Belize Overview

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean coast, Belize offers an engaging mix of mysterious Mayan ruins, grandiose mountains and lush tropical forests. These days, however, the country is rapidly becoming known for its sun-and-fun beach vacations. Its nearly 9,000 square-mile playground features an endless list of activities for adventurous travelers. From snorkeling and scuba diving to the birdies on the golf course and in the surrounding sanctuaries, you're bound to find something to your liking. There's also the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and plenty of white sandy beaches, clear blue water and unspoiled coastline to explore.
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Travel Facts

Population
292,000

Capital
Belmopan

Time Zone
U.S. Central Standard Time - 1 Hour

Currency
Belizean dollar

Weather
Belize's climate is usually very hot and humid with an average temperature around 80 degrees (F). The rainy season lasts from May to November and the country is subject to hurricanes from June to November. Rainfall is heaviest in the south and jungle areas and drier in the north and on the Cayes. Water temperature averages between a pleasant 79 and 83 degrees (F).

Entertainment & Nightlife

Due to the sparse population, bustling bars and a hopping nightlife is definitely not Belize's forte. But there are plenty of other diversions at night here to hold your interest. For the more adventuresome, there's night scuba diving. The nocturnal marine life of Belize's waters is bursting with brilliant colored fish and coral visible with a special underwater light. And the stargazing is truly unbelievable due the lack of ambient light that would ordinarily block out many of the spectacular celestial sights. During the day, take in one of the country's many wildlife sanctuaries or reserves where you'll see plenty of the country's 570 species of resident and migratory birds. Plus, there are numerous caves to try your hand at some amateur spelunking.

Restaurant and Cuisine Listings

Harbour View, Belize City
Overlooking the Haulover Creek and the Caribbean Sea, Harbour View is one of the most creative and well-dressed restaurants in the city. Featuring fresh seafood and local favorites cooked with fusion flare and some Asian accents, diners pine for an outdoor table on the wraparound veranda to take in the breathtaking views.

Elvi's Kitchen, Ambergris Caye
Dripping in island charm, this very popular restaurant features a thatched, screened-in building with picnic tables and a large tree growing up through the roof. Be sure to set foot on their floor of crushed shells and sand if you're in the neighborhood.

Marian's Bayview, Punta Gorda
The ambience and décor may be a bit pedestrian, but the food here more than makes up for it. The petite menu changes regularly, but always includes a wonderful mix of skillfully prepared Indian and Belizean cuisine.

Culture & Heritage

Belize is a country of various ethnic groups, including Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian. Surprisingly, racial harmony and the religious tolerance of its varied Christian peoples have mixed and blended quite successfully. The only real unrest has come from its immediate neighbor to the west. In the 1850s, Guatemala laid claimed to Belize, but more than a century of British rule created a separate Belizean national identity. In 1981, a territorial settlement was reached, paving the way to Belize's own identity. The country is the last British colonial possession in the mainland Americas and has been promised independence whenever it chooses, but has been reluctant to do so fearing Guatemalan interference. Even today Belizeans identify with the formerly British island nations in the Caribbean over Guatemala.

Famous Belizeans: Spotlight on Marion Jones

Daughter of a Belizean mother, Marion Jones holds dual citizenship in the US and Belize. She won five medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and a multi-use stadium in Belize City, is named for her.