Belize travel guide, general information, regarding all the things you need to know when traveling in this state of Central America.
Belize in a nutshell
- Capital: Belmopan
- Area in sq km: 22,965
- Population: 280,000 (first half 2006)
- Religion: Catholic and Protestant
Where is it
Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south and faces the Antilles Sea to the east. The Belize coastline, bordered by lagoons, is faced by a large coral reef, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is second in extension only to the Australian coral reef.
Among these coral islands (Cayes) the most famous are Caye Caulker and Ambergris, where San Pedro is located (the largest tourist center in the country).
Its territory in the internal region is flat in the northern part and mountainous in the southern part.
The country hosts a rich tropical forest, where particular and interesting species of animals and a very varied flora live.
Hydrography
The major rivers of Belize are: Belize, Hondo and New Rider.
Climate
Belize's climate is hot and humid, with a very high rainfall rate, especially in the June / November period. Hurricanes can develop in September, October, November.
Population
Belize, inhabited by the Mayans, was sacked by the Spaniards.
From 1638, it became the base of Anglo-French pirates, who were repeatedly attacked by the Spanish, until the definitive English occupation, when the country took the name of British Honduras.
It has been independent since 1981 and is officially called Belize.
From Guatemala, the state of Belize was recognized only in 1991.
Recommended readings- Belize: useful information
- Belmopan (Belize): what to see in the capital
Its population is made up mostly of mestizos and Creoles, as well as maya, garifuna (descendants of African slaves who joined the indigenous people) and others.
Time zone
In Belize it is necessary to move the clock hands 7 hours back, compared to Italy. (8 hours behind when there is daylight saving time in Italy).
Spoken language
The official language of Belize is English. Languages are also spoken: Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Caribbean language) and Creole.
Economy
The country is oriented towards a strengthening of the tourism sector which is still under exploited.
Agriculture is based on the cultivation of sugar cane, bananas and citrus fruits.
The forest and fish stocks are important.
When to go
The best time to visit Belize are the months from December to May (dry season).
During the months of September, October, November there is a risk of encountering some hurricanes.
Necessary documents
To enter Belize for tourism purposes, you need a valid passport, be in possession of the return ticket and the necessary currency for living expenses, up to 3 months of stay in the country.
Upon departure, an exit fee must be paid to the customs offices.
Phone
- To call from Italy to Belize the international prefix is: 00501
- To call from Belize in Italy the international prefix is: 0039
Electricity
In Belize the electric current is 110 volts, therefore an adapter is required.
Money and credit cards
The official currency of Belize is the Belgian dollar ($ B). The most popular credit cards are almost always accepted.
How to get to Belize
There are no direct flights from Europe to Belize (the main airport is Belize City).
From Italy, flights provide for a first stopover in European capitals, depending on the airline used:
Lufthansa airport in Frankfurt, Air France airport in Paris, Klm airport in Amsterdam, and a second airport in the United States (Houston, Atlanta, New York) with various airlines, including: Continental, Delta, United Airlines.
From Houston (United States), the airline Taca, which operates in central and southern America including the Caribbean and connects the main cities of the United States with the major tourist resorts of this part of the continent, organizes flights to Belize City.
Vaccinations
No vaccination is required to visit Belize, but malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
It is also recommended to drink only bottled water, not to use ice for drinks, not to eat raw vegetables and to peel fresh fruit personally.
