Fast Facts
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[column col=”1/3″]OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Belize is the only Central American country in which English is the official language. While visiting, you will hear a mix of languages, including Kriol, Garifuna, Spanish, Mayan (Mopan and Kekchi), and German!
CURRENCY: Belize dollar (BZD), fixed exchange rate of BZD2 to USD1[/column]
[column col=”1/3″]ETHNIC GROUPS: Kriol, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and Eastern Indian
POPULATION: 327,719 (2012 est.)
SIZE: 8,867 square miles, including over 120 islands[/column]
[column col=”1/3″ last=”true”]LOCATION: Belize lies on the east coast of Central America in the heart of the Caribbean Basin. It borders with Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and the south, and is flanked by the Caribbean Sea to the east.
CLIMATE: Subtropical with a prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. Average winter temperature is 75° F. Average summer temperature is 81° F. Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the north to 170 inches in the south.[/column]
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When To Visit
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Anytime is a great time to visit Belize, though each part of the year presents different benefits.
Belize’s high season for tourism runs from late November to late April, which coincides almost perfectly with the chill of winter in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. The high season is also the dry season. If you want some unadulterated time on a tropical beach and a little less rain during your rainforest experience, this is the time to visit. During this period (and especially around the Christmas and Easter holidays), the tourism industry operates at full tilt — prices are slightly higher, attractions are a bit more crowded, and reservations should be made in advance.
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The rainy season runs from June to mid-November, while the hurricane season runs from July to October, with the most active months being August, September, and October. For the most part, the rainy season is characterized by a dependable and short-lived afternoon shower. However, the amount of rainfall varies considerably with the regions. In the south, there may be more than 150 inches of rain per year, while in the north, it rarely rains more than 50 inches per year. Usually there is also a brief dry period in mid-August. If you’re skittish about rain and hurricanes, don’t come to Belize between late August and mid-October, the height of both the rainy and hurricane seasons. However, if you do come, you will find some good bargains.
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The Cayo District and other inland destinations tend to be slightly cooler than the coastal and Caye destinations, although since there is generally little elevation gain, the differences tend to be slight.
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Public Holidays
Official holidays in Belize include January 1 (New Year’s Day), March 9 (Baron Bliss Day), Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, May 1 (Labour Day), May 24 (Commonwealth Day), September 10 (St. George’s Caye Day), September 21 (Independence Day), October 12 (Pan American Day), November 19 (Garífuna Settlement Day), December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day), and December 31 (New Year’s Eve).
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Government offices and banks are closed on official holidays, transportation services are reduced, and stores and markets may also close.
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FAQ
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Do I need a visa to visit Belize?
Visitors to Belize must possess a passport valid for at least three months after the date of arrival and a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay. Upon entry, tourists are given a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for with the Immigration Department.
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Visas are not required for citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, United Kingdom and its territories, European Union, Caribbean and Central American Countries. The Immigration Department can be reached at 501-222-4620.
What is the exchange rate?
Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors. The Belize dollar is locked at $2 BZ = $1 USD. Most places readily accept USD currency as well as traveler’s checks with a valid passport or driver’s license. Large bills (anything above a $20 bill) are a little more difficult to cash. ATMs are available across the country, particularly in most tourist destinations.
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How far are different tourist destinations?
The following are road distances from Belize City to various destinations within the country. Flights are also available out to several of the islands to make your trip shorter – and to take advantage of the beautiful aerial views!
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- Belmopan: 55 miles
- Benque Viejo: 81 miles
- Corozal Town: 96 miles
- Dangriga: 105 miles
- Orange Walk Town: 58 miles
- Punta Gorda: 210 miles
- San Ignacio: 72 miles
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What kinds of ecosystems does Belize have?
Belize is known for its extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. Belize has roughly 386 km of coastline, and the Belize Barrier Reef, is one of the largest in the world, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 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 our land is still forested, with over 40% of Belizean territory in protected areas. 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 Belize’s flora and fauna include the black orchid, the mahogany tree, toucans, jaguars and tapirs.