About Belize

 

Belize is a country on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is the only country in Central America that has English as its official language; Belizean Creole (Kriol) and Spanish are also commonly spoken. Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Its mainland is about 290 km (180 mi) long and 110 km (68 mi) wide.

With 22,800 square kilometres (8,800 sq mi) of land and a population of 340,844, Belize has the lowest population density in Central America. The country’s population growth rate of 1.97% per year is the second highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

Belize’s abundance of terrestrial and marine species and its diversity of ecosystems give it a key place in the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

Belize has a diverse society, with many cultures and languages. Originally part of the British Empire, it shares a common colonial history with other Anglophone Caribbean countries. From 1862 to 1973, its name was British Honduras. It became an independent Commonwealth realm in 1981, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.

In general, Belize is considered a Central American and Caribbean nation with strong ties to the entire Latin American and Caribbean region. Belize is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Central American Integration System (SICA), the only country to hold full membership in all three regional organisations.

 
 
 

Some Highlights of travel to Central America:

  • Roughly 1 in 10 outbound travelers visited Central America in the past three years.

  • Nearly a third of outbound pleasure travelers would very much or extremely enjoy visiting or revisiting Central America.

  • The outbound pleasure travelers who are extremely or very interested in visiting Central America and who plan to travel to Central or South America for pleasure constitute Central America’s best prospects and number approximately 12.7 million persons.

  • Central America is viewed very favorably among its best prospects. More than three-quarters say that Central America is a place they have seriously considered visiting, and nearly as many say that Central America is a place they can picture themselves being.

  • The highest proportions of best prospects say vacation in Central America would be most like a vacation in the Caribbean

  • Visit the Mayan Ruins and Temples

  • Hike the rainforests on foot

  • Mountain bike or horseback

  • Canoe

  • Kayak

  • Paddleboard

  • Scuba

  • Snorkel

  • Cave-tube

  • Fishing

  • Relax and enjoy the beauty of the Mayan Mountains, the Southern Lagoon, the Manatee River and the Caribbean Sea


Belize was formerly British Honduras with British law being a major influence on Belizean law.  The unique ecosystem with the second largest coral reef in the world  and the Great Blue Hole, one of the most popular scuba diving locations and numerous scuba and snorkeling locations, has made Belize a center for eco-tourism.

One of the few countries in the world where foreigners enjoy the same rights as nationals in land ownership including rights to real estate on the beach.  Property taxes are very affordable; For example, a $250,000 home annual taxes is under $375.