as with the population in general, a large percentage of the urban poor are young. youth unemployment is high, and many unemployed youths in belize city congregate on street corners or meet in storefronts known as "bases." these young people are known as baseboys and basegirls. more privileged members of belizean society tend to categorize baseboys and basegirls as criminals and delinquents, although the only thing many are guilty of is lacking opportunities for education and meaningful work.