Fact 1: Belize is the Only Central American Country with English as its Official Language
Unlike its neighbors, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Belize was a British colony for many years, changing its name from British Honduras to Belize in 1973, and gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. While Spanish and Belizean Creole are widely spoken, fluency in English allows easier navigation for travellers around the country.
Fact 2: Belize is Home to the World's Only Jaguar Preserve
Belize is known for its rich biodiversity and among its many wildlife preparations, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary stands out. It is the only preserve in the world specifically dedicated to protecting the jaguar population. Not only jaguars, though: it is also home to pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis, among other feline species.
Fact 3: One of the World's Most Remarkable Natural Features is in Belize
The Great Blue Hole is a world-class destination for recreational scuba divers attracted by the opportunity to dive in crystal-clear waters and see myriad species of marine life, including tropical fish and spectacular coral formations. The Great Blue Hole is a large submarine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It's almost 1,000 feet in diameter and more than 400 feet deep, making it one of the largest of its kind.
Fact 4: Belize's Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world after Australia's, is deemed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It’s a 300 kilometers long section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is continuously inhabited by countless species of marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers.
Fact 5: Currency Depicts the Queen
Still showcasing its British ties, Belize's currency, the Belize dollar, carries an image of Queen Elizabeth II. This is due to Belize's former status as a British colony, being the only country in Central America with such distinction.
Fact 6: Tallest Man-Made Structure in Belize is a Mayan Pyramid
The ancient Mayan city of Caracol has the tallest man-made structure in Belize — the Canaa (Sky Place). Standing at 43 meters (140 feet) high, it represents the pinnacle of Mayan architecture in this area and continues to dominate the landscape of this ancient site.
Fact 7: Belize is a Melting Pot of Cultures
The population in Belize is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic groups including the Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, Chinese, Mennonites and others. This variety of cultural influences means that Belizeans are generally multilingual, often switching seamlessly between English, Spanish and Creole.
Fact 8: Belize’s Mango Fiestival
If you have a sweet tooth and love fruit, Belize has something special for you. Mango Festival in Hopkins is a two-day event that celebrates 20 different kinds of mangoes that are grown in the area.
Fact 9: Black Howler Monkeys Rule Community Baboon Sanctuary
Community Baboon Sanctuary in Belize is home to the Black Howler Monkey, locally known as a "baboon". This is misleading though, because it’s not a type of baboon at all - it’s a monkey! This sanctuary is also one of the world's most successful examples of community-based conservation.
Fact 10: Belize Has a 'Hand Crank' Ferry
Belize has a number of unique transportation options - one of which is the hand-cranked ferry in San Ignacio. This ferry, perhaps the last of its kind, carries vehicles and passengers across the Mopan River manually using a hand-operated winch.
Fact 11: The Plentiful Citrus Groves of Belize
Belize has a reputation for being one of the largest citrus producers in the world. Belizean citrus, specifically oranges and grapefruits, are renowned for their juicy, superior taste and they contribute significantly to the country's agriculture-based economy.
Fact 12: Belizean Food is a Cultural Smorgasbord
Due to its cultural diversity, Belizean cuisine is an eclectic mix of traditional Mayan food, Caribbean spices, and British staples. The country's national dish, stewed chicken with rice and beans, showcases this culinary fusion brilliantly.
Fact 13: Belize is Known as the Land of the Belizean Kriol People
Belizean Kriol, descendants from the Africans brought in as slaves to work on logging camps, represents the largest ethnic group in Belize. They have played a dominant role in shaping the Belizean history and culture and have their own unique Creole language.
Fact 14: Belize is Home to More Than 500 Species of Birds
Belize is an absolute haven for bird-watchers. With more than 500 species of birds – including the national bird, the Keel-billed Toucan — Belize has an astonishing array of feathered creatures to study and admire.
Fact 15: Belize’s National Animal is an Anteater
The national animal of Belize is not a big cat or bird, but an anteater - the Central American Tapir, also known as the "Mountain Cow". This often-overlooked animal is respected and protected in Belize.
Fact 16: Belize Caves Are a Time Capsule to the Mayan World
Several of Belize's limestone caves were considered sacred by the ancient Mayans and used for performing rituals and ceremonies. Many of these caves, like ATM Cave, still house historical artifacts such as ceramics and skeletal remains.
Fact 17: Belizean Kids Go to School on Boats
In coastal Belize, school transportation has an aquatic twist. It's not uncommon to see kids commuting to school on boats, given the country’s numerous rivers and its location on the Caribbean Sea.
Fact 18: Belizean Stann Creek District is Known for its 'Drumming'
The Stann Creek District in the south of Belize is renowned for Garifuna drumming. This traditional African derived music is passed on from generation to generation and is a key element of their celebrations and ceremonies.
Fact 19: The Slowest Moving Traffic is Probably the Manatees
Belize is home to a sizeable population of West Indian Manatees, one of the highest in the world. Unfortunately, the slow-moving manatees often fall victim to boat collisions, leading to the establishment of several manatee conservation areas.
Fact 20: Belize Gears Toward Eco-Tourism
Belize has taken enormous strides in ensuring the protection of its unique natural environment for future generations. One of its initiatives is promoting sustainable eco-tourism by encouraging tourists to appreciate and respect the country’s unparalleled biodiversity and ecosystems. With this knowledge, every visitor can play a part in preserving Belize's vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage.