Traveling To Belize - 12 Topics You Should Know

1. Founded / Gains Independence

Belize was originally inhabited by the Maya civilization, which thrived in the region for thousands of years. The area later became a British colony known as British Honduras in 1862. Belize gained full independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981.

2. Capital, Major Cities

The capital of Belize is Belmopan, which was established in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated the former capital, Belize City. Other major cities include:

• Belize City (largest city, population ~65,000)
• San Ignacio (~16,800)
• Orange Walk Town (~15,300)
• Dangriga (~10,750).

3. Currency

Belize’s official currency is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2 BZD = 1 USD.

4. Economy, Exports, Imports

Belize’s economy is private-sector led, with major industries including tourism, agriculture, and services. Key exports include:

• Sugar ($86 million, 34% of total exports)
• Bananas ($32 million, 12.6%)
• Petroleum oils ($20 million, 8.24%)
• Seafood (crustaceans, mollusks) ($14 million, 5.27%).

Imports primarily consist of machinery, fuels, and consumer goods, with the United States being Belize’s largest trading partner.

5. Historic Figures

Belize has produced several influential figures, including:

• George Cadle Price – First Prime Minister and "Father of the Nation".
• Philip Goldson – Political activist and journalist.
• Andy Palacio – Renowned musician and cultural ambassador.
• Marion Jones – Olympic track and field athlete.

6. Wars

Belize has been involved in several conflicts, including:

• Battle of St. George’s Caye (1798) – British settlers defeated Spanish forces.
• Caste War of Yucatán (1847–1901) – Maya resistance against European settlers.
• British Honduras Crisis (1963, 1972, 1975) – Political tensions leading up to independence.

7. Geography

Belize is located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Key geographical features include:

• Belize Barrier Reef – Second-largest reef system in the world.
• Maya Mountains – Home to Doyle’s Delight, Belize’s highest peak (1,124 m).
• Belize River – Longest River in the country (290 km).

8. Current Population

Belize’s estimated population in 2025 is 422,924. The country has a low population density, with most people concentrated in urban areas like Belize City.

9. Culture / Music

Belize’s culture is a blend of Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and European influences. Popular music genres include:

• Punta – A fast-paced Garifuna dance music.
• Brukdown – A Creole folk music style.
• Marimba – A traditional Maya-Mestizo music.

10. Languages

Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, but Spanish, Creole, and indigenous languages are widely spoken. Other languages include:

• Spanish (spoken by 56.6% of the population).
• Belizean Creole (Kriol) (44.6%).
• Mayan languages (Q’eqchi’, Mopan, Yucatec) (10.5% combined).

11. Cuisine

Belizean cuisine is influenced by Maya, Creole, Garifuna, and Mestizo traditions. Popular dishes include:

• Rice and beans – A staple dish served with stewed chicken.
• Fry jacks – Deep-fried dough served with eggs, beans, or cheese.
• Hudut – A Garifuna dish made with coconut fish stew and mashed plantains.
• Tamales – Corn-based dish filled with meat and wrapped in banana leaves.

12. Sports

Football (soccer) is Belize’s most popular sport, with the national team competing in regional tournaments. Other popular sports include:

• Basketball – Belize has a strong basketball culture.
• Cycling – The Holy Saturday Cycling Classic is a major event.
• Softball – A widely played sport, especially among women.
• Cricket – Played mostly in rural areas.