About Belize

Belize has a diverse society, composed of many cultures and speaking many languages. It is the only country in Central America where English is an official language, although Creole and Spanish are also widely spoken.

With 8,867 square miles (22,960 km) of territory and 320,000 people (2008 est.), the population density is the lowest in the Central American region and one of the lowest in the world. The country's population growth rate, 2.21% (2008 est.) is the highest in the region and one of the highest in the western hemisphere.

Where is Belize?

Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It shares a border on the north with Mexico and on the west with Guatemala.

To the east in the Caribbean Sea, the second-longest barrier reef in the world flanks much of the 386 kilometers of predominantly marshy coastline. The area of the country totals 22,960 square kilometers, an area slightly larger than Massachusetts.

Things To Do

A combination of natural factors-- climate, the Belize Barrier Reef (longest in the Western Hemisphere), 127 offshore Cayes (islands), excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling, numerous rivers for rafting, and kayaking, various jungle and wildlife reserves of fauna and flora, for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring, as well as many Maya ruins-- support the thriving tourism and ecotourism industry.

Belize also has this largest cave system in Central America. Although development costs are high, the Government of Belize has designated tourism as its second development priority after agriculture.

Belize Currency

For several decades, the Belize Dollar has been tied to the U.S. dollar at an official rate of two Belize Dollars to one U.S. Dollar.

Belize currency is printed outside Belize, at the British firm Thomas De La Rue Ltd. All Belize bank notes feature a prominent image of Queen Elizabeth II on the front. Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth and has the Queen of England as Head of State.

The Language

English-speakers will have no problems communicating in Belize, as English is the only official language of Belize due to being a former British colony. It is the main language used in government and education. Spanish is also widely spoken, as is Kriol (Creole), a type of pidgin English.

Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the first language. For this reason, many international tourists from all over the world enjoy visiting Belize.