It serves as a hurricane refuge for Belizeans and has the largest number of hurricane shelters in the country. Its population today is estimated at 11,100 and is increasing as more people relocate to the Capital. However, Belize City still remains the hub of commercial activity and one of the most urbanized centers of Belize with a population of 58,000 people.
The following tables list the towns and District population estimates by mid 2003:
Cayo
San Ignacio/Santa Elena
15,400
Benque Viejo
6,300
Belmopan
11,100
Cayo Rural
28,200
Total 61,000
Belize
Belize City
64,100
San Pedro Town
6,800
Belize Rural
16,600
Total 87,500
Orange Walk
Orange Walk Town
14,700
Orange Walk Rural
28,100
Total 42,800
Stann Creek
Dangriga Town
10,000
Stann Creek Rural
17,900
Total 27,900
Corozal
Corozal Town
8,500
Corozal Rural
26,100
Total 34,600
Toledo
Punta Gorda Town
4,800
Toledo Rural
21,200
Total 26,,000
E-mail me info or comments.
Maurice Field