Description
Geographically this country is small in size (8,866 square
miles), but, it's gigantic in attractions and  diversity.
The mainland and coastal cayes are remarkable wonders. The
topography changes rapidly as do compass points. Travelers
see estuaries, rivers, jungle, mountains, coral reefs, expansive
underground caves, glorious waterfalls and an incredible
collection of wildlife.
Every year more and more visitors are discovering Belize.
Most come to dive, fish, enjoy the wildlife and explore
ancient ruins. Some come to relax, some for the  education, and many for the diving.
The busier time of the year for travelers to Belize is November
to May, which are the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere.
Still, many visitors prefer the more quiet days of the summer
months from June to October for their vacation in Belize.
Both times of the year have their own unique attractions
and the choice of when to visit is totally up to you, your
budget and the adventure you crave.
History
Archaeologists estimate that at their peak, 1 to 2 million
Mayans lived within the borders of present day Belize.
Christopher Columbus sailed along the coast of Central America
in 1502, and named the bay which borders the southern part
of the barrier reef Bay of Honduras.
During the 1840's, Great Britian declared Belize to be the
colony of British Honduras. Development of Belize became
more organized and multiethnic through a series of cultural
changes. The European settlers began to marry freed slaves
forming the Creole majority that still is dominant in the
population.
By the early 1900's, Belize had grown to nearly 40,000 inhabitants.
But a destructive 1931 hurricane destroyed Belize City and
by the 1930's, the economy was so poor that the residents
began to call for independence. By 1954 voting rights were
extended to all adults, and by 1961, England agreed to begin
the process of setting Belize free.
In 1973, the colony's name was changed from British Honduras
to Belize and on September 21, 1981, Belize's Independence
was declared.
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Belize
At A Glance
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Language:
English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib),
Creole
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belmopan
Size: 22,966 sq km, coastline - 386 km
Population: 250,000
Location: Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Two hours
from Miami or Houston. Bordered by Mexico to the north
and Guatemala to the West and south.
Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season
(May to November); dry season (February to May). Temperatures:
Summer: 70° - 85° F/approx. Winter 70° - 80°
F/approx.
Time: US Central Standard Time, year-round.
Electricity: 110 volts AC
Currency: Belizean dollar
Driving: International driver's license accepted
up to 90 days
Rentals: Local and international auto rental companies
located throughout Belize.
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