10 Surprising Facts About Belize

Jeff Jenkins
Jeff Jenkins

Belize is an awe-inspiring destination, bound to take the breath away of even the most seasoned traveling blogger. With its stunning combination of ancient history and magnificent natural beauty, Belize is one of the most underrated paradisiacal destinations the Caribbean offers.

Despite its rather small size, this Central American country packs quite a punch—with so many things to visit and try, there is always something tailor-made for everyone’s tastes and expectations.

Don’t believe me? Check the following mind-blowing facts about Belize.

10- THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH.

Put down those Spanish dictionaries—Belize is the only Central American country with English as its official language.

On the streets, however, you are bound to hear Kriol—not to mention a beautiful combination of Spanish, Garifuna and Mayan languages.

9- BELIZE WAS AT THE HEART OF THE ANCIENT MAYAN CIVILIZATION.

Much like its neighbor country, Belize saw the rise and decline of one of history’s greatest surviving civilizations, and it has the architectural remains to prove it—Belize has over twelve major Mayan ruins and accumulates over 900 sites within.

8- BUT IT WAS ALSO A BRITISH COLONY.

Under the name “British Honduras”, Belize became part of the British Empire during the 19th century, even though its occupation had started much earlier. The country renamed itself Belize in 1973 and reached independence in 1982.

7- IT HAS A BEAUTIFUL BARRIER REEF…

The Belize Barrier Reef is the country’s top touristic destination—with over 300 km (190 mi) in length, it’s only second to Australia’s. With its unparalleled beauty, it’s the perfect spot to practice your snorkeling and scuba diving techniques!

6- … AND THE GREAT BLUE HOLE.

One of the largest marine sinkholes, Belize’s Great Blue Hole is as beautiful as it is intimidating. Part of Belize’s Barrier Reef, it is constantly considered a dream destination for diving thanks to its unique formation and crystal clear waters.

5- MADONNA HAS A SONG ABOUT BELIZE.

Have you ever heard Madonna’s La Isla Bonita? What you might not know is that the titular beautiful island is in Belize! The intro lyrics talk about San Pedro—a charming town in the paradisiacal Ambergris Caye.

4- IT HAS HUNDREDS OF ISLANDS.

Though to be more specific, they are called cays—small, sandy and paradisiacal islands on coral reefs. The Belize Barrier Reef features over 500 cays, each of them Instagram-perfect, and an idyllic vacation spot.

3- FEATURES A RICH AND DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM.

Belize has a rich ecosystem, featuring over 500 species of fish and beautiful sea mammals like the West Indian manatee. Likewise, their virgin rainforests are home for many protected species, including the jaguar and keel-billed toucan.

2- BELIZE HAS AN EXTENSIVE CAVE SYSTEM.

There are over 300 caves in Belize, and they are both beautiful to explore and historically relevant. Archeologists affirm that over half of those caves were important for Mayans and used in ceremonial rites—including human sacrifice.

1- BELIZEANS ARE DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE.

Few countries are as ethnically diverse as Belize. Within borders, you will find a most incredible mixture—Mayans, Creoles, Latin Americans, Africans, Garinagu… A unique cultural assortment you have to discover.

SOURCES:

Belize Tourism Board.
Belize Info Center.
Belize Hub.

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