Belize sits on the beautiful Caribbean Coast of Central America. The climate is subtropical, with an average annual temperature of 80 degrees F. Residents enjoy the country’s relaxed pace, and its small population of 250,000 people, with a wide diversity of cultures. Ethnic groups include the Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, Maya, East Indian and Mennonite to name a few. Belize is located only two hours from the United States, with several daily flights to and from major hubs such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Charlotte. Belize…Mother Nature’s best kept secret.

Quick Facts

• Official Name: Belize
  
• Location: East Coast of Central America, bounded on the North by Mexico, on the South and West by Guatemala, and on the East by the Caribbean Sea
  
• Capital and Major Cities & Towns: (Capital) Belmopan; (City) Belize City, (Towns) San Ignacio, Corozal, Orange Walk, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, San Pedro and Benque Viejo del Carmen
  
• Climate: Subtropical (dry and rainy season)
  
• Rainfall: Annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches in the North to 200 inches in the South
  
• Nationality: Belizean
  
• Official Language: English, however, Spanish and a Creole dialect are widely spoken. There are also a number of indigenous languages e.g. Creole, Garifuna, Mopan and Kechi.
  
• Total Population: Approximately 250,000
  
• Density of Population: 25 persons per sq. km.
  
• Labor Force: approximately 90,000
  
• Literacy Rate: 75.1%
  
• Land Area: 22,923 km. Sq. or 8,867 sq. miles
  
• Form of Government: Democratic - Bicameral Legislature
  
• Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II
  
• Governor-General: Sir Colville N. Young Sr
  
• Head of Government: Prime Minister, Hon. Said W. Musa
  
• Independence Day: September 21, 1981.
  
• Currency: Belize dollar (BZ$)
  
• Exchange Rate: US$1=Bz$2.00
  
• Time Zone: EST -1; GMT - 6
  
• Country Code: 501
  
• Major International Airport: Phillip S W Goldson International, 8 miles WNW of Belize City.
  
• Entry Requirements: A valid passport is required of all visitors. Driver’s Licenses and birth certificates are not approved travel documents. Passports must be valid up until time of departure. Entry visas are not required for nationals of Canada, the United States, Caricom countries and European Community member nations, provided they have a return or round trip ticket.
  
• Departure Tax: There is a US$35 departure tax payable at the airport upon departure from the country.
  
• Business Hours: Usual business hours are 8:00 am - Noon, 1:00 pm - 5:00pm.
  
• Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Protestants. Small groups practice Islam, Buddhist, Hinduism and Bahai.

Stann Creek District

Some say that the Stann Creek District is the most enchanted in the country. Hidden in the south, Stann Creek is one of the few areas in Belize with such a distinct combination of culture, nature and wildlife.

• 100,000-acre Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first Jaguar Preserve
• Magnificent variety of flora and fauna
• Mayflower-Bocawina National Park with magical waterfalls
• Remnants of the ancient Mayan site of Mayflower
• Countless coral sand islands and the pristine Barrier Reef just offshore
• Sittee River, one of the deepest and most scenic rivers in Belize
• Hopkins Village with upscale resorts
• 19th century Serpon Sugar Mill, designated as a historic park

The coastal town of Dangriga is the district’s capital and the largest town in the Stann Creek District.

• Population of approximately 11,000
• One of the largest Garifuna communities in the world
• Unique Garifuna history, art and culture
• Economy based on citrus and banana industries and tourism

The south is easily accessible via the scenic Hummingbird Highway. The portion of the Southern Highway that runs through the Stann Creek District is completely paved, allowing for quick and comfortable access to Belize City (105 miles), Belmopan (55 miles), Placencia (45 minutes) and the rest of the country. The two local airlines, as well as charter services operate several flights daily out of Dangriga, allowing for convenient access to the International Airport and all areas within Belize.