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Belize flag

Belize

Capital:Belmopan
Population:314,522
Currency:Belizean dollars (BZD)
Language:English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Belize.

Belize Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Belizeans are informal and friendly and non-confrontational. People appreciate diplomatic honesty and value a sense of humor. The pace of life is not regulated by the clock so much as by events or people. A simple nod or wave is acceptable when passing but it is considered rude not to greet someone. Among friends, one might shake hands by clasping the palms and locking thumbs. Men might pat each other on the back. Belizeans take care to make guests feel at home.

Cultural Attributes

Belizeans are informal and friendly and non-confrontational. A simple nod or wave is acceptable when passing but it is considered rude not to greet someone. Among friends, one might shake hands by clasping the palms and locking thumbs. Men might pat each other on the back. Belizeans take care to make guests feel at home. People value honesty.

Street

Reef, Jungle, and Caribbean Soul

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

It is considered rude to greet people in Belize by their first names unless you know them well. Acceptable greetings in Belize include handshakes, pats on the back, and to show great appreciation, a kiss on the cheek.

Creoles and Garinagu are especially animated. Mestizos are very reserved among people unfamiliar to them. Hand and facial gestures can vary. Staring is considered rude.

When one visits home, it is polite to hail the occupants from the gate or street until they come out. Offering a guest refreshments - usually at least a drink is considered good manners. Though not expected, it is also polite for the guest to bring the host a small gift, such as sweets.

The country is a melting pot of many races and over the years the multi-racial make-up has risen through the influx of many people from Central America, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. In Belize, the way a person is dressed is considered a mark of taste and status.

Belizeans take pride in wearing clean, pressed clothing, particularly in the workplace.

Diet

Rice and beans are a staple for many meals. The main meal is eaten at midday. Creoles call dinner "tea". The Creoles and Garifuna eat fish, boiled or stewed in coconut milk. The Garifuna also make cassava fritters from a paste of cooked cassava in coconut milk. Nache is a sweet alcoholic drink made from crabou fruit. Many Belizeans drink the local rum mixed with condensed milk.

Beach volleyball net in Belize

Family

Many men father a number of children with several women and many young Belizean women become single mothers. Most marriages are common-law. Adult children usually remain at home until they get married or have a child. In Creole villages, it is common to have a female head of the household. Among the Garifuna, physical violence is rare. An angry person uses name-calling, cursing, gossip,ing and mocking songs, or witchcraft to gain revenge.

Recreation

Soccer is the most popular sport followed by basketball. Burrell Boom and Horse Races - Every easter weekend (Monday) an International Cross-Country cycle race is held. The race starts in Belize City and ends at the Sylvestre Stadium in Burrell Boom. Followed by all-day celebrations. Horse races, food, and music.

Among Creoles, all national celebrations are accompanied by open-air dancing called jump-up.

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    9/21

    Independence Day

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Christmas decorations and carols reflect American and European influences, and Santa Claus brings gifts to the children on Christmas day. Mestizos observe Las Posadas (the Lodgings) as in Mexico, the Garifuna follow the rituals of Jonkonnu as found in the West Indies. Nativity scenes are missing the Christ child until Christmas eve when the Christ child is placed in a manger representing his birth.

    The Christmas meal consists of beans, rice, potato salad, turkey with stuffing, tortillas, fish, ham, yams, black cake (dark fruitcake) and rompope (eggnog with rum).

Dates of Interest

  • September

    Go to Belize in September and you are sure to find a party. Celebrations of history, culture, and patriotism lead to carnivals, parades, pageants, and competitions. And lots and lots of music. It begins with traditional music playing on every radio, getting people ready for the month-long celebration. Soon every street and building and many of the people are decorated in the red, white, and blue of the Belize flag. St. George's Caye Day is the first national holiday on September 10th, commemorating the defeat of a Spanish incursion by British colonists. There are speeches and a Citizens Parade. A highlight of the day is the crowning of the Queen of the Bay who then leads the people as they dance through the streets. Independence Day (September 21st) renews the celebration with another parade, more fireworks, more food, more costumes, and of course, more music.

How do people greet each other in Belize?

Belizeans are informal and friendly, and while a simple nod or wave is acceptable when passing, failing to greet someone at all is considered rude. Handshakes, pats on the back, and a kiss on the cheek (to show great appreciation) are common.

Do

  • Always acknowledge people with at least a nod or wave
  • Use handshakes or pats on the back among friends
  • Among close friends, clasp palms and lock thumbs

Don’t

  • Don't ignore someone when passing by
  • Don't use first names unless you know the person well

What are dining customs like in Belize?

Rice and beans are a staple, and the main meal is eaten at midday. Creoles call dinner "tea".

Good to know

  • Creoles and Garifuna eat fish boiled or stewed in coconut milk
  • Garifuna make cassava fritters from cooked cassava in coconut milk
  • Nache is a sweet alcoholic drink made from crabou fruit
  • Local rum is often mixed with condensed milk

What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Belize?

Belizeans take care to make guests feel at home and appreciate diplomatic honesty and a sense of humor. When visiting a home, hail the occupants from the gate or street until they come out.

Do

  • Hail occupants from the gate or street when visiting
  • Offer guests refreshments, at least a drink
  • Bring the host a small gift such as sweets
  • Value honesty and keep a sense of humor

Good to know

  • The pace of life is regulated by events or people, not the clock

How should I dress in Belize?

The way a person is dressed is considered a mark of taste and status in Belize. Belizeans take pride in wearing clean, pressed clothing, especially in the workplace.

