Belize: A Tropical Paradise Revealed

Belize is a small country in Central America, known for its diverse landscape, from eco-adventure rainforests to hundreds of islands with white sandy beaches. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, divers and adventure seekers.

Belize is the only country in Central America whose official language is English, and it is also the only one that is part of the Community of Caribbean Countries. With a population of around 400,000, it is the smallest and least densely populated country in Central America, but it attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

Belize has a lot to offer travellers, including cultural heritage, Maya temples, the world's second-largest barrier reef, and aromatic, franchise-free food. It is a relatively safe country, but petty crime and gang-related violence can be a concern, especially in Belize City.

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, from late November to mid-April, to avoid the rainy season and hurricane season.

Belize is a mix of Central American culture and Caribbean shores

Belize is a unique mix of Central American culture and Caribbean shores. Located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, it borders Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. It is the only country in Central America whose official language is English, and it is also the only one that is part of the Community of Caribbean Countries (CARICOM). This is due to its history as a former British colony (until 1973) and its location on the Caribbean Sea coast.

The country has a diverse population, with Mestizo, Kriols, Mayas, and Garifunas making up the majority. Belize also has a small but notable Mennonite community, who are Christians and Protestant Baptists of Russian or Pennsylvania origin. They stand out with their distinctive clothing and Eastern European appearance.

Belize offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions. The country is known for its peaceful islands, lush rainforests, archaeological wonders, and stunning wildlife. It is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. The Great Blue Hole, a huge circular sinkhole off the coast, is a sought-after diving spot. The mainland also boasts overgrown rainforests with hiking trails to double waterfalls, complex cave systems, and winding rivers.

Belize's cultural heritage is just as diverse as its landscape. The country was once home to at least one million Mayas, and their stunning architecture, with hidden tombs and offerings, remains today. Mayan ruins can be found at Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich. Belize City, the country's largest city, is not a significant tourist attraction, but it can serve as a base for exploring nearby attractions.

The food in Belize reflects this cultural blend, with Mestizo, Creole, Mayan, and Garifuna influences. Street food, with influences from Mexico and Central America, is widely available and affordable. Typical dishes include coconut rice and beans, hudutu, fry jacks, ceviche, meat stew, and Sere.

Belize truly offers a mix of Central American and Caribbean experiences, making it a unique destination for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

The official language of Belize is English

Belize is a unique mix of Central American culture and Caribbean shores. It is the only country in Central America whose official language is English. This is due to its history as a former British colony—it was previously named British Honduras until it gained independence in 1981.

Although English is the official language, Belize is bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, and Spanish is widely spoken. Belizean Creole (Kriol) is also commonly spoken. However, visitors who only speak English will find it easy to converse and navigate the country.

Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, but many Belizeans are multilingual. The country's diverse population includes Mestizo, Kriols, Mayas, and Garifunas, with smaller Indian and Chinese communities. Interestingly, there is also a Mennonite community, making up almost 4% of the population.

Belize has a population of less than 400,000, yet it attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, divers, and adventure seekers, offering a range of eco-adventures, cultural experiences, and archaeological wonders.

With its diverse landscape, Belize has something for everyone. From peaceful islands and lush rainforests to Maya temples and the world's second-largest barrier reef, there is no shortage of attractions in this small but captivating country.

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world

Belize is home to the world's second-largest barrier reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Reef system that runs from Cancun to Honduras. Stretching an impressive 900km, it is only surpassed in size by Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Belize's barrier reef is renowned for its crystal clear waters and rich aquatic life, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers alike. The most popular spot on the reef is the Blue Hole, a deep blue, almost perfectly circular sinkhole with a diameter of around 305 metres and a depth of over 100 metres. The water visibility and diverse marine life make it a highly sought-after diving location.

For those who don't dive, snorkelling tours are available to explore the reef and spot an array of marine life, including sharks, turtles, manatees, and rays. Fishing tours are also a popular option, as the waters are abundant with fish. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding along the coast and the reef are other ways to enjoy this natural wonder.

The reef is easily accessible from the islands of Caye Caulker and Caye Ambergris, which offer a range of accommodations and activities. Caye Caulker is the smaller of the two and attracts more backpackers with its hostels and guest houses, while Caye Ambergris features a greater variety of resorts and caters to a wider range of tourists.

Belize's barrier reef is not just a natural wonder but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its significance and the need to preserve this incredible ecosystem.

The country has decriminalised weed, but it is not legal

Belize is a small country in Central America, formerly known as British Honduras. It is known for its diverse landscape, from its lush rainforests to its hundreds of islands with white sands. The country has a rich cultural heritage, offering aromatic, franchise-free food and inviting Belizean spirit.

In 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalise the possession and use of marijuana on private property for adults with up to 10 grams. This amendment was signed into law by the Governor-General, despite opposition from religious groups. However, it is important to note that marijuana is not legal in Belize. The sale, growth, and smoking of weed in public places remain a federal offence.

The decriminalisation of marijuana in Belize was a significant step forward, placing the country at the forefront of Central American countries moving towards legalised cannabis consumption. The amendment allows individuals to possess and consume marijuana without facing criminal charges, as long as it is within the specified amount and on private property. However, the amendment does not address the legalities of obtaining marijuana, as it remains illegal to grow, buy, or transport it. This has created a situation where individuals may possess and use marijuana but face challenges in acquiring it legally.

While the country has taken steps towards decriminalisation, the path to full legalisation has faced obstacles. In 2022, the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Control and Licensing Bill outlined a framework for full legalisation and industry guidelines. However, opposition from various sectors, including the church, prevented the bill from progressing further. An incident in April 2023, where marijuana-infused candies were sold to children outside a school, further complicated the push for legalisation.

Belize's history with cannabis is complex. Until the 1980s, it was a significant exporter of cannabis to the United States. However, eradication efforts by the Belizean government, supported by the US, led to a dramatic drop in production by the mid-1980s. Despite this, the use of cannabis in Belize remains common and largely tolerated. While possession can result in fines or imprisonment, the country's progressive stance on decriminalisation reflects its efforts to balance enforcement with a more progressive approach.

The Belize dollar is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of 2:1

Belize is a small country in Central America with a lot to offer travellers, including eco-adventures, cultural heritage, Mayan temples, and hundreds of islands with white sands. It is the only country in Central America whose official language is not Spanish, but rather English, due to its history under British rule.

Belize has its own currency, the Belize dollar, which is the official currency in the country. The Belize dollar is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of 2:1, meaning that 1 US dollar is worth 2 Belize dollars. This makes it easy for travellers from the US, as they do not need to worry about exchanging their money, and US dollars are accepted throughout the country. In fact, many restaurants, tour companies, and shops in Belize accept credit cards, though there is often a hefty tax for doing so. ATMs can be found in every major city and island, and many businesses also accept US dollars.

It is worth noting that while the official exchange rate is 2 Belize dollars to 1 US dollar, a lively parallel informal market usually gives BZ$2.05 for US$1.00. Additionally, in May 2023, the Belize Central Bank instructed banks and financial institutions to accept US cash currency at the official rate of 2 Belize dollars for 1 US dollar. This was done to address the issue of businesses in Belize being reluctant to accept US currency due to losing money in the conversion rate when depositing US cash.

Frequently asked questions