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rainy season, some roads, including sections of major highways, are closed.
In recent years, the government has spent more than $100 million to
improve roads, repair highways, and construct bridges. The government
has also conducted campaigns to upgrade health centers and hospitals, and
to provide better housing for low-income citizens throughout Belize.
Although electricity, telephone, and water utilities are all relatively
good, Belize has the most expensive electricity in Central America due to a
lack of power plants.
More than half of Belize’s total
revenue
comes from customs
duties
on
imported goods. Ports in Belize City, Dangriga, and Big Creek handle
regularly scheduled shipping from the U.S. and Britain, although
draft
for
ships is limited to a maximum of 10 feet in Belize City and 15 feet in
southern ports. Some imports also come into the country by air, although
the country has only six airports with paved runways.
To continue its economic progress, Belize depends on financial aid
from other countries. The government also encourages foreign investment
to create jobs.
Careful Land Use Strengthens the Economy
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TEXT-DEPENDENT QUESTIONS
1. What foods are grown by Belizean farmers as subsistence crops?
2. Where was a commercially viable oil field discovered in 2005?