Belize is a small, culturally diverse country located on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It’s renowned for its incredible Mayan ruins, pristine rainforests, and the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

Area and Population:
Belize covers an area of approximately 22,966 km² (8,867 sq mi). Its population is relatively small, estimated to be around 450,000 inhabitants (as of 2024).

Language:
The official language of Belize is English, making it unique in Central America. Belizean Creole is also widely spoken. Spanish is common, particularly in the western and northern regions due to proximity to Mexico and Guatemala. Mayan languages (such as Mopan, Yucatec, and Kekchi) and Garifuna are also spoken by their respective communities.

Currency:
The currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD). It is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD, so U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country.

Religion:
The predominant religion in Belize is Christianity, with Catholicism being the largest denomination due to its Spanish and Mestizo heritage. Various Protestant denominations (including Pentecostal, Anglican, Mennonite, and Methodist) also have a significant presence. There are also smaller percentages of other faiths and traditional beliefs.

Capital:
The capital city of Belize is Belmopan, a relatively small, purpose-built city located inland. It became the capital after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961.

Major Cities:
Besides Belmopan, other significant cities and towns in Belize include:

• Belize City: The largest city in Belize, a major port, and the historical capital. It remains the commercial and cultural hub, though it no longer serves as the political capital.
• San Pedro: The main town on Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination for diving and snorkeling.
• Orange Walk Town: A town in the north, known for its sugarcane industry and proximity to Mayan ruins.
• San Ignacio: A vibrant town in the Cayo District, a gateway to Mayan sites, caves, and rainforest activities.
• Dangriga: A coastal town in the south, the heart of Garifuna culture.
• Placencia: A popular peninsula in the south with beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe.

Attractions and Wonders:
Belize’s attractions are diverse, offering adventures on land and under the sea.

• Belize Barrier Reef: The largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers exceptional opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
  • The Great Blue Hole: A giant marine sinkhole, a world-famous diving destination.
  • Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley: Popular snorkeling and diving sites teeming with marine life, including nurse sharks and stingrays.
• Mayan Ruins: Belize has numerous impressive ancient Mayan sites:
  • Xunantunich: Known for its El Castillo pyramid, offering panoramic views.
  • Caracol: The largest Mayan site in Belize, deep within the rainforest.
  • Lamanai: Accessible by riverboat, featuring impressive temples and jungle surroundings.
  • Altun Ha: A smaller, easily accessible site near Belize City.
• Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave): A famous and adventurous cave system that was a sacred Mayan burial site, offering a unique caving and archaeological experience (often involves swimming and climbing).
• Caye Caulker: A laid-back, car-free island with a “go slow” motto, popular for budget travelers and backpackers, offering excellent snorkeling and diving.
• Belize’s Rainforests and Wildlife: Vast protected areas are home to jaguars, pumas, tapirs, howler monkeys, toucans, and countless bird species.
  • Community Baboon Sanctuary: Known for its black howler monkeys.
  • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: The world’s only jaguar preserve.
• Rio Frio Cave: A massive cave with a huge opening, accessible for exploration.
• Garifuna Culture: Experience the vibrant music, dance (like Punta), and traditions of the Garifuna people, especially in Dangriga and Placencia.
• Ziplining and Cave Tubing: Popular adventure activities available in various locations, particularly in the Cayo District.

Architecture:
Belize’s architecture reflects its colonial history and diverse cultural influences.

• British Colonial Style: Especially evident in older parts of Belize City, with wooden buildings, verandas, and sometimes elevated on stilts to cope with humidity.
• Creole Architecture: Simple, brightly painted wooden homes, often with jalousie windows.
• Mayan Influence: Though mostly ruins, the ancient Mayan cities showcase advanced stone construction and impressive ceremonial centers.
• Modern Structures: Newer commercial buildings and tourist resorts often incorporate contemporary designs and local materials.

Roads:
Belize has a relatively limited but improving road network. The main highways (Northern, Western, Hummingbird, Southern) are generally paved and in decent condition, connecting major towns and cities. However, many secondary roads, especially those leading to smaller villages or some attractions, can be unpaved, gravel, or dirt, and may become challenging during the rainy season. Public bus transportation is widely available and affordable.

Hotels:
Belize offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to tourists. On the cayes (islands), you’ll find everything from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to dive lodges, guesthouses, and hostels. Inland, particularly in the Cayo District, eco-lodges, jungle resorts, and more rustic cabanas are common. Belize City has international chain hotels and local options.

Restaurants and Cuisine:
Belizean cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, and British influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, rice, beans, and local produce.

• Key Dishes:
  • Rice and Beans: A staple dish, often cooked with coconut milk, served with stewed chicken, beef, or fish, and potato salad or fried plantains.
  • Stew Chicken: Chicken slow-cooked in a rich gravy with vegetables and spices, typically served with rice and beans.
  • Fry Jacks: Fluffy, fried dough pieces, a popular breakfast item, often served with refried beans, eggs, and cheese.
  • Conch Fritters: Deep-fried fritters made with chopped conch meat, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
  • Seafood: Given its coastal location, fresh seafood is abundant, including lobster, snapper, grouper, and conch, prepared in various ways (grilled, fried, in curries).
  • Ceviche: Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
  • Garifuna Hudut: A traditional Garifuna dish of mashed plantains served with a fish soup.
  • Belizean Johnny Cakes: Small, dense, biscuit-like bread, often served for breakfast.
  • Hot Sauces: Belizeans love their hot sauces, especially Marie Sharp’s, made from habanero peppers.
• Restaurants: Dining options vary by location. Belize City and the main tourist hubs like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, and Placencia offer a wide range of restaurants, from local eateries serving traditional Belizean food to international cuisine and seafood specialists. Smaller towns and villages have more humble local establishments.