Last Updated on February 26, 2022 by Tia
This Belize Fun Facts article is filled with fascinating things you never knew about Belize!
These 20 facts, also make the 20+ reasons why you should really visit Belize, and fast!
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Table of Contents
Belize – Central America or the Caribbean?
Where is Belize?
With one foot in the Central American jungles and the other in the Caribbean Sea, little Belize packs a serious punch.
With its exotic islands, rich Caribbean culture, amazing local food, fresh seafood, and a plethora of activities.
My time there was magical and I fell in love with this country,! It feels much less Latin American and much more like a Caribbean paradise!
Belize on the map
The map of Central America Below should help with identifying the where!
It is only a 2-hour flight from Miami.
Tip: Belize can easily be combined with a vacation in the US.
Personally, I combined NYC, Miami, Belize, Honduras, and Costa Rica on a 1-month long trip. Alternatively, you can combine it with another Caribbean island Destination.
20 Belize Fun Facts
1. It is an English Speaking Country – Belize Fun Facts
Belize is the only country in Central America that has English as its official language instead of Spanish.
This is because Belize was a British Colony until 1964 when it was granted its independence.
The name then settled to Belize rather than the ”British Honduras” as it was previously known.
However, because the nation has such a diverse culture, more than 90% of the population can read, write and speak three languages: English, Spanish, and Creole.
2. You get a lot for your buck! – Belize Currency
The Currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar which holds to 2 Belize dollars = 1 US dollar. So you get quite a lot for your buck!
3. It is packed with Tropical Islands – Things to Do in Belize
Belize has a total of 450 islands called ”Cayes” – pronounced ”keys”.
In these little paradisaical islands, you can spend your day kayaking, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
You should also indulge in paddleboarding, swimming, or fishing.
Combine this with delicious Belizean food: little barbecue beach huts that cook freshly caught lobster and a variety of seafood right in front of your eyes and you’ve got THE perfect tropical vacation.
The most popular islands are the vibrant and energetic Ambergris Caye and the laid-back Caye Caulker that I personally fell in love with!
Tobacco Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, and St Georges Caye are just three of the many other islands Belize has to offer.
4. It’s a small country, with a hell of a punch!
A relatively small country- Belize only has 300,000 inhabitants. In fact, it has the Lowest Population Density In Central America.
This means fewer crowds and more incredible landscapes for all types of travelers!
5. Belize is the only Jaguar Reserve in the world.
Belize is the only country in the world with a sanctuary to preserve jaguars and pumas as well as other big cats reserves in the world.
This protected area is the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve.
6. The second-largest barrier reef in the world -Things to Do in Belize
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest Barrier Reef in the World – after Australia of course. Snorkeling and diving here are simply out of this world!
The marine life is rich and there are many diving and snorkeling sites to explore!
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to over 400 species of fish and an estimated 200 tiny islands – a pure paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers.
In Belize, you swim through translucent seas, a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, whale sharks, and turtles.
Paradise.
7. It is home of the ”Great Blue Hole” – A UNESCO Heritage Site.
Belize is home to the ”Great Blue Hole” – a true natural wonder and the biggest sinkhole in the world.
The Great Blue Hole is among the top 5 diving spots in the world and for good reason.
It is essentially a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize, with a rounded shape and a depth of over 124m.
A diving opportunity for experienced divers only (Must have a minimum of 24 dives under your belt).
There, you can witness a dark cave with impressive stalactites as well as Caribbean Reef Sharks and sometimes bull and hammerhead sharks.
I am going straight back to Belize as soon as I have my 24 dives under my belt as this is an experience I refuse to miss out on!
Definitely of the top things to do in Belize if you are a diver!
Tip: You can also snorkel around the perimeter of the hole, so not having a diving diploma shouldn’t hold you back from this incredible wonder of nature!
8. Screaming Monkeys and Exotic Wildlife- Belize Fun Facts
Belize is simply crawling with wildlife!
There are crocodiles, jaguars, parrots, and Black Howler Monkeys- who are the loudest monkey species in the world! When they scream, the whole jungle echoes!
The snakes are pretty awesome too!
