Belize : economy statistics and industry reports

Exploration efforts have continued and production has increased a small amount.

In February 2007, the government restructured nearly all of its public external commercial debt, which helped reduce interest payments and relieved some of the country's liquidity concerns.

Growth slipped to 0% in 2009 and 1.

5% in 2010 as a result of the global slowdown, natural disasters, and the drop in the price of oil.

With weak economic growth and a large public debt burden, fiscal spending is likely to be tight.

A key government objective remains the reduction of poverty and inequality with the help of international donors.

Although Belize has the second highest per capita income in Central America, the average income figure masks a huge income disparity between rich and poor.

The 2010 Poverty Assessment shows that more than 4 out of 10 people live in poverty.

The sizable trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden continue to be major concerns.