Belize Guide
Belize – Country Information
| Country name | Belize |
| Official name | Belize |
| Capital | Belmopan |
| Continent | North America |
| Area | 22,966 km2 |
| Population | 349,728 (2013) |
| Foundation of a state | 9/21/1981 |
| The highest mountains | Victoria Peak 1122 m |
| Longest rivers | Honda 225 km |
| State system | constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament |
| The biggest cities | Belize 50,000, Belmopan (Capital) 4,500 |
| Official language | English |
| Ethnicity/National Composition | Mestizo 44%, Creole 30%, Mayan 11%, Garifuna 6.5%, White 4%, Indian 3.5% |
| Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic 58%, Protestant 28.5%, other Christian 2%, Hindu 2.5%, no religion 9% |
| Currency | 1 Belize dollar (BZ$) = 100 cents |
| gross domestic product (GDP) | US$8,659 (2012) |
| Average life expectancy of the population | 68.30 years (2006) |
| Structure of GDP | agriculture, forestry and fishing 20%, mining and industry 19%, construction 7.5%, services 53.5% |
Belize – Neighboring States
| State | Capital | Area | Population |
| Guatemala | Guatemala | 108,889 km2 | 15,806,675 |
| Mexico | Mexico City | 1,958,200 km2 | 119,713,203 |
Country overview
Belize, formerly British Honduras, is a small country on the Caribbean coast of Central America, bordering Mexico and Guatemala.
According to Abbreviationfinder, Belize (British Honduras) is a state in Central America. Common borders in the north – with Mexico, in the west – with Guatemala. The capital is Belmopan. The official language is English.
The climate is tropical trade wind. The average temperature is +26*С. The rainy season is May-July, the dry season is January-May.
Half of the country’s territory is covered by tropical rainforests.
The centers of Mayan culture are located in Shunantunich, Altun-Ha, Caracol, Queyo, Lamanai.
Resorts and attractions of Belize
It is difficult to find a more attractive place on the tourist map of the world than sunny Belize. Like other countries of the Central American territory, nature has rewarded this land with chic flora and fauna and has taken care of a warm climate. Holidays in Belize can be compared to a fairy tale.
Belize is a unique state washed by the waters of the warm and famous pirates of the Caribbean. Until recently, the state was a British colony, and only at the end of the 20th century. gained independence. Located between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America. What is the famous Barrier Reef of Belize worth, attracting hundreds of diving enthusiasts from all over the world. And at the same time, the country’s national parks are a paradise for many bird lovers. Archeology lovers will not be bored either.
Vacation in Belize is a cocktail of unforgettable experiences. Jungles, marine reserves, snow-white beaches, ancient cities of the mysterious Mayan culture await you. It is desirable to enjoy the beauties of the country from December to April, hurricanes are possible in autumn.
Interesting facts about Belize
“Belize” in the Mayan language means “muddy water” (after the name of the river).
The culture of Belize comes from the Mayan Indians, whose descendants live in the country today.
Belize Barrier Reef. The length is 300 km. The largest in the Western Hemisphere. It stretches along the Yucatan Peninsula and the coast of Belize. This is a paradise for those who are fond of scuba diving. The reef consists of three coral atolls and 450 shoals. This is one of the few places where the opportunity to see the pristine underwater nature has been preserved.
Country data
Location: Central America
Time zone: CET – 7 (during summer time: CET – 8)
Total area: 22,966 km²
Land area: 22,806 km²
Water area: 160 km²
Length of the state border: 542 km
including:
Guatemala: 266 km
Mexico: 276 km
Coastline: 386 km
Capital: Belmopan
Districts: 6
Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo
Electric current: 110 V / 60 Hz
Telephone code: 00 501 (Source: Allcitycodes)
Highest point: Doyle’s Delight
Population
Population: approx. 340,000 residents (Countryaah, 2021)
Population growth: 1.9% per year
Population density (residents per km²): 15
Life expectancy: 67 (male), 70 (female)
Official language: English
Religions:
- 39% Roman Catholic
- 4% Baptists
- 3% Methodists
- 54% other
Climate
In the subtropical to tropical climate zone, it is almost always very warm and there is high humidity (often over 70%).
From November to February it is hot during the day (> 30 ° C) and there is almost no rain.
The main rainy season lasts from June to September. More rain falls in the north of the country than in the south.
Currency / finance
Currency unit: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Division: 1 dollar = 100 cents
ATMs: There are only a few devices.
International credit cards: These are accepted in larger hotels and shops.
Regulations: The import and export of local currency is limited to an amount of 100 Belize dollars.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currencies that can be imported. The export is limited to the amount declared at the time of import, minus the amounts exchanged.
The exchange of money should only take place at approved exchange offices and the receipts should be kept well until departure.
Cash payments are common in the interior of the country.
Customs regulations
The following may be carried duty-free:
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
- 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
- small amounts of perfume
(Information applies to people aged 18 and over)
Tourists and people in transit can bring items of personal use with them duty-free.
Objects of cultural and historical importance (artifacts, ancient objects) and products from the sea are not allowed to be exported from Belize.
Behavioral advice
Due to the high increase in the crime rate (drug offenses, robbery, theft) in recent years, attacks on tourists have also increased.
We recommend that you observe the following measures:
- do not wear jewelry or money visibly
- Always deposit valuable things in the hotel safe
- Do not undertake individual tours even during the day (only in groups)
Economy
The Central American country, which has been independent since 1981, has developed politically and economically very stable since the 1990s.
The export of all kinds of wood is the main source of foreign exchange income for Belize.
Industries: clothing production, food production, tourism
Natural resources: fish, wood, farmland, hydropower
Land use:
- Usable land: 2%
- Grain cultivation: 1%
- Pasture area: 2%
- Forests: 92%
- other: 3%
Plants
The very flat country only has a few mountains in the south, which are home to a flora that is unique. Hundreds of different types of plants and trees attract botanists and interested tourists every year.
The coastal plains often consist of marshland and are still largely unexplored.
Large parts of the coastal strip are overgrown with mangroves. In the interior of the country there are large areas of tropical rainforest, which has been able to develop until today without human intervention.
About half of the country’s area was placed under natural protection.
Animals
Both on land and in the air, thanks to the many nature reserves that have been set up, most animal species live almost completely undisturbed. The multitude of different species is almost impossible in any other country.
A very large amount of different fish and coral species complete the picture of the species-rich animal world.