9. There are no street lights in Belize
There are no street lights in Belize – yep you heard it!!
The whole country is unspoiled jungle and rainforest and speed control is regulated by road bumps instead of street lights.
10. Belize Has More Than 900 Mayan Ruins– Belize Fun Facts
Belize was previously the capital of the Ancient Maya Empire that stretched for over a thousand miles and is now known as Central America.
Here, you have the opportunity to explore over 900 different Maya Ruins and sacred sites.
Explore excavated tombs and intricate hieroglyphs and go down into natural caves to where the Maya kings performed rituals sacrifice
11. Hello Narcos! Gang violence and drug cartels
The largest city in Belize is Belize City – an area where poverty and violence are common occurrences. There is also a high rate of unemployment as well as a high rate of HIV/AIDS.
The Mexican and South American drug trade as well as gang violence is also evident in cities like Belize City.
I felt very safe in Belize, however, I do feel that I should be honest in both the pros and the cons of the country.
I would advise you to skip Belize City, and focus on the other incredible areas and islands this country has to offer – so that you can see Belize for the true wonder it really is!
12. A virtual paradise for Bird lovers
Rich in the unspoiled jungle, Belize is home to a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries, parks, and protected areas for all types of wildlife.
It is also home to a bird lover’s paradise and a great thing to add to your things to do in Belize list.
Over 500 bird species are waiting for you to observe, in the forest, lagoons, and along the river.
No matter where you are in Belize, just look up, and you’ll enjoy the sight of these exotic winged creatures.
13. The Activities are wild!
Adventurous and tropical, Belize is full of surprises!
For example, you can canoe or tube through dark undercover caves and river systems. It was eerie and absolutely brilliant!.
Alternatively, you can zip-line through the jungle, go horseback riding on an empty beach or hike the numerous national parks.
Belize is definitely ideal for active and adventurous travelers!
14. Easy going climate
Belize is a country with a subtropical climate. Basically, it is supposed to have its rainy season between the months of June and November.
I, however, spent 2 weeks there in July and didn’t see a drop of rain!
It was hot and sunny and utterly gorgeous- and the prices are cheaper for that time too 🙂
15. There is No Phone Signal For Cyprus – Belize Tourist Information
Belize fun facts: People from Cyprus will have NO phone signal in Belize.
This is because Belize is still relatively undiscovered by Cypriots – therefore they have no deals with phone companies to cater to Cypriot tourists.
In fact, I think I am the first Cypriot to EVER set foot in Belize!
I personally loved not having a signal – as all the calls we take nowadays whilst on holiday depend on WI-FI (which works great) and that meant that I had my battery last 10x more!
16. It’s a favorite with expats
Belize may be small in size, but it continues to attract a million visitors per year and is increasingly becoming a second home to ex-pats who are choosing to retire here and for those who are buying vacation homes.
17. Gibnut, A Rodent, Is eaten In Belize
Gibnut, is a type of rodent, and believe it or not, it is a favorite type of meat eaten in Belize.
It was even served to Queen Elizabeth, which gave it its nickname, “the royal rat.”
Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about that, because Gibnut is served in stews, and Lord knows I had a lot of stews in Belize!!
18. Belize’s National Animal Is A Horse-Rhinoceros Mix
The national animal of Belize is a biological mix of a horse and a rhinoceros!
This animal is known as a tapir.
It actually looks like a giant Guinea pig, weighing over 500 pounds, and can swim too!
19. Marijuana Is Legal In Belize
As of 2017, it is legal for adults to have up to 10 grams of marijuana in their possession. They are allowed to smoke it on their own premises, or somebody else’s private premises with the owner’s permission.
20. Belize Is Fantastic For Chocolate Lovers
You can actually enjoy a tour of the entire chocolate-making process at the Toledo Cacao Fest.
Interestingly, the ancient Mayans invented hot chocolate, and it was used in many of their rituals.
I really hope you have enjoyed this Belize Fun facts article!
Belize in a nutshell
All the Caribbean beauty with half the prices, rich culture, delicious food, and chilled-out vibes.
All the above make Belize an undiscovered gem and a real paradise you should all visit!
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Tia x
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