Official Name: Belize Capital: Belmopan Flag: Population: 307,899 Language: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole Currency: Belizean dollar (BZD) Government Website: www.belize.gov.bz Chamber of Commerce: www.belize.org/bcci Emergency Info:

About Belize Island

A unique blend of Caribbean charm and Central American zest, breathtaking Belize lies nestled alongside Mexico and Guatemala with a coastline lapping in the Caribbean Sea. The only English speaking country in Central America, Belize is a popular tourist destination with the beauty of a Caribbean Island. Scattered with some 450 cayes and revered for its fabulous underwater world, Belize’s Caribbean coastline is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, about 200 miles, and the second longest in the world. Also located off the coast of Belize are three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere. Southern Belize contains the Maya Mountains, where Belize’s highest point, Victoria Peak, stands 3,675-feet tall.

The two most popular cayes for vacationers are Caye Caulker, an affordable island stay, and Ambergris Caye which boasts more lavish resort style accommodations. The reef off Caluker holds some of the most stimulating snorkeling and diving with an underwater visibility that can reach nearly 200-feet.

Located on the Caribbean coast, Belize’s biggest city and former capital, Belize City, is the bustling transportation hub of the country, claiming some of Belize’s proudest historical and cultural points as well as a fascinating look at local activity. The city is often used by tourists as a starting point for catching transportation to other points around Belize.

The Community Baboon Sanctuary of Belize spreads over 20-miles of tropical rainforest and hosts an amazing variety of birds as well as 2000 of its name sake, the rare Black Howler Monkeys, referred locally as “baboons.” Since the Belize River weaves through its center, one has the option of exploring the Sanctuary by canoe, tube, or small boat in addition to foot or horseback. Experiences at the Sanctuary range from relaxed nature walks to exhilarating night time crocodile adventures. There are also comfortable and obliging places to stay right at the sanctuary.

Belize’s historical gem, Lamanai was once a major Mayan ceremonial site that still holds over 60 incredible structures dating back to 1500 BC. The name Lamanai, from the Mayan meaning ‘submerged crocodile,’ is quickly understood during the hour and a half boat ride to the amazing site during which there are plenty of crocodiles for spotting.

Xunantunich is arguably Belize’s most prized archaeological site. Situated hilltop near the Belize River the once flourishing ceremonial center, which was said to have been abandoned in 900 AD after a damaging earthquake, displays the bold design of ancient Mayan architecture. Its tallest building, El Castillo, stands 130-feet above the jungle offering remarkable views of Guatemala and Belize’s Cayo District. The sites museum illustrates Mayan culture and evolution, and exhibits an impressive 3D model of the entire Xunantunich site.

While the sites of Belize provide an excellent vacation agenda, the extraordinarily outgoing nature of the people of Belize play an essential role in experiencing the truly ideal Caribbean vacation experience found in Belize.

Belize Island Map