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)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

February 5 Carnival

March 9 Baron Bliss Day

March 21 Good Friday

March 23 Easter

March 24 Easter Monday

May 1 Labour Day

May 24 Commonwealth Day ( = Emancipation Day)

September 10 St George's Caye Day

September 21 Independence Day

November 19 Garifuna Day

December 25 Christmas Day

December 26 Boxing Day

You should know :

Some holidays, especially those falling on a Sunday, may be moved.

Weekend Saturday, Sunday