Belize

At A glance

Capital City: Belmopan

Land size: 22,806 sq km

Population: 412,387 (2022 est.)

Official language: English

Currency: Belize Dollar ($ / BZD)

UNESCO properties and sites: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/


Nestled on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize is full of hidden gems, natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, featuring colorful coral reefs and exotic marine species. Discover ancient Mayan ruins nestled deep within the jungles, such as the awe-inspiring site of Xunantunich or the mystical Caracol. Unwind on the sun-kissed shores of Ambergris Caye, where palm-fringed beaches and warm Caribbean waters await.

Belize offers a captivating blend of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife, making it the perfect destination for equestrian adventures. From thrilling jungle treks to leisurely mountain rides, Belize offers a range of horse riding experiences for riders of all levels.

 

Brief History

Belize was the site of several Mayan city-states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D.
As shown in archeological records, the Maya established a number of settlements including Caracol, Lamanai and Lubaantun. The first European contact with Belize occurred in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area’s coast. In 1638, the first European settlement was established by England and for 150 years, many more English settlements were set up.

The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1862. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region’s name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved.
 
Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Both nations have voted to send the dispute for final resolution to the International Court of Justice.

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/
https://www.travelbelize.org/facts-about-belize/

 

Cultural Insights

Ethnic and geographic identification coincides with the areas where ethnic groups settled. In the north and west there are the mestizos, people formed by the union of Spaniards and Maya. In the central part, there are the Creoles, formed by the intermarriage of the British and their African slaves. In the south, there are the Garifuna, also called Black Caribs, along the coast and the Maya farther inland.

Creole: Popular Creole dishes are universally enjoyed throughout Belize and include Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice (yes, they are two different dishes), Stew Chicken and Salad, and “Boil Up. The Kriol language is best described as a broken English dialect that is understood (mostly) and spoken by all cultures in Belize.

Mestizo: With the blending of these cultures (Maya & Spanish) came a fusion of traditions, practices and foods, unique to Belize. Take a trip to the North to immerse yourself in this foodie-haven and celebrate the many festivities held annually to celebrate Mestizo culture.

Garifuna: In 2001, UNESCO proclaimed the Garifuna language, music and dance to be among the masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. With festivals throughout the year, it’s impossible not to experience the warm and vibrant Garifuna culture during your visit to Belize.

Maya: Maya culture is still alive and well in Belize. Today, you can tour authentic sites left by this great culture and, in many cases, be guided through these sites by a direct descendant?a modern-day Maya. In many cities, you can also find Maya cuisine and festivals celebrating this ancient civilization.

Source: https://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Belize.html
https://www.travelbelize.org/culture/

 

Transportation

By Air
Commercial airlines all land at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Ladyville, just minutes from Belize City.

Source: https://www.travelbelize.org/getting-here/

 

Money

ATMs are widely available in larger towns and they generally accept foreign cards – but sometimes can be temperamental, so allow time for the unforeseeable.

The local currency is Belize dollars. However, US dollars are also accepted as currency.

Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors. The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD.

Large bills (anything above a $20) are a little more difficult to cash.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belize
https://www.travelbelize.org/facts-about-belize/

 

Health

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Medical facilities in Belize are limited and availability of prescription medicine inconsistent. Medical care for minor ailments is generally available in urban areas. Advanced medical treatment is very limited in Belize City or Belmopan and is extremely limited or unavailable in rural and remote areas.
Serious medical cases are normally evacuated to the United States (at the patient’s expense).

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you bring your own prescription medications, you must carry a current doctor’s prescription for each medication. Please contact the Belize Customs Department at (501) 223-7092 or via e-mail at cusnet@btl.net for more information.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belize
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belize.html

 

Electricity

Belize operates on a 110 /220 V supply voltage and uses type A, B and G plugs.

The Type A electrical plug (or flat blade attachment plug) is an ungrounded plug with two flat parallel pins. Although the American and Japanese plugs appear identical, the neutral pin on the American plug is wider than the live pin, whereas on the Japanese plug both pins are the same size.

The pins on Type A and Type B plugs have a hole near the tip that fits into ‘bumps’ found on the contact wipers of some sockets, so that the pins are gripped more tightly allowing for better contact and also to prevent the plug from slipping out of the socket. Some sockets have spring-action blades that grip the sides of the pins, making the holes obsolete.

The Type B electrical plug has two flat parallel pins and a round grounding (or earth) pin. The earth pin is longer than the other two so that the device is grounded before the power is connected. As with the type A plugs, the American and Japanese versions vary slightly.

The Type G electrical plug has three rectangular blades in a triangular pattern and has an incorporated fuse.

Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs

 

Communication

Time zone in Belize: Central Standard Time (GMT - 6)

International country code – 501

Significant investment in infrastructure have been made to provide high speed broadband to 80% of residences across Belize. (2021)

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/

 

Entry Requirements

Visitors to Belize must possess a passport valid for a period of minimum 30 days if not travelling in transit to a third country.
In addition to a valid passport, visitors must have a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors are given a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for with the Immigration Department.
 
Visas are not required for citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, United Kingdom and its territories, European Union, Caribbean and Central American countries.
You can check visa requirements here: https://immigration.gov.bz/visa/visa-who-qualify/

Source: https://www.travelbelize.org/getting-here/visas-and-immigration/

 

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy in Belmopan
Floral Park Road
Belmopan, Cayo
Phone: (501) 822-4011

Honorary Consul of Canada in Belize City
The Renaissance Tower of Belize, # 8 Newtown Barracks
Belize City
Phone: (501) 223-1060

Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates

 

UNESCO Sites

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
The coastal area of Belize is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. The system’s seven sites illustrate the evolutionary history of reef development and are a significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees and the American marine crocodile.

Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/bz