978-1-4222-3285-9

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Belize

forestry has been making a comeback in Belize. Reforestation in the pine forests and the creation of plantations where fast-growing tropical hard- wood trees like teak and mahogany are grown is becoming more common. Tourism on the Rise A combination of natural factors—climate, the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, numerous islands, excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, jungle wildlife, and Mayan ruins—support Belize’s increas- ingly important tourist industry. The number of foreign tourists rose throughout the 2000s, topping one million in 2012 for the first time and exceeding that figure every year since then. A small number of airlines provide service to Belize—American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and

A teak plantation at the edge of the rainforest in Belize. The climate in certain parts of Belize is ideal for growing hard- woods like teak and mahogany, which are used to make furniture, boats, and other items.