Military expenditures - dollar figure: $15 million (FY97/98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2% (FY97/98)

@Belize:Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: territory in Belize claimed by Guatemala; precise alignment of boundary in dispute

Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; minor money-laundering center

______________________________________________________________________

BENIN

@Benin:Introduction

Background: Dahomey gained its independence from France in 1960; the name was changed to Benin in 1975. From 1974 to 1989 the country was a socialist state; free elections were reestablished in 1991.

@Benin:Geography