From Currency to Culture – Learn Facts About Belize.

Currency

The currency of Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD). Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors as the Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD. Most accommodations and tours are listed in US$ prices, and most restaurants, shops, etc. are listed in BZ$.

Nearly every place readily accepts USD currency. Most also should accept traveler’s checks if you write your passport or driver’s license number on the back. Large bills (anything above a $20) are a little more difficult to cash. Shopkeepers generally ask you to spend a minimum amount.

ATMs are also available across the country, particularly in most tourist destinations– including Placenica, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Dangriga, Belize City, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk, San Ignacio , and Corozal.

Where is Belize Located?

Belize is located in Central America and bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Hence, it is easy to travel from Mexico to Belize or from Guatemala to Belize. We are a diverse country with various cultures and languages. We also have the lowest population density in Central America, with 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer. The Map of Belize has six districts: Belize, Corozal, Orange Walk, Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo. There are over 400 offshore islands referred to as Cayes, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Laughing Bird Caye, Moho Caye, and many more!

What is the Geography of Belize?

Belize is known for its extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. On the coast, there is a swampy coastal plain with mangrove swamps. In the south and interior, there are hills and low mountains.

Most of Belize’s land is undeveloped and forested with hardwoods. It is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and it has many jungles, wildlife reserves, a large variety of different species of flora and fauna, and the largest cave system in Central America. Some species of Belizean wildlife include the black orchid, the mahogany tree, the toucan, and tapirs. There are also over 500 bird species making it ideal for birding in Belize!

What is the History of Belize?

The first people to develop Belize were the Maya around 1500 B.C.E. Archeological records show that they established several settlements here. These include Caracol, Lamanai and Lubaantun.

The first European contact with Belize occurred in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area’s coast. In 1638, England established the first European settlement, and for 150 years, many more English settlements were set up.

In 1840, Belize became a “Colony of British Honduras” and in 1862, it became a British colony. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self-government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region’s name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved.

What Language is Spoken in Belize?

Many ask “Do they speak English in Belize?” Interestingly, English is Belize’s official language! It is the only English-language-speaking country in Central America. Belizeans also speak the Kriol and Spanish language.

When you hear us, you know you’re in a country unlike any other. Even our most up-tight citizens sound relaxed. We have a Caribbean lilt and our words seem a bit shorter. But don’t worry, you’ll understand everything and we may teach you a few phrases you don’t know.

Here, even our language is a diverse adventure. Spanish, African-based Garifuna, Maya-Kekchi, Mopan, Mandarin, German, and Mayan languages are just a few of the dialects we speak throughout the country.

Here are a few different ways you’ll hear “good morning”

• “Gud Mawnin” – Kriol

• “Buiti Binafi” – Garifuna

• “Buenos dias” – Spanish

What are the Belize People Like?

From the moment you arrive in Belize – whether you are an adventure traveler, part of a family trip, or in the country for a relaxing beach vacation – Belize people and culture make you feel welcome and comfortable like nowhere you’ve ever visited.

In Belize, our traditions and customs are varied and represent more than eight diverse cultures. For generations, the people of Belize have demonstrated a cultural commitment to preserve the country’s unique charms. This enduring promise to the land, the waters and you, our visitor, inspires all to achieve a genuine and intimate connection to a variety of extraordinary experiences. 

We are truly a melting pot of colorful personalities, making our over 400,000 residents the country’s greatest resource for tourism. The Belizean people consist of Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese.

There also are a number of expatriates in Belize from Canada, Europe, and the United States – and many of them retire here. A blending of cultures has resulted in one of the happiest and most peaceful countries in the region. There’s no need to beg the question “Is Belize safe?” as there is a widespread reputation of being one of the world’s friendliest tourist destinations.

In Belize (formerly British Honduras), English remains the official language, but the most diverse language in Belize is Kriol (Belizean Creole). Other languages spoken include Garifuna, Mandarin, Spanish and Maya.

What is the Weather Like in Belize?

When is best to visit Belize? All year round! It is one of the best parts about planning a trip to Belize. With an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C), it’s always warm, yet comfortable. Costal sea breezes as well as our jungle and rainforests keep you cool even in the hottest summer months while winters can be cool but never very cold. In short, the climate is pretty much near perfect.

Even in winter (November-March) the temperature in Belize rarely falls below 60°F (16°C), while the summer (May-September) is around 86°F (30°C). Humidity is also fairly consistent at around 85 percent. Belize’s dry season is between February and May and has significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. When it does rain, it is usually in mild, short bursts.

June through December is our wet season, when parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain . The heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean occur, usually in the late afternoons. The most frequent rainfall usually happens in June or early July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August known as the “little dry.”

We also have a hurricane season, and while statistically, Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it does get its share of severe tropical weather with high winds and rain. However, we have a cooperative early warning network that we share with our neighbors. Our safety, evacuation, and other procedures have proven to be effective, so no worries.

No matter what season you visit, there’s plenty to do and see down here.