Belize
Belize is located in the southern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula in Central America and borders Mexico and Guatemala,
facing the Caribbean Sea to the east. The coast is low-lying with swamps, mangroves, lagoons and sandy beaches. The Maya mountain
range lies to the west and south in the country, rising to over 3,000 feet at some peaks. The capitol, Belmopan, is carved
out of the jungle in the center of Belize, near the Maya Mountain foothills. Belize City, over 300 years old and the country's
main commercial area and seaport, is the largest city, boasting over 80,000 inhabitants and continually growing. It combines
a mixture of colonial architecture, functional wooden buildings and historic cathedrals, exuding a ramshackle charm. Other
towns of note are Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and the blooming beach town Placencia to the south, and Orange Walk and Corozal to
the north.
History
Belize was dominated by and in the middle of the Mayan empire for the better part of a thousand years. The Spanish arrived
in the 16 th century and used the area primarily for logging. During the next two hundred years, many British and Spanish
pirates inhabited the area, battling for naval supremacy. Finally in 1798, the British navy defeated the Spanish and laid
official claim to the area. In 1862, Britain formally named the territory “British Honduras,” a title that lasted
until 1962 when a peaceful independence was granted and British Honduras became Belize.
Food
Latin American, Creole, and Chinese restaurants represent the vast majority in Belize. Most restaurants serve a variety
of foods, from chicken and rice to shrimp or pizza. Local fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapples are widely
available and taste excellent. Any fruits that are not peeled or cooked should be avoided.
Activities
Belize boasts dense jungles loaded with creatures that fly, swim, and walk. Among them, the toucan, jaguar, and tapir are
most famous. The Belize Zoo offers a great opportunity to see the local flora and fauna up close. Also within Belize are a
number of Mayan ruins, including Altun-Ha and Zunatunich, which rises 131 feet from the jungle floor.
Local markets sell fruits and handicrafts with a Caribbean feel. Certainly not to be forgotten are Belize's offshore coral
cayes, which lay along the world's second longest barrier reef.
Climate
Belize enjoys a subtropical climate the entire year. The wet season occurs from August through November, followed by a
dry season from December through March. The normal highs all year are 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while low temperatures rarely
reach the 60's.
Language
Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America. Creole is also often spoken by locals, as well as Spanish
in the western part of the country near Guatemala.
Safety
Belize is safe by Central American and Caribbean standards, though street crime is not uncommon in more urban areas. Local
theft and pick pocketing are the most frequent occurrences. Awareness of one's surroundings is paramount at all times.
Currency
Belize's dollar value is tied to the United States dollar. Two Belizean dollars equal one U.S. dollar, and either currency
can be used. At this time, Belizean banks are not connected to the international banking system, so ATM's are unusable for
Americans. Visa and MasterCard continue to gain acceptance at most hotels and restaurants.
Religion
The vast majority of Belizeans declare some sort of spiritual faith. Many are Roman Catholic, while Christian Protestantism
continues to grow. Other practiced cults are Jehovah's Witnesses, Hindu, and Voodooism.
Economy
Belize's economy is seeing steady growth due to an increase in international tourism. Its jungles are being touted
as destinations for eco-lodges, and being located next to the world's second longest barrier reef has obvious advantages.
Telecommunications companies are growing, attempting to usher Belize into the 21 st century. The per capita income in Belize
is just over $3,000 USD annually.
