Belize

Belize is considered to be a hidden gem in Central America. With its marine eco-tourism and rainforests, Mayan history and traditions, and the famous Great Blue Hole, this country has plenty to help it on its way to becoming a top tourist destination. It is also rapidly becoming famous with honeymooners and couples looking to elope.

With their efforts and commitment to maintaining and persevering the natural beauty and health of the environment, Belize is a nature lover’s dream destination.

Language: English
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Government: Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy

DID YOU KNOW?

• Belize is the only country in Central America where the official language is English. Creole and Spanish are widely used as well.
• The city of Placencia is the world record holder for the smallest main street in the world.
• Belize was known as British Honduras until 1973.
• The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef, following the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

CLIMATE

Belize has three distinct areas: northern (low lands and flat, characterized by swampy areas, plains and some rainforests); southern (wide coastal strip and home to the Maya Mountains); and the small islands (cayes). Tourism hits a high during the dry season, which runs December through May, while the rainy season lasts from June through November. The country has many different features such as rainforests, mountains and beaches throughout that contribute to a very warm, temperate climate.

• Rainy season: June–November
• Cool season: May–mid-August
• Dry season: December–May

HISTORY

Belize was first inhabited by the Mayan people, who dictated the economy, culture and politics of this area from 1500 BCE to around 800 CE.

Through the period of colonization, Europeans had claimed much of the land in the Americas but were unable to fully colonize the mainland areas due to resistance from the Mayans. The Maya soon mysteriously disappeared and the civilization crumbled, allowing for a greater European presence in the area.

The first true settlers were English Puritans who built trading posts along the coastline. During the 1600s, Belize became a home to a group of pirates named the Baymen (after the Bay of Honduras), who would terrorize and prey on Spanish ships. After years of unsuccessfully attempting to expel the Baymen, Spain finally signed a treaty allowing the British to harvest timber from Belize in exchange for protection from the pirates preying on the Spanish Galleons.

In the mid-1800s, Britain officially named Belize as the colony of “British Honduras,” a name which was officially changed in the 1970s to its current name of Belize. The country began to flourish economically, socially and politically as institutions were set up in the colony. Throughout the 1900s Belize’s population grew and, on September 21, 1981, Belize gained independence from Britain.

MUST SEE

COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Established in 1990, this sanctuary is world-renowned for its jaguar reserve—the first of its kind. It is also a sanctuary and is home to beautiful sites and trails.

BELIZE BARRIER REEF
Belize is home to the Western Hemisphere’s largest coral reef, and the second largest in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This attraction is a must-see for scuba divers, as the reef leads way into some of the most complex underwater caves in the world.

OLD BELIZE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL CENTER
This site holds hidden facts about Belize City. Educational, fun and interesting, it allows visitors to learn about the Belizean heritage.

THE GREAT BLUE HOLE
The Great Blue Hole is a sinkhole found off the coast of Belize. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was first explored by famous French underwater explorer, Jacques Cousteau.

http://www.travelandescape.ca/escapes/belize/