Belize is located on Central America's northeast coast and borders the Caribbean Sea to the east, Mexico to the north, and Guatemala to the south and west. It is often mistaken for a Caribbean country because it has a similar history to the Caribbean nations that speak English. Belize's diverse society is composed of many languages and cultures that are reflective of its rich history as one of the British colonies. In Central America, Belize is the least populated, with 441,471, according to the census conducted in 2022.
This less densely populated country is divided into six districts: Orange Walk, Cayo, Belize City, Toledo, Corozal, and Stann Creek. The capital of Belize is Belmopan, and it remains the country's cultural, most populous, as well as a commercial center. Belize City is the largest in Belize, and the most spoken languages are Spanish, Kriol, Maya, Garifuna, and English, the country's official language.
The climate in Belize is similar to the one in the tropical countries that make up Central America. Belize's dry season runs from December to April, while the wet season starts in May and ends in November. The country is always comfortable and warm, with a temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. The rainforest, jungle, and cool sea breezes keep the tourists warm even during the hottest summers. Also, there is hurricane season in Belize, but no major direct hits are experienced during this time.
Belize's government is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, and it has had democratically elected governments since it gained independence from the British in 1981. Moreover, it is also a member of the Commonwealth, and its economy primarily survives on tourism, agriculture, and offshore financial services, among others. Belize's main exports consist of agricultural products like sugar and citrus fruits.
Belize's local currency is the Belize dollar, although US dollars are also accepted for use in the country. You can access several ATMs and banks across the towns and cities if you need to make physical bank transactions. MasterCard and VISA are also accepted countrywide. Unless you are a visitor traveling with a special traveling credit card, you are likely to pay a 2% foreign transaction fee when you make transactions.
Regarding fashion and culture, Belize is a melting pot of various races that join forces to cultivate some of the most creative features. About three-fifths of the country is forested with at least 50 species of trees like cedar, ironwood, mahogany, and Santa Maria. Swamp forests largely border the rivers, and deciduous forests are largely supported by the limestone soil found in the north.
The highlands in Belize are largely uninhabited and mostly forested, while the forests in the south are evergreen and taller. Santa Maria flourishes in the plateaus, and the plateau ridges are mostly occupied by pine and oak. On the other hand, the cost region of Belize is heavily fringed with mangrove trees. Belize's abundant wildlife includes jaguar, reptiles, and birds of various species, including manatee, tapir, deer, and the American crocodile.
