An adventurer's paradise, Belize is a peaceful, English-speaking country just two hours away from 3 major U.S. Gateways. With a diversity of adventure opportunities unmatched by any other country, the Belizean people have protected over 40% of the country as parks and natural reserves.
Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond comparison. In a single day, one can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. And the people are as warm and friendly as the climate.
THE BASICS ON BELIZE
Location: East Coast of Central America, bounded on the North by Mexico, on the South and West by Guatemala, and on the East by the Caribbean Sea.
Land Area: 8,867 square miles or 22, 923 square meters.
Capital and Major Towns:
Belmopan City (Capital, Cayo District)
Belize City ( Commercial Center, Belize District)
San Ignacio (Cayo District)
Benque Viejo Del Carmen (Cayo District)
Corozal Town (Corozal District)
Orange Walk Town (Orange Walk District)
Dangriga (Stann Creek District)
Punta Gorda (Toledo District)
San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
Climate: Sub Tropical (dry and wet season)
Rainfall: Ranges from 60 inches in the North to 200 inches in the South annually.
Population: Approximately 270,000
Density of Population: Nine (9) persons per square kilometer
Languages: Official language is English. Spanish is widely spoken. Other ethnic languages include Garifuna, Maya, Chinese, Indian.
Religions: Mainly Christian denominations.
Form of Government: Democratic – Bicameral Legislature based on Westminster System.
Currency: Belize Dollars.
Exchange Rate: US $1.00 = BZ$2.00
Principal Exports: Sugar, citrus, bananas, fish products, garments, and timber
Principal Imports: Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and beverages, construction materials, fuel, and lubricants.
Major Trading Partners: United States of America, United Kingdom, CARCICOM countries, Mexico, and Canada.
Electric Power: Belize Electricity Limited Voltage 110 Volts, optional 220 volts. Cost per Kilo Watt Hour (kwh) B$0.38.
Telecommunications: All automatic systems: Direct dialing with major countries in the world, cellular, telexes and faxes. Internet access widely available.
Entry and Visa Requirement: Visitors are permitted to stay up to one (1) month provided they have a valid passport. Nationals of few countries require a visa for entry to Belize.
Belize is located in the Northern Hemisphere, within Central America.
Belize is bounded on the North by Mexico, South and West by Guatemala, and the beautiful Caribbean Sea washes its 174 mile coastline to the East.
Geographically we're located between 15° 52' 9" and 18° 29' 55" North Latitude, and 87° 28" and 89° 13' 67" West Longitude with an area of 8,866 sq. miles including 266 sq. miles of islands.
