Belize Directory
Belize Overview
Belize is very old it was once a part of the Maya kingdom before being colonized by the Spanish and the British. Today, it offers visitors the very best combination of the Central American and Caribbean worlds.
Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic 3,675 foot mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare. In a single day you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
On the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula, it’s a holiday destination whose tropical treasures have yet to be discovered by mass tourism. Whether you’re searching for the sun, nature, adventure or history – or all four – you’ll find them in Belize.
The world’s second-longest reef (the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is the largest), its breakwater effect provides superb diving, ensures calm, clear waters for sailors and snorkelers and protects the country’s vast, unspoiled beaches for swimmers and sun worshippers.
Ambergis Cay, the largest of Belize’s many offshore resort islands, is 25 miles long and less than a mile wide (40km by 2km). It has 40 diving sites, including wrecks and coral. In Shark-Ray Alley, you’ll see sharks and stingrays in less than eight feet of water.
For the outdoor enthusiast and adventure traveler, Belize presents unlimited opportunities. You might say that Belize is the outdoors. You may not find a lot of big nightclubs, expensive shopping, or fancy restaurants. You will find diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, birdwatching and exploring nature at its best.
The least expensive way to get around Belize on a day to day basis is by bus. Buses run regular schedules and by other Central American standards, Belizean buses are clean, roomy and efficient. No reservations are required though often recommended as some bus routes fill up quickly and completely. Otherwise, you can rent a car or take taxi.
Presently, you'll find that Belize has a travel infrastructure that's improving but still far from polished: Some areas are difficult and/or expensive to get to, and conventional resort amenities such as golf courses and tennis courts are few and far between. We find these to be rather minor drawbacks, however. A bit of rawness just seems fitting for a place that caters to adventurous travelers. This being said, accommodations in Belize range from luxury 5-star condominiums to 1 room guesthouses. 
LOCATION: Bordered by Mexico to the North, Guatemala on the west and South, and the Caribbean Sea on the East. Belize is approximately the same size as New Hampshire. Belize City is 30'N 88 11'W. SIZE: 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide, Belize is approximately 8,866 square miles. Belize also has over 200 Cayes (Islands) most of which are located inside the 200 mile barrier reef.
POPULATION: The population of Belize is approximately 235,000. Belize is a multicultural society consisting of Creoles, Mestizos, Garifuna, Maya, Mennonite, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian.
CLIMATE: Belize is sub tropical with a mean annual temperature of 80 degrees F. Winter in Belize the temperature can get as low as the 60's the summer months can be in the 90"s. Trade winds blow along the coast and Cayes most of the year keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months. The dry season is from January thru May and the rainy season is from June thru December.
LANGUAGE: English is the official language of Belize. Spanish is widely spoken also as is Creole, Mayan, Garifuna and German.
CURRENCY: The currency exchange in Belize is $2.00 Belize to $1.00 U.S. dollar. All businesses accept U.S. currency. Some smaller places don't accept credit cards so bring travelers checks or cash.
TIME: Belize operates on Central Standard Time all year. No Daylight Savings Time is observed.
Belize Facts
Status
Previously a British Commonwealth and colonial colony, Belize became an independent country in 1981. Belize was formerly known as British Honduras. Belize is recognized as an independent nation worldwide including in Guatemala.
Customs
U.S. residents are permitted a $400 duty-free tax exemption per person when returning to the U.S. Visitors are NOT allowed to leave Belize with certain items including pre-Columbian artifacts, marine products and unprocessed coral or turtle shells. Those who try will most likely have the items confiscated and could even land in jail.
Time Zone
Belize is in the Central Standard Time zone, and does not utilize daylight saving time. Time observed year round is GMT-6.
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