Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a former colony of Britain. Attaining independence in 1981, one cannot look at Belize without considering the great history of this small but blessed land. Thousands of years ago the Maya civilization inhabited areas in the Western Hemisphere. Traces of their civilization can be evident in the renowned Maya ruins and archaeological sites prevalent from the North to the South of Belize. Europeans explorations in this part of the world led to their settlements. They brought African slaves to aid in the production of sugar, logging, and other commodities. In the end, the British maintained possession of this land. Hence, Belize is known as a multicultural society rich in history, practicing their ancient culture even to this day. Even though Belize may be seen as a small, underpopulated land, we are proud to display the vast array of this natural and historical beauty. This diverse landscape offers pristine forests, savannahs, mountains, islands, beaches, rivers, and lagoons. Not only that but Belize possesses many natural creations or phenomena such as the famed Blue Hole, a unique circular limestone sinkhole hundreds of feet in depth. Belize also holds the Belize Barrier Reef, second largest barrier reef in the world. The biodiversity seen in the flora and fauna is the home of hundreds of exotic species of trees, plants, and animals. From the national bird, the keel-billed Toucan to the nocturnal Jaguar, from the exotic Mahogany Tree to the Frangipanis plants, Belize is sure to present unique plant and animal wildlife. Their ecosystems are sure to continue thriving as more than 20% of Belize’s land are Protected Reserve areas. The Government of Belize operates under Parliamentary Democratic principles based on the Westminster System (United Kingdom). The Capital of Belize is Belmopan. The nation is divided into six districts being Corozal, Orange Walk, Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek, and Toledo. Belize City, the Old Capital, is the most populated city and is located in the district of Belize.
Belize is Bordered by Mexico to the North, and NorthWest, Guatemala on the West and South, and the Caribbean Sea on the East. Located at 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian, Belize is approximately the same size as New Hampshire, USA or Wales in the United Kingdom. Having 180 miles in length and up to 68 miles in width, Belize is approximately 8,866 square miles. Belize also has over 200 Cayes (Islands) most of which are located inside the 200 mile Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The coastal and northern interior regions are primarily flat. The southern regions of Belize are more mountainous. Some areas are heavily forested and also contain a network of rivers, lagoons, and creeks.
The population of Belize is approximately 321,000 (July 2011). Belize is a multicultural society consisting of Creoles (English and African descendants), Mestizos (Spanish and Mayan descendants), Garifuna (descendants of Carib, Arawak, and West Africans), Maya, German Mennonite, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern (mainly Lebanese), and Asian ethnic groups (mainly Indian, Chinese, and Taiwanese).
Belize is sub tropical with a mean annual temperature of 80° F (26.7° C). During the winter season the temperature can get as low as the 60° F (15.6° C) while the summer months can be in the 90° F (32.2° C). Trade winds blow along the coast and Cayes/Islands most of the year keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months. The dry season is from January through May and the rainy season is from June through December.
English is the official language of Belize. Spanish is widely spoken also as well as well as Kriol, an English-based Creole language.
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency in Belize. The currency exchange in Belize is pegged $2.00 Belize to $1.00 U.S. dollar. .All businesses accept U.S. cash currency. Many businesses accept international credit cards. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is accepted less frequently, and Discover hardly at all.
Belize operates on Central Standard Time all year long (UTC/GMT -06:00). No Daylight Savings Time is observed.