Information
Country: BelizeContinent: North America
Belize, North America
Overview
Belize is a small, vibrant country on Central America’s northeastern coast, with Mexico just to the north, Guatemala wrapping around the west and south, and the turquoise Caribbean Sea stretching out to the east.It’s famous for its vibrant cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, shaped by a blend of Mayan, Creole, Garifuna, and mestizo traditions, from lively drumbeats on the coast to ancient stone carvings deep in the jungle.Belize is famous for its breathtaking scenery-white-sand beaches that squeak underfoot, dense green jungles alive with birdsong, and winding rivers that seem to go on forever-and for its reputation as a top-tier eco‑tourism haven.Here’s a closer look at Belize-its landmarks, past, landscapes, and way of life.This tropical country stretches from misty mountain ridges to thick rainforests and out to more than 200 sunlit islands scattered along the coast, all belonging to the vast Barrier Reef system.The country covers 22,966 square kilometers-about 8,867 square miles-roughly the size of a small state.Along Belize’s coast, the Belize Barrier Reef-the world’s second largest-stretches in a long, shimmering line that mirrors the shoreline.Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it draws visitors for its scuba diving, snorkeling, and dazzling marine life.In the rugged Maya Mountains of Belize, mist clings to cloud forests above limestone caves teeming with rare species.In the south, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary stands as one of the world’s first jaguar preserves, while Belize’s rainforests-thick with the scent of wet earth-spread wide through the Toledo and Cayo districts.Belize’s rainforests shelter a dazzling variety of wildlife-howler monkeys calling from the canopy, jaguars moving in the shadows, and bright toucans flashing through the trees.The climate is tropical, split between a wet season from June to November, when heavy rains and sticky heat roll in along with the threat of storms (especially from August to October), and a dry season from December to May, when warm, sunny days draw the most visitors.Its history runs deep, shaped by many cultures, beginning with the ancient Maya.Long before colonization, the Maya flourished in the lush forests of what’s now Belize, building one of the most sophisticated civilizations in the Americas as early as 2000 BC.They built sprawling cities and towering stone temples-places like Xunantunich, Caracol, and Cahal Pech-and mastered mathematics and astronomy with remarkable skill.During the colonial era, Spain claimed Belize, but left it largely empty, focusing instead on its busy Central American ports and cities.In the 17th century, the British moved in, turning the area into a hub for logging and cutting deep into the mahogany-rich forests.In time, British settlers set up a colony here, naming it British Honduras, where the air smelled faintly of salt from the nearby sea.Belize broke from British rule on September 21, 1981, raising its own flag for the first time and joining the Commonwealth of Nations.The country kept its English-speaking roots and grew into a calm, stable democracy, where voices from many cultures mingle like colors in a busy market.Culture and People - Belize is home to a mix of ethnic groups, each adding its own color and flavor, from the Garifuna’s rhythmic drumbeats to the Creole’s rich storytelling, weaving together the nation’s vibrant cultural tapestry.The main groups include Mestizos-people of mixed Spanish and indigenous Maya heritage-who make up much of the population, from bustling city markets to quiet village streets.You’ll mostly find them in northern and western Belize-Creole people, descendants of African slaves brought here during the colonial era.Creole culture, its English-based Creole language, and the rich, spicy flavors of local dishes shape much of Belize’s identity.The Maya, still living in villages across the country, hold fast to their ancestral language, traditions, and deep cultural roots.Most modern Maya communities live in the Cayo District, where markets buzz with color and spice.The Garifuna are Afro-Indigenous people whose heritage traces back to West Africa and the Caribbean.They came to Belize in the late 1700s and have kept their language, music, and traditions alive.Smaller groups-East Indians, Chinese, Jews, and Arabs-also call the country home.The culture bursts with color and sound, from the deep thrum of Garifuna drums to the swirl of Carnival costumes, and festivals like Garifuna Settlement Day and Independence Day keep the streets alive with dance and celebration.EconomyBelize runs on a mix of agriculture, tourism, services, and light manufacturing, from sugarcane fields to sunny beach resorts.Agriculture has long been the backbone of Belize’s economy, with fields of sugarcane, banana groves, and citrus orchards providing much of the country’s export income.The country also hauls in plenty of shrimp, lobster, and fish, filling docks with the sharp scent of the sea.Tourism is one of Belize’s biggest moneymakers, attracting visitors with its turquoise reefs, ancient Mayan temples, and lush jungle trails.Visitors flock to the Belize Barrier Reef, its turquoise waters teeming with fish, and to ancient Maya sites like Tikal in nearby Guatemala, just a short trip from the border.In Belize, small workshops turn out food products, textiles, and drinks, while the country’s financial services sector continues to expand.Thanks to its offshore banking, the place has turned into a tax haven, drawing international companies like moths to a warm light.Belize is famous for its eco-tourism, drawing travelers to the Caribbean and Central America with lush rainforests, thrilling adventures, and ancient ruins weathered by centuries of sun and wind.Belize holds a wealth of remarkable Maya ruins, from the towering temples of Xunantunich and Caracol to the moss-covered stones of Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Cahal Pech.In these ancient cities, towering temples, weathered pyramids, and sunlit stone plazas offer a vivid glimpse into the advanced civilization that once ruled the land.The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws divers and snorkelers to its clear turquoise waters and swaying coral gardens.The Great Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole with deep sapphire walls, ranks among the world’s most celebrated dive sites.Belize is home to stunning protected areas, from the jaguar-filled Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary to the sandy shores of Laughing Bird Caye National Park and the wild expanse of Bladen Nature Reserve, each brimming with vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems.Beaches: Belize is known for stretches of soft, white sand where the water glows a clear turquoise.Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and Caye Caulker draw travelers with their warm, turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling over coral reefs or casting a line for fresh snapper.English is Belize’s official language, which makes it one of the rare spots in Central America where you’ll hear shopkeepers greeting you in English.Creole is spoken all over, while Spanish pops up often too, especially in towns close to the Guatemalan border where you might hear it in the market stalls.Some indigenous communities speak Mayan languages, while the Garifuna people keep their own language alive, its lilting rhythm carrying over the sound of drums.In Belize, the government runs as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, where the royal crest still hangs in the main chamber.The country’s head of state is the Monarch of the United Kingdom, who’s represented by an official whose signature seals every new law.
