About Belize

Belize, despite being the smallest country in Central America, offers a rich blend of geography, history and culture. Its capital, Belmopan, is one of the newest in the world, established in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated the former capital. English is the main language and its population is diverse consisting mainly of Mestizo and indigenous descendants. Belize is known as a top destination for divers and snorkelers, thanks to the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest barrier reef in the world. While the islands and beaches are major attractions, the country's rainforest interior conceals equally impressive sites, including numerous ancient Maya ruins and expansive cave systems.

Geography and Environment
Belize is located on the northeast coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It's the only Central American country with no Pacific Ocean coastline. It has a long Caribbean coast and over 400 islands (called cayes). Its marine treasures include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Belize Barrier Reef—the second largest in the world—and the iconic Great Blue Hole, both world-class destinations for diving. Inland, you will find that Belize is a global hotspot for biodiversity, protecting lush rainforests and abundant wildlife and it is a core part of the Maya civilization.

Mayan History
Mayan culture is a deep and vibrant part of Belize's identity, encompassing both the magnificent history of the ancient civilization and the living traditions of the Maya people today. Belize was considered a central and important area of the ancient Maya world, with an estimated population of over a million people during its peak. The country is home to hundreds of ancient Maya sites, many of which are preserved in the jungle and are major tourist attractions. Key sites you can visit include: Caracol, featuring the massive Caana (Sky Place) pyramid; Xunantunich, with its impressive structure El Castillo; Lamanai; Altun Ha, famous as the site where the large, beautifully carved Jade Head was discovered; and Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), a spectacular archaeological cave with pottery and skeletal remains still visible.

Cuisine
Belizean cuisine is a vibrant reflection of the country's multicultural heritage, blending Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo (Spanish/Maya), and Mayan traditions, with strong influences from the Caribbean. The food is known for its bold flavors, frequent use of coconut milk, and signature local spice blends. The national dish is Rice and Beans with Stew Chicken. For breakfast the typical Fry Jacks are fluffy, deep-fried dough triangles that are eaten hot, often stuffed or served alongside refried beans, eggs, cheese, or drizzled with honey.

Weather
Belize boasts warm, comfortable weather year-round, with an average temperature of 84∘F (29∘C). The climate is regulated by cool coastal breezes and rainforest effects, ensuring that summers are not excessively hot and winters are mild. The dry season runs from February to May and features low, short periods of rainfall. The wet season is from June to December, bringing significantly more rain (up to 150 inches in some areas), often in the form of heavy, late-afternoon storms. There is typically a brief reduction in rain, known as the "little dry," in late July or August.

Belize Motto
The national motto is "Sub Umbra Floreo," which is Latin for "Under the shade I flourish."

Location and Map

Belize is a Central America country. It limits to the east with the Caribbean Sea, in the northwest with Mexico and in the south and west with Guatemala.