FACTS

Location: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico

Area (only Total) total: 22,966 sq km

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

Population: 301,270 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Spanish

Government type: parliamentary democracy

Capital (Name): Belmopan

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-6

Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1981)