Belize Fast Facts

Belize Fast Facts

Belize is located in Central America between Mexico and Guatemala. The small country is often used as a stopover when traveling between these two countries. In terms of landscape, it is one of the most interesting countries in the Caribbean and offers a wonderful variety with many beautiful nature reserves, from rainforest to beaches to great reefs. See andyeducation for education in Belize.

Capital City Belmopan
Size 22,966 km²
Resident 328,000
Official Language English
Currency Belize Dollar
Time Zone UTC-6
Telephone Area Code +501

Fast facts to know

  • Known for untouched nature.
  • 40% of the country consists of nature reserves.
  • Discarded school buses from the USA are often used as buses.
  • In rural areas, buses are stopped by hand signals. There are no bus stops.
  • A passport that is valid for at least 3, better 6 months from entry is sufficient for entry, a ticket that documents the return or onward journey. as well as financial means of at least 50 US dollars per day of stay.
  • Malaria prophylaxis recommended. Vaccinations against cholera, polio and typhoid are advisable for longer stays.
  • Price level compared to neighboring countries quite high.
  • The predominant religion in Belize is Christianity (Roman Catholic).
  • Better not to drink tap water, peel fruit.
  • Comparatively safe travel destination.

Exciting cities in Belize

  • Belmopan
  • Belize City
  • Corozal Town
  • Dangria
  • Orange Walk Town
  • Punta Groda
  • San Ignacio

History of Belize

  • Originally settled by the Maya around 2,000 BC.
  • Conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century.
  • After times of piracy and slavery under the Spanish, British colonial rule followed from 1789 after the Battle of St. George’s Caye.
  • In the 20th century, the resistance of the non-European population against British colonial rulers grew.
  • Independence from Great Britain since September 21, 1981.

Climate & travel weather in Belize

  • July through November is hurricane season.
  • Subtropical climate with high humidity.
  • Rainy season between September and November.
  • Dry season February to May.
  • Swimming possible all year round.
  • Recommended travel time:
    • Best but also most expensive travel time between February and May.
    • August also recommended.

Ideas for trips in Belize

  • Caye Caulker sand island.
  • Numerous caves with stalactite formations worth seeing.
  • Ancient Mayan sites, partially overgrown by rainforest.
  • Belize Zoo near Belmopan.
  • Mayan pyramid El Castillo in the Xunantunich ruins complex.
  • Ruins of Caracol.
  • Wildlife parks like Cockscomb Basin, Crooked Tree or Mountain Pine Ridge.
  • Hiking, trekking, kayak tours.
  • Diving, snorkeling, water sports in the Cayes.

Food & Drink in Belize

  • Originally influenced by Mayan, Mexican and Creole cuisine.
  • Belizean cuisine today is a delightful mix of Asian, South and Central American and European cuisines.
  • Very important: fish and seafood (e.g. lobster and barracuda fillets).
  • Commonly used: pork, mutton and venison, as well as paka (gibnut), a rodent related to the guinea pig.
  • Desserts are calorie bombs. A lot of baking.
  • Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables with all meals.
  • Tea is preferred to coffee (British heritage).
  • Fans of American-style soft drinks and papaya, mango, watermelon and orange juices.
  • Popular alcoholic beverages: Rum & Belizean Belikin beer, as well as wine made from berries, rice or wood sorrel.
  • Typical dishes:
    • Rice and Beans (rice with kidney beans cooked in coconut milk).
    • Hudut (fish cooked in coconut milk and fresh herbs, served with plantain mousse or Creole bread)
    • Tapow Conch (lobster, shrimp, fish and vegetables cooked in coconut milk, herbs and grated greens or plantains).

Particularly scenic

  • Nature parks such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Park (jaguars roaming free) or the Shipstern Nature Reserve with large mangrove forests and countless species of orchids.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest reef in the world and consists of:
    • Bacalar Chico National Park & ​​Marine Reserve.
    • Blue Hole Natural Monument.
    • Half Moon Caye Natural Monument.
    • Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve.
    • South Water Caye Marine Reserve.
    • Laughing Bird Caye National Park.
    • Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.
  • Lonely, beautiful beaches at Placencia.

Belize Fast Facts