-
BELIZE
Overview
For the outdoor enthusiast, Belize (formerly known as British Honduras) presents unlimited opportunities. The country, a constitutional monarchy in which the British monarch is head of state, has a lot more in common with the Caribbean island states (its style of architecture, for example) than its Central American neighbours. Every destination in Belize has its share of archaeological and national parks, marine and nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Mayan temples tower above rainforest canopies while an incredibly colourful array of marine wildlife finds protection in Belize's barrier reef.
Belize is a country of various culture, language and ethnic groups. Approximately 200,000 people in Belize consist of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese and East Indian heritage. Due to racial harmony, religious tolerance and a relatively non-violent political culture, all of these different elements have mixed and blended successfully, to give Belize a widespread reputation for its friendly peoples.General Information
Location: Central America, Caribbean coast.
Time: GMT – 6
Area: 22,965 sq km (8,867 sq miles).
Population: 266,000 (UN estimate 2005).
Capital: Belmopan City.
Geography
Belize is situated at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America and borders Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country’s area includes numerous small islands (cayes) off the coast. The coastal strip is low and swampy, particularly in the north, with mangroves, many salt and freshwater lagoons and some sandy beaches crossed by a number of rivers. To the south and west rises the heavily forested Maya mountain range, with the Cockscomb range to the east and the Mountain Pine Ridge in the west. More than 65% of the area of the country is forested. The land to the west along the borders with Guatemala is open and relatively scenic compared to much of the interior. The shallow offshore cayes straddle a coral reef second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Government
Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1981. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II represented locally by Governor-General Sir Colville Young since 1993. Head of Government: Prime Minister Said Musa since 1998. Recent history: Said Musa was re-elected in 2003 with his People's United Party (PUP) winning 21 of the 29 assembly seats. However, the PUP's second term has been marred by financial problems, allegations of corruption and violent protests, including a riot in Belize City in April 2005. Drug-related violence has also been a problem. Furthermore, in 2006, the US state department included Belize on a list of countries considered not to be doing enough to tackle human trafficking. The PUP was heavily defeated in the March 2006 local elections by the opposition United Democratic Party (UPD). The next general election is due in 2008.
Language
English is the official language, but Spanish is spoken to some extent by over half the population. Garifuna (Carib), Maya and Creole are also spoken as well as a German dialect (by the Mennonites).
Religion
The people of Belize are mainly Roman Catholic (approximately 60% of the population). Other small groups practice Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bahai, as well as other Christian denominations.
Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Social Conventions
British influence can still be seen in many social situations. Flowers or confectionary are acceptable gifts to give to hosts if invited to their home for a meal. Dress is casual, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. It may be inadvisable to discuss politics, particularly if of a partisan nature.
Telephone
Country code: 501.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good along most of the coast and along the main routes to Mexico and Guatemala. Handsets can be hired from Belize Telecommunications Ltd at the international airport.
Internet
There are Internet cafes in urban centres and popular tourist centres.
Passport/Visa
Passports are required for British, Australian, Canadian, US, and other EU Nationals. Visas are not required for these nationals, but return tickets are required. If you are not among the nationals listed, please visit the embassy for information.
Climate
Subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. High annual temperatures and humidity. Dry and hot climate from January to April, with rainy season from June. The hurricane season is from June to the end of November.
Recommended Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens.
Vaccinations and Health
Belize enjoys a high level of health standards. As long as you have not visited an infected area within the last 14 days, there are no required vaccinations from the US, although you can check with your local doctor for recommended precautions for travel into Belize, or the Center For Disease Control - CDC for up to date information on health concerns in countries you are traveling to.
Phone: 1-800-311-3435
Website: http://www.gov/healthservices/immunize
COURTESY OF WORLD TRAVEL GUIDE
GREAT EXPEDITIONS / 6142 HYGIENE ROAD/ LONGMONT CO 80503
720-494-1530 / TOLL FREE 1-888-SNORKEL / FAX 720-494-1542
INFO@GREATEXPEDITIONSTRAVEL.COM / WWW.GREATEXPEDITIONSTRAVEL.COM