Do

  • Wear clean, pressed clothing
  • Dress well in the workplace

What gestures should I be aware of in Belize?

Hand and facial gestures vary; Creoles and Garinagu are especially animated, while Mestizos are very reserved among unfamiliar people.

Don’t

  • Don't stare, as it is considered rude

What is family life like in Belize?

Most marriages are common-law, and adult children usually remain at home until they marry or have a child. In Creole villages, a female head of the household is common.

Good to know

  • Among the Garifuna, physical violence is rare

What do people do for recreation in Belize?

Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by basketball.

Good to know

  • An International Cross-Country cycle race is held every Easter Monday, from Belize City to Sylvestre Stadium in Burrell Boom, followed by horse races, food, and music
  • Among Creoles, national celebrations feature open-air dancing called jump-up

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Belize

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
2
Time Difference
UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate
Belize's subtropical climate is hot and humid most of the year. In Belize City, the average daily temperature is 85°F, but the daytime high is often in the 90s between May and October, with uncomfortably high humidity. The dry season runs from January through April. Heavy rains begin in June and can continue through December. Mosquito outbreaks are a perennial result. From March to November, a fairly steady breeze makes the heat in Belize City less intolerable. The coolest period is December to February when the average daily temperature is only 75°F. During this period, night temperatures can drop into the upper 50s. Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur from June through November. In 1931 and 1961, hurricanes devastated Belize City.
Airports
43
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Steam Cake

Dessert

Browse all 7 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Maya

    2000 BCE – 1000

    Belize formed a core part of the ancient Maya world, with major ceremonial and urban centers such as Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich flourishing between roughly 200 and 800 CE. Maya society in the region developed sophisticated agriculture, trade networks, monumental architecture, and hieroglyphic writing. A gradual cultural and political decline affected southern and central lowland cities around 900–1000 CE, though some northern communities persisted well beyond this period.

  2. Spanish Contact

    1000 – 1650

    Spanish explorers made early incursions into Belizean territory, with Hernán Cortés crossing the south in 1520 and Francisco de Montejo entering the north in 1528, but the region was largely bypassed due to its perceived lack of gold and silver. Spanish colonial efforts focused elsewhere in Mesoamerica, leaving Belize a contested frontier zone. Indigenous populations nonetheless suffered severe disruption and decline through disease, conflict, and displacement during this period.

  3. Baymen & Early Settlement

    1650 – 1798

    British buccaneers and woodcutters, known as the Baymen, began settling the Belizean coast around 1650, exploiting the region's valuable logwood and later mahogany forests. African slaves were introduced by 1720 to supply labor for the timber trade. Spain repeatedly contested British presence, driving out settlers in 1717 and 1754 and capturing Belize outright in 1779, before the Treaty of Paris (1783) and later agreements formalized limited British cutting rights.

  4. British Honduras

    1798 – 1964

    The Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798 cemented British dominance, and the territory was declared the Crown Colony of British Honduras in 1862. Slavery was abolished throughout British territories in 1838, prompting planters to seek new labor sources. The colony's society grew increasingly complex ethnically, and the mid-nineteenth century War of the Castes (1847) spilled refugees across the Mexican border into Belize; the twentieth century saw a rising nonwhite middle class and growing calls for self-governance.

  5. Self-Governance

    1964 – 1981

    Britain granted British Honduras full internal self-government in 1964, with George Price and the People's United Party leading the push toward independence. The territory was officially renamed Belize in 1973 as a symbolic break from its colonial identity. Progress toward full independence was complicated by Guatemala's longstanding territorial claim to the entire country, requiring a British military guarantee before independence could safely proceed.

  6. Independent Belize

    1981 – present

    Belize achieved full independence on September 21, 1981, with George Price as its first Prime Minister, though Guatemala withheld diplomatic recognition until 1992. The nation developed tourism as its primary economic engine, leveraging its barrier reef, Maya archaeological sites, and biodiversity. Ongoing challenges include high unemployment, narcotics trafficking linked to South American drug networks, rising urban crime, and the need to balance development with environmental conservation.

Overview

Although Belize is located on the mainland of the Americas, the country more closely resemble the English-speaking islands of the Caribbean than their Latin American neighbors. Christopher Columbus passed near the coast, but later Spanish explorers and settlers ignored the areas because they lacked the mineral riches that brought the Spanish to the New World. The wealth would prove to be not gold but agriculture. By the end of the eighteenth century, the indigenous populations had been greatly reduced or driven to remote areas, and the coastal lands held growing populations of British or Dutch plantation owners. Plantation work was labor intensive, and initially African slaves, then other ethnic groups, were imported to work the land. As the colonies expanded economically, Britain claimed formal sovereignty, but title to each colony remained contested. The twentieth century saw a shift in political power from the old plantocracy to a new nonwhite middle class, a rising self- consciousness among the various ethnic groups, and a slow evolution toward independence. Formal ties to Britain eventually were broken, but, like their anglophone Caribbean neighbors, Guyana and Belize today still strongly bear the mark of their colonial heritage. They retain their British institutions, their use of the English language, their economies based on agriculture, and their societies composed of a complex ethnic mix often divided along racial lines. Unlike the great civilizations of Middle America that left monuments and records for archaeologists to decipher, the early societies in Guyana were relatively simple, nomadic cultures that left few traces. Early Spanish records and linguistic studies of the Caribbean reveal only a broad outline of pre-Columbian