Before visiting, it’s important to know these facts about Belize.
Belize has it all – three atolls, the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, whale shark diving, the Blue Hole, the Maya Mountains, pristine jungle, untamed rivers, deep sea and fly fishing, adventure opportunities galore, and is populated by the friendliest people in the world.
Belize has the lowest population density in Central America with the highest percentage of protected areas of any other country. When you fly over the country all you see is green – the country looks like it is empty, and it almost is! Most of the southern half of the country is covered by national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and forest reserves. Belize is Destination Eco-Tourism!
Belize was the center of the ancient Maya world with the most Maya sites per square mile – many of which have not yet been explored by archaeologists. Here you can experience Maya culture firsthand!
Best of all, Belize is the friendliest and most multicultural country in Central America.
Here are some quick facts about Belize:
Population
Belize’s population, though relatively small at around 400,000 people, is incredibly diverse, representing a rich tapestry of ethnic groups and cultures. The largest ethnic group is the Mestizo, a mix of Spanish and Indigenous ancestry, followed by Creole, descendants of African slaves and British settlers. The Maya, Belize’s Indigenous people, include three main groups: the Yucatec, Mopan, and Q’eqchi’. The Garifuna, of African and Indigenous Caribbean heritage, have a strong cultural presence along the southern coast. Additionally, there are communities of East Indians, Chinese, and Mennonites, the latter being descendants of German and Dutch settlers who maintain a traditional lifestyle. This ethnic diversity makes Belize a unique and culturally vibrant nation.
Official Language
Belize is a multilingual country where English is the official language, making it unique in Central America. However, due to its diverse cultural heritage, several other languages are widely spoken. Belizean Creole (Kriol) is the most commonly spoken language in everyday conversation, while Spanish is also prevalent, especially in areas close to Mexico and Guatemala. Other languages include Garifuna, spoken by the Garifuna people; Maya languages such as Q’eqchi’, Mopan, and Yucatec; and even German, spoken by the Mennonite communities. This rich linguistic diversity reflects Belize’s multicultural identity.
Geography & Size
Belize spans about 8,867 square miles (22,966 square kilometers), featuring a diverse terrain of coastal plains, mountains, rainforests, and numerous cayes and islands.
Weather
Belize enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging between 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
Time Zone
Belize is in the Central Time Zone and does not use daylight savings time.
Currency
Belize’s official currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD, and US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country.
Government
Belize has a British-style bicameral parliamentary system and is a member of the British Commonwealth. King Charles is head of state represented by a Governor General. The prime minister is Head of government in Belize. Thirty-one members of the House of Representatives are elected in a general election. Senate members are appointed in accordance with a formula to ensure representation of the public sectors and political parties.
Biodiversity
Belize is a treasure trove of biodiversity, boasting an impressive variety of ecosystems that range from tropical rainforests and savannas to coral reefs and mangroves. Its diverse habitats are home to over 500 species of birds, including the vibrant keel-billed toucan, Belize’s national bird. The country is also known for its jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, and an array of reptiles and amphibians. Marine life thrives in the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, supporting colorful coral, sea turtles, manatees, and hundreds of fish species. Protected areas like the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve help preserve this incredible biodiversity, making Belize a haven for nature lovers and conservationists alike.
