Belize is the less populated country in Central America with approximately 321,000 people. The population grow each year at a rate of about 2.05 percent. Belize, who was known as British Honduras, was a British colony from 1862 to 1981 when it assumed its independence. The county is divided in six districts and many of the citizens live in the district’s main town. Although many Belizeans find work abroad and send money home to their families because wages are low.
The country of Belize’s economy is fueled greatly by foreign aid because it is based on an agrarian economy. Around 10 percent of the labor force work in agricultural production. Unemployment is considered to be a problem even though inflation is considerably low. Belize grows four main crops: cacao, sugar, bananas and citrus fruits. Main cash crop for Belize was sugar, but in recent years, citrus fruits have become the leading source of crop income. Timber was a valuable source of income until the amount of accessible timber began to decline.
In Belize tourism has become one of the fastest growing sources of employment and income. Thousand of new visitors come to the country each year. Many factors, including the climate, fishing, the Mayan’s ruins, and the world’s second longest barrier reef support the growth of tourism. Building infrastructure and developing oil reserves is becoming increasingly important to the economy. Another important source of income is the influx of money from the Belizeans that work abroad.
Based on the author’s tone, what can the reader conclude about the Belizean economy?
Explanation
Answer [D]: Based on the author’s tone, the reader can conclude that the economy of Belize is in transition. Income sources of the past, such as timber and sugar are mentioned, as is the fact that the nation relies on foreign aid. However, the author also discusses the new income sources, including citrus growing and tourism. The author also suggests future income sources, including oil development.
