The N half of Belize consists of lowlands, large areas of which are swampy. The climate of Belize is subtropical, moderated by sea breezes along the coast. A rainy season extends from May to February. Slightly less than half the area of Belize is covered by forests. Mangrove swamp vegetation is found along the coast.
Wildlife includes jaguar, deer, tapir, and numerous species of birds and reptiles.
Population and Education Ocean kayaking, Belize The majority of the population of Belize is of mixed racial descent. Although English is the official language, the proportion of Spanish speakers in Belize has grown rapidly since independence. Other languages spoken include Carib, Mayan, and a Creole dialect of English. More than half the people are Roman Catholic, and most of the remainder are Protestant. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 14.