The world's only English-speaking country in Central America — the Blue Hole (a perfect circle of deep blue in the Caribbean), Maya ruins in the jungle, Garifuna drumming culture, and the most accessible barrier reef.
- Capital
- Belmopan
- Population
- 417,634
- Area
- 22,966 km²
- Languages
- Belizean Creole, English, Spanish
- Currency
- Belize Dollar (BZD)
- GDP
- $3,611M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Boil up
Annual visitors
487,000 (2020)
Safety
Elevated (28.06/100k)
Avg temp
25.7°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911
Travel guide
Belize offers world-class attractions include exploring the lush jungles with exotic plants and animals, deep sea fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean Sea with its attractive reefs and visiting the Mayan ruins. While income levels are still very low and the infrastructure is very basic, Belizeans are very proud and friendly to visitors as the tourist industry grew greatly in the last decade. It is the only country in mainland Central America with English as its official language.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Belize
Best time to visit
November–April is the dry season — the best time for diving (Blue Hole best March–April), Tikal day trips, and cayes. May–October is rainy season but cave tubing and birding are excellent.
Visa
Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most Western countries receive 30 days visa-free in Belize, extendable.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1)
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Major cities
San Ignacio
The gateway to Belize's Maya heartland — ATM Cave, Caracol ruins, howler monkeys, and the Guatemalan border.
Placencia
A long sandy peninsula in southern Belize with laid-back beach bars, snorkeling on the barrier reef, and whale shark encounters.
Ambergris Caye
Belize's most popular island, with the Belize Barrier Reef, the Blue Hole, and excellent diving and snorkeling.