Belize Facts and Belize travel Tips

Size: Belize is about 8,866 square miles. Belize's mainland is approximately 180 miles long and 68 miles wide at its widest point. It is also comprised of over 200 cayes (islands), which can range in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and four miles wide; most of which are located inside the 200 mile Belize Reef.

Government: Belize has been an independent nation since 1981. It has a parliamentary democracy with two major political parties, the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People's United Party (PUP). The PUP is currently in power, led by Prime Minister Said Musa.

Population: (2005 est.): 291,000. The capital is Belmopan. Most Belizeans are of mixed ancestry (Indian-European, African-European), with smaller groups of Maya Indians and Garifuna.

Languages: English (official), Creole, Spanish.

Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant).

Currency: Belize dollar. One U.S. dollar is worth BZ$2. U.S. dollars are accepted by most Belizean merchants. Credit Cards and Travelers' Checks are taken in nearly all hotels, restaurants and shops in the major towns and tourist areas. Street vendors and smaller establishments in remote areas may accept only cash or travelers' checks.

Getting to Belize: Belize Belize is about 2 hours and 15 minutes by air from Miami, Florida and Houston, Texas. Some Central American countries offer direct flights to Belize, including Guatemala and Honduras.

Climate: The weather in Belize is characterized by two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season runs from June through November. Belize annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches in the north to 160 inches in the south. The rainy season affects the mainland more than the outlying atolls and cayes.

The rainy season begins in the June in the Toledo district, (where the Belize annual rainfall is highest) progressing north to the Stann Creek, Belize, Cayo and Orange Walk District, followed by Corozal District (where the Belize annual rainfall is lowest). The temperature varies from 81°F/ 27°C along the coast to 69°F/21°C in the hills.

Entry Requirements: All you need to travel to BElize is a passport and a return ticket! No visas are required for citizens of the U.S., British Commonwealth nations or European Union countries.

Getting Married: Foreign visitors who wish to marry in Belize can now apply for a marriage license after being in the country only three business day. On the, 4th business day your marriage application can be submitted to the Solicitor General's office in Belmopan (the capital). Blood tests are not required, but you must provide proof of citizenship, a certified copy of your birth certificate and certified copy of divorce certificate or death certificate, if applicable.

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