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Belize is a Central American country on the Caribbean coast, with a diverse population and a rich natural heritage. Learn about its colonial past, independence, languages, politics, and more from this comprehensive encyclopedia article.
- You’ll need at least seven days in Belize. Belize can feel like both the Caribbean and Central America all at once – and you can experience it all in a single vacation, as it’s easy to cross the entire country in a one-day road trip.
- You probably won’t need a visa. A select few countries do, however. Verify whether you need an entry visa to Belize on the Immigration Department’s website.
- Drive during the day. With rental cars costing as little as US$50 per day, it’s a doddle navigating the five major highways of Belize. However, they’re dimly lit and the single-lane roads are often lined with “sleeping policemen,” a colloquial nickname for speed bumps.
- Watch out for wildlife on the roads. Green signs are directional, while yellow signs warn that wildlife could be crossing. Look out for tapir on the John Smith Airport Link Rd and coatimundis on the scenic Hummingbird Highway.
- Overview
- Land
- Relief
- Drainage and soils
Belize, country located on the northeast coast of Central America. Belize, which was known as British Honduras until 1973, was the last British colony on the American mainland. Its prolonged path to independence was marked by a unique international campaign (even while it was still a British colony) against the irredentist claims of its neighbour Guatemala. Belize achieved independence on September 21, 1981, but it has retained its historical link with the United Kingdom through membership in the Commonwealth.
Belize is often thought of as a Caribbean country in Central America because it has a history similar to that of English-speaking Caribbean nations. Indeed, Belize’s institutions and official language reflect its history as a British colony. However, its culture is more typical of that of other Central American countries. Belize’s small population is ethnically diverse and includes a large proportion of immigrants. Since the 1970s, migration has shifted Belize’s ethnic composition from a predominantly Creole (mixed African and British descent) population to one in which mestizos (in Belize, people of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry) make up half of the total inhabitants. Belize has one of the most stable and democratic political systems in Central America. After its original capital, Belize City, was ravaged by a hurricane in 1961, a new capital, Belmopan, was built inland, about 50 miles (80 km) west of Belize City, which remains the country’s commercial and cultural centre as well as its most populous city.
Situated south of the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize is a land of mountains, swamps, and tropical jungle. It is bounded by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country has a 174-mile (280-km) coastline.
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The southern half of the country is dominated by the rugged Maya Mountains, a plateau of igneous rock cut by erosion into hills and valleys that stretch in a southwesterly to northeasterly direction. The Cockscomb Range, a spur of the Maya Mountains, runs toward the sea and rises to Doyle’s Delight. The northern half of the country consists of lime...
The lowlands are drained by the navigable Belize River (on which stands Belize City), the New River, and the Hondo River (which forms the northern frontier with Mexico). Both the New and the Hondo rivers drain into Chetumal Bay to the north. South of Belize City the coastal plain is crossed by short river valleys. Along the coast is the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, which is fringed by dozens of small islands called cays. The reef reserve system was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Belize’s most fertile soils are the limestone soils found in the northern half of the country and in the coastal plain and river valleys in the south.
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Discover Belize's islands, jungles, culture and wildlife with Lonely Planet's expert tips and advice. Find the best time and places to visit, attractions, activities, articles and more for your trip.
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- Explore Maya ruins. Belize was once the center of the Maya empire, with the mythical entrance to the underworld, Xibalba, supposedly in the country. While Maya culture still exists in Belize today, the rocky ruins of yesteryear are incredible sites for exploring Maya history.
- Scuba dive the Blue Hole Natural Monument. Deep-water enthusiasts know Belize is generally a popular diving destination, but the famous Great Blue Hole may be the most thrilling dive site of them all.
- Party on Caye Caulker. There's a chilled-out Caribbean vibe on Caye Caulker, where backpackers and younger travelers in particular like to congregate, getting around the dusty island on foot or by bicycle.
- Search for jaguars in the jungles of Cockscomb. Belize is home to the highest concentration of jaguars in the world and, while they’re extremely difficult to spot, your best chance of making that happen is by exploring Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in the jungles of southern Belize.
Plan your trip to Belize with Tripadvisor's guide to the best of Belize tourism. Find hotels, restaurants, things to do, beaches, diving, wildlife, and more in this Central American destination.
Discover the best things to see and do in Belize, from islands and reefs to jungle and ruins. Find popular activities, places to stay, and tours for your dream vacation in this comprehensive guide.
