Belize is a small but beautiful Central American country just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula that prides itself in bridging the gap between the Caribbean and Central America. Belize enjoys membership in both the Caribbean Community and the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana, and it is quite apparent that both of these regions have played a role in its cultural development. Its Central American influence is most prevalent in the food. The most commonly used staples are white rice and kidney beans, along with chicken, beef, and fish. Mayan maze and tortilla are very popular, as are traditionally Mayan fruits like bananas, oranges, mangoes, papayas, and limes. Belize’s Caribbean influence is most accurately displayed in the attitudes of the natives. They are extremely friendly, happy go lucky, low key, and relaxed. They are very social, and it is considered rude not to emphatically greet even the most casual acquaintances.

Belize is a small country of only 8,867 square miles and 297,651 people where the population density is the lowest in the region and one of the lowest in the world. Northern Belize is comprised mostly of flat swamps and coastal plains which frequently include heavy vegetation. The south is dominated by the Maya Mountain Range. Belize’s biodiversity encourages scientific studies, ecotours, birdwatching, snorkeling and diving, and many other activities that help those lucky enough to visit this country get in touch with nature. The most aesthetically attractive feature of Belize is it’s Caribbean coast, which is lined with over 450 small islands or “keys” that form the 200+ mile long Belize Barrier Reef. This long chain of islands has been formed by mangroves over hundreds of years. This reef is the longest in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest in the world next to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. As if this beautiful reef was not enough, three of the only four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere are also located off the coast of Belize. These incredible geographical features make it apparent why Belize is so quickly becoming a popular traveling destination; it is a boater’s, and particularly a diver’s, dream come true. Not only is the reef appealing to divers, but it is a natural haven for wildlife and encourages ecotourism and fishing, general cruising and sightseeing, or other water sports that fit well into its shallow waters.

Belize is very tourist friendly in that it’s the only official English speaking country in Central America due to its long history as a British colony, but it is also a melting pot of many other languages and races. Creole is widely used in large cities and Spanish is spoken throughout the country. Garifuna is widely spoken as well. The races of Belize’s native include Creole, Maya, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese, Garifuna and Mennonite, Lebanese, and many more. This diversity stems from Belize’s status as a major immigration center. The mainland of Belize attracts many travelers with its ancient Maya temples and cities, few sprawling cities, nature preserves, zoos, and national parks. The biggest holiday in Belize, as well as other Caribbean countries, is “Carnival”, which occurs in late September. Carnival is composed of costumed street parades, parties, music, dance, etc. Belize is a country with rich culture and high entertainment value and hopefully this article has convinced you that Belize is a “can’t miss” on your travel itinerary.