Belize - General

Malcolm Anderson

— 1 min read

Belize, also known as the "Jewel of the Caribbean", is a fascinating country with a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. It's the only Central American country with English as its official language. Belize boasts the second-largest barrier reef in the world, stunning Mayan ruins, and a rich cultural heritage. 

Here are some fun facts about Belize:

Nature & Geography:

  • Barrier Reef:

Belize is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef, according to Fly & Sea Dive Adventures. 

  • The Great Blue Hole:

This massive underwater sinkhole, a popular diving destination, is a major natural wonder in Belize. 

  • Cayes:

Belize has over 450 small islands or "cayes" (pronounced "keys"), many of which are popular tourist destinations. 

  • Jaguar Preserve:

The world's first and only jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in Belize. 

  • Diverse Ecosystems:

Belize is known for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches. 

Culture & History:

  • English Official Language:

Despite being in Central America, Belize's official language is English, a legacy of British colonial rule. 

  • Multilingual Population:

Many Belizeans are also fluent in Spanish, Creole, and Mayan languages. 

  • Ancient Mayan Civilization:

Belize was a major center of the ancient Mayan civilization, with numerous impressive ruins still standing. 

  • Former British Honduras:

Belize was formerly known as British Honduras before gaining independence in 1981. 

  • Capital City:

Belmopan is the capital of Belize, a smaller, inland city that replaced Belize City after Hurricane Hattie in 1961. 

  • Unique Cuisine:

Belizean cuisine includes influences from various cultures, with popular dishes like conch, stew chicken, and gibnut (a local rodent also known as the "royal rat"). 

Other Interesting Facts:

  • No Skyscrapers:

Belize is known for its relatively low-rise buildings, with no skyscrapers present in the country. 

  • Superstitions:

Some Belizeans believe it's bad luck to swim on Good Friday. 

  • No Fast Food Chains:

Popular international fast-food chains like McDonald's and KFC are not commonly found in Belize. 

  • "Jewel" Nickname:

Belize is often referred to as the "Jewel in the Heart of the Caribbean Basin". 

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