| The country of Belize once called British Honduras is | | | | behind the barrier reef that provide habitat for birds |
| located in Central Americas Caribbean Coast. Mexico | | | | and marine wildlife. |
| borders it to the North, Guatemala to the West and | | | | Belize is the only English language country in Central |
| South. It is as subtropical country that is about 176 | | | | and South America. However Creole, Garifuna, Mayan |
| miles long and 63 miles wide covering about 8870 | | | | and Spanish are also common. Probably the most |
| square miles. One of the more interesting facts on | | | | interesting facts on Belize's are that its population is |
| Belize is that it includes the world's second largest | | | | about 260,000 and consists of a mixture of many |
| barrier reef. This 185 mile long reef contains three coral | | | | cultures including European, Creole, Maya, and |
| atolls all of which makes it an ideal location for diving. | | | | Mestizos. Racial harmony makes the people very |
| Snorkeling and fishing. | | | | friendly to all. |
| The mainland consists of varied and diverse | | | | Belize's currency is the Belize dollar (BZ$) and its value |
| landscapes and topography. The North end of the | | | | is tied to the US dollar. One US dollar equals 2 BZ$. |
| country is a flat plain with shallow soils that support | | | | Credit cards are readily acceptable in most hotels and |
| tropical hardwood shrubs and forests. The Northern | | | | restaurants with a 5 percent surcharge. The cost of |
| coast is best described as consisting of mangrove | | | | living in Belize is very low making it very economical to |
| swamps. | | | | visit the tropical paradise. |
| Central Belize consists of large sandy savannas to the | | | | Entry to the country requires a passport, a return ticket |
| North and large hills to the South. Elevations rise to | | | | to another destination and sufficient funds to support |
| approximately 3600 feet above sea level providing the | | | | themselves during their visit. Normally this equals $50 |
| country with the only pine forest in Central America. | | | | per day. Visitors may stay for a period of 30 days but |
| Called the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and the Maya | | | | may purchase an extension from the government for |
| Mountains this area contains the headwaters of the | | | | $25. A visa is not required for citizens of the US, |
| Belize River. | | | | Britain, Canada and European Economic Community. A |
| The Southern Part of the country contains the Maya | | | | visa is required for entry for all other nationals. |
| Mountains and subtropical rainforest. It receives more | | | | Belize is a beautiful subtropical paradise with many |
| than 168 inches of rain each year. The coastal belt | | | | dedicated natural areas. The cost of living is low |
| produces abundant citrus and bananas. | | | | making it one of the most economical places to visit. |
| One of the most sought after facts on Belize are the | | | | The people are friendly and the lifestyle is relaxed. |
| many cayes or islands, atolls and barrier reef are the | | | | Many people from the US and Britain are retiring and |
| main attraction to Belize. The most famous are | | | | moving to Belize to enjoy this beautiful country. The |
| Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker where visitors | | | | facts on Belize show why so many people visit this |
| have direct access to the beautiful blue Caribbean. | | | | great travel destination each year. |
| There are many additional islands and cayes that lay | | | | |