Belize Facts
- Belize was a British Colony until 1981, and is now a the Belize government operates on the principles of a parliamentary democracy.
- English is the primary language spoken, as is Spanish. Maya, Garifuna and Creole are also spoken.
- The U.S. dollar is widely accepted and the exchange rate is $2.00 Belize to $1 U.S.D.
- The population is approximately 330,000 with Creoles (African-European), Garinagus (Black Caribs), Mestizos (Spanish-Indian), Maya, Europeans, Mennonites, and a growing number of American ex-pats.
- Belize is an area of only 8,867 square miles – about the size of Massachusetts.
- Belize is located on the East Coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Mexico borders Belize to the north and Guatemala to the west and south.
- Belize Climate is subtropical with annual temperatures about 80 degrees F and prevailing winds from the Caribbean. The rainy season is between June – August.
- Belize contains over 600 ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization.
- Belize contains more than 500 species of exotic birds.
- Belize has the densest population of the Jaguar.
- The flora and fauna of North and South America meet in Belize, creating one of the most diverse natural environments.
- Belize contains the second largest barrier reef in the world, and the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere 185 miles long!
- Belize holds true to Caribbean and Central American traditions.
- Belize has a unique blend of cultural influences – its people include Creole, East Indian, Garifuna, Mayan, Mestizo, and the Mennonites.
- Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by exports of marine products, citrus, sugar cane, bananas, and garments.
Visit www.travelbelize.org for more information about Belize.
Information above courtesy of Blancaneaux Lodge and Chaa Creek Lodge.