Here’s a detailed overview of Belize, a small but culturally rich country in Central America and the Caribbean:
General Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Location | Central America, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala & the Caribbean Sea |
| Capital City | Belmopan (while Belize City is the largest city) |
| Official Language | English (only English-speaking country in Central America) |
| Currency | Belize Dollar (BZD) — Pegged to the U.S. Dollar (2 BZD = 1 USD) |
| Population | ~400,000 people |
| Time Zone | GMT -6 (No daylight saving time) |
| Geography | Coastline, islands (cayes), rainforest, mountains, rivers |
Culture & People
- Ethnic groups: Mestizo, Creole (Kriol), Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonites
- Religions: Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant), with Garifuna and Mayan spiritual traditions
- Languages spoken: English (official), Belizean Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya
Tourist Attractions
- The Great Blue Hole – World-renowned dive site
- Belize Barrier Reef – 2nd largest coral reef system in the world
- Mayan Ruins – Xunantunich, Caracol, Lamanai, Altun Ha
- San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) – Popular island destination
- Placencia – Coastal village with beaches and culture
- Cockscomb Basin – Jaguar preserve and nature trails
- Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) – Ancient Mayan archaeological site
Transportation
- No train system
- Buses and water taxis are primary public transport
- Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City
- Local flights and charter planes operate to remote areas and cayes
Education System
- Follows British model: primary, secondary, and tertiary levels
- English is the language of instruction
- Key institutions: University of Belize, Galen University
Economy
| Sector | Details |
|---|
| Agriculture | Sugar, citrus, bananas, papaya, shrimp |
| Tourism | Main economic driver (reef, diving, eco-tourism) |
| Industry | Agro-processing, oil, rum, garments |
| Services | Banking, BPO, and legal offshore services |
Security & Defense
- Belize Defence Force (BDF), Coast Guard, Police
- No navy or air force, but maritime patrols in coastal zones
Climate
- Tropical climate with wet (June–November) and dry (February–May) seasons
- Hot and humid; hurricane risk between June and November
