The Basics
Country: Belize
Where is it?: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Why do people go here?: Ignore the rough infrastructure and enjoy nature in Belize! Mayan ruins hide in the jungles and deep sea life waits for you under the water, with some of the best diving in the world.
What are the main entry points?: Belize City is usually travelers first stop, as most international flights arrive here, however, if you’re already in the area, catch a bus from Mexico or Guatemala. If boats are more your thing, you can take those to coast as well.
Currency used: Belizean dollar (BZD)
Country Code: 501
Other Phone Tips: You do not need city codes in Belize City
Religion: Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Anglican 5.3%, Methodist 3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Pentecostal 7.4%, Jehovah’s Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14%
Population: 300,000
Ethnic Breakdown: Mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7%
Government: Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional Monarchy
Languages: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole
Travel Information
Major Cities: Belmopan, Belize City
Attractions: Mayan Ruins, Diving, Eco-tourism
Accommodation: Belize Hostels
Tourism Office locations and links: Belize-Tourism Industry Assn. New Central Bank Building, Level 2 Gabourel Lane P.O. Box 325 Belize City, Belize +501-223-1913;; FAX +501-223-1943; info@travelbelize.org http://www.travelbelize.org/, http://www.belize.com/
Health Issues: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. Malaria risks throughout, but especially in the southern region. Chloroquine is recommended.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: If you don’t mind the hurricanes, summers are less crowded that the drier first half of the year.
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 21 September (1981)
Getting Around: Buses are the local way to go, small planes if you have the dough.
Cheapest airport to fly into The main airport for travelers taking flights to Belize is Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Belize travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
