BELIZE

By Katie Sicking

Geography

Belize is a small country located between Mexico and Guatemala in Central America bordering the Caribbean.

The capital is Belmopan, but the largest city is actually Belize City.

Climate

The climate of Belize is tropical; they have an extreme rainy season because of the jungle. It’s very hot and humid. The country is mostly coastal plain with mountains in the south.

History

Belize was home to several Mayan cities until the decline of their civilization years and years ago. Many Mayan ruins still exist today. The British took control in 1854, and the country was under British rule until 1981 when it became the independence of Belize.

Government

Belize is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The government is based on the structure of the government of England.

The official currency is the Belize dollar. Two Belize dollars are worth about one U.S. dollar.

Religion & Language

Most Belizeans speak Spanish, English, Creole, and/or Mayan dialects.

Belizeans enjoy complete religious freedom, and 80% of the population is Christian.

Customs & Traditions

Courtesy is very important to the citizens of Belize. They will often greet people they haven’t even met before on the street just to chat for a few minutes.

The most popular genre of music in Belize is Punta, a genre of Garifuna music.

Economy

Tourism is the biggest money-earning industry in this tiny country. With its incredible beaches, jungles, historical Mayan ruins, and unique culture it has something for everyone. Agriculture is the next highest industry.

Famous Attractions

Altun Ha is a highly popular archaeological site that was inhabited by the Mayans back in 200 B.C.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the top tourist destination in Belize and also the second largest reef system in the world. People come from all over the world to snorkel and scuba dive amongst its remarkable beauty.

Cuisine

Belizean cuisine is a mix of British, Mexican, and Caribbean cooking. Almost all recipes come with white rice in coconut milk, and rice and beans are the main ingredients for most meals. An exotic food eaten in Belize is armadillo meat.

Hope you enjoyed your brief visit

to paradise and learned something about Belizean

culture along the way!