PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Key Facts about Belize
Location
Belize is located on the East coast of Central America. Mexico borders Belize in the north and Guatemala borders Belize to the west and south. Belize is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the East.
Size
Belize is 174 miles long and 68 miles wide. It is roughly about the size of the State of Massachusetts in the USA.
Climate
The Climate in Belize is Subtropical. The average temperature is 79 degrees Fahrenheit or (26 C) and the average humidity is 85%. There are two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season runs from June thru November, the same as hurricane season. The dry season runs from November thru May. The coolest months are November thru February coinciding with the passage of cold fronts from the North.
Major Cities and Towns
The Capital City is Belmopan City. Belize City is the main center of commerce and industry. There are seven major towns which are: Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, San Pedro Town, San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town, Benque Viejo Town, Dangriga Town and Punta Gorda Town. All other settlements are villages located around the country.
Population
300,000 persons at recent national survey.
Ethnic Groups
The following groups can be found in Belize: Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya (Kekchi, Mopan & Yucatec), Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indian.
Language
English is the official language of Belize although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Maya are spoken throughout the country.
Major industries
The main industries in Belize are sugar, citrus, bananas, tourism, and marine products.
Government
Belize is an independent country with a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster system of Government. Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth and gained independence on September 21, 1981.
Currency
The exchanged rate is fixed at US$1 to BZ$2. All businesses accept US paper currency. Most establishments accept major credit cards (MasterCard and VISA) as well.
Time
Belize maintains the same time as US Central time.
Water
Most locations have potable water and bottled drinking water is available throughout the country at any local store.
Health Care
Government hospitals and clinics are located in all towns and cities. Private hospitals and clinics are present in most towns and cities. Emergency evacuation services are also available. Please visit the Center for Disease Control’s Website for updates on the country of Belize if you require more details.
Electrical
The electricity is at 110 volts AC (same as USA).
Additional Travel Tips
Getting Here by Plane: You can access international flights to Belize from the USA via Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Miami or Los Angeles. The major airlines servicing Belize are: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Grupo Taca and US AirWays. The Domestic Airlines of Maya Island Air and Tropic Air provide travel to major destinations within the borders of Belize and to most destinations.
By Road
All visitors driving into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico will need a temporary importation permit which must be secured at your point of entry. These permits are valid for 1 month but can be extended by applying to the Customs Department. To get a permit you must present the following documents at the point of your entry: Travel documents and identification; Proof of ownership (vehicle registration); Insurance from any of the companies at the borders; Rental documents (for vehicles rented in Mexico or Guatemala).
Baggage
Remember to travel lightly and keep and extra set of clothes and all important documents/medications, etc in your carry-on. Most flights now have baggage restrictions and weight limits and you are advised to contact your airline company directly for further details.