Five Sisters Falls at Mountain Pine Ridge Belize.
Belize has been selected by top publications such as U.S. News and World Report and the Boston Herald as a top retirement location. See our updated section Top Ten Reasons To Live Or Retire In Belize.
Belize is a fascinating country located in Central America – the only English and Spanish speaking nation immediately south of Mexico with which it shares a land border. Picture: Five Sisters Falls at Mountain Pine Ridge Belize.
Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean sea to the east. With 8,867 square miles (22,960 km) of territory and 340,000 people (2009 est.), our population density is the lowest in the Central American region. The country’s population growth rate, 2.21% (2008 est.), is the highest in the region and one of the highest in the western hemisphere. Belize’s abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems contribute to its designation as a bio diversity hotspot.
Belize is culturally unique among Central American nations. It is the only nation in Central America with a British colonial heritage where English is the official language of Belize, and is the only member of the British Commonwealth of Nations in its region.
Culturally and geographically Belize is Central American but keeps some ties to the Caribbean Islands.
The following annotated index of a few of our articles can help you get a quick handle on Belize.
Belize Fact Sheet - good starting point. We summarize as much general information as possible for the first time visitor, student or researcher.
How To Live, Work or Retire in Belize – we try and cover most of the questions folks ask us on moving to Belize.
Belize Destinations – guide to Belize, district by district.
The Great Belize Blue Hole – the largest natural formation of its kind in the world and a major attraction for SCUBA divers.
A Brief History of Modern Belize.
Belize Flag and National Symbols – complete information on the history of Belize’s Flag and National Symbols.
Belize – The Maya Belize was originally settled by the Maya. Background and links to the Maya Civilization.
Early Belize History The Battle of St. George’s Caye cemented Belize’s position as part of the British Empire.
Tales From The Yucatan The Caste War of the Yucatan in Mexico had a profound influence on Belize’s early history.
Languages of Belize The official language of Belize is English but as Belize becomes a more Latin American nation, Spanish is now widely spoken.
Belize Cuisine Latin American, Mexican, Caribbean, North American and more influence the Belize culinary experience.
Belize Demographics – Tables and lots of data for the student and researcher. Includes Belize labour and immigrant statistics.
Chetumal – The City of Chetumal, Quintana Roo was once a poor Mexican village on Belize’s northern border. Today it is a major city with nearly as much people as live in Belize and has a major influence over Belize – especially shoppers.