Maps and Facts
Quick Facts
- Country Length: 174 miles (278 km)
- Country Width: 68 miles (109 km)
- Mainland area, including 266 sq miles of islands: 8,866 sq miles
- Longest Barrier Reef in Western Hemisphere: 180 miles (288 km)
- Contains 3 of the 4 coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere
- Highest Point: Doyle’s Delight (1124 meters above sea level)
- West & South Uplift to over 3,000 ft
- Central & Northern areas, low lying, mangrove coastline
- Independent Country since September 21, 1981
- 2 cities, 7 towns over 229 villages and settlements
- Largest City: Belize City
- Capital and second largest City: Belmopan
- Government: Parliamentary Democracy, Member of the British Commonwealth
- Official land border points include Santa Elena to the North, Benque Viejo del Carmen to the West and Punta Gorda to the South
- Sub-tropical, with trade winds from the Caribbean Sea.
- Mean Annual humidity: 80% Belize City; 75% Inland
- Mean Annual temperature: Summer: 70° – 85° F/approx. Winter 70° – 80° F/approx.
- Hurricanes: may occur from June to November, however historically Belize has seen hurricanes mostly in September and October.
- Population Make-up: Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Maya, North & Central Americans, East Indian, European, Asian
- Population (2004 census): 282,600
- Population density: 27.1 per sq miles
- Languages: English (official), Spanish, Creole, Maya, Garifuna among others
- Time Zone: GMT-6 (US Central standard time). Belize does not observe daylight savings time
- Main Economic activities: Tourism, marine products, citrus, and bananas
- Electricity: 110 volts AC, as in North America
- Currency: Belize dollars (BZ$1.00 = US$.50)
- Valid passport is required to enter Belize. Visitors from the USA, UK and most of the Caribbean do not need Visas. Most other countries do.
- International Carriers: Avianca, American Airlines, Copa, Delta, Southwest, United and Westjet.
- Local Flights: Maya Island Air, Tropic Air
- International Airport (BZE): nine miles (14.5 km) north of Belize City
- Driving: International driver’s license accepted up to 90 days. Third party insurance compulsory.
- Accommodations: over 200 hotels, guesthouses and tourist resorts
- BTB (Belize Tourism Board) is (501) 223-1910 or (501) 223-1913
- Embassy of Belize in Washington, DC is 1-202-332-9636
- Consulate of Belize in Hollywood, CA is 1-323-469-7343
- Consulate of Belize in Miami, FL is 1-305-666-1121
- Permanent Mission of Belize to the UN, located in New York, NY is 1-212-593-0999
- Belize High Commission in London, UK is 44(0) 207-723-3603
- Souvenirs: wood carvings, handicrafts, postcards, books, hot sauces and jams.
- Removal of coral, archaeological artifacts, orchids is prohibited
- Hunting: Illegal without a permit
- Dress: Light informal tropical clothing is recommended
- Medical services are available.
- Supreme Court: Located in Belize City, the original capital of British Honduras. This colonial building was burned in 1918 and restored in 1923.
- Government House of Culture: This beautiful colonial mansion was originally used to house the colonial governors in British Honduras for over 150 years. The Government house was designed by British architect, Sir Christopher Wren and built in 1814. It is now used to host and array of art and cultural displays. A small display of period furniture, silver and crystal once used by British monarchs, governors and guests are available to be seen. Government House of Culture is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
- Museum of Belize: Located in Belize City, the museum was originally built in 1857 as a prison. It was refurbished and reopened as the museum in 2002. It houses a collection of beautiful photographs from early British Honduras until present day Belize, masterpieces from the Maya era, postage stamps from British Honduras to present and a display of the butterfly and bugs of Belize. It is a wonderful view into Belize and its past. The museum of Belize is open from Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 4:30 pm and Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Baron Bliss Lighthouse and Tomb: Located in Belize City, the tomb and lighthouse commemorates one of Belize’s biggest benefactors.
- St John’s Cathedral: Built in 1812 in Belize City, this is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America. It was host to the crowning of the Mosquito kings in the 1800’s.
- Swing Bridge: This colonial bridge was built in Belize City to allow boats up the Haulover Creek (waterway through Belize City). It is swung daily at 5:30 am and 6:30 pm by a team of men at the hand crank.
- Benque House of Culture: Located in the Cayo district in a former police station and immigration office, this house of culture offers a wide variety of attractions. People are offered classes in art, music and dance and also offered a chance to participate in forums on local history. Paintings, photos and artifacts from early Benque and its chicle industry are available for viewing. Benque House of Culture is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Banquitas House of Culture: A beautiful building located in Orange Walk. Exhibits include Maya ceramics and carvings found at Lamanai, weapons and tools from the European Mahogany cutters and Chicleros, photographs of the town and the sugarcane industry. Visitors learn of the Maya and Mestizos of today. Banquitas House of Culture is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays from 8:00 am to noon. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Magana’s Zaac-tunich Art Gallery: Located in the Cayo District, artisans create woodcarvings, slate carvings and pottery.