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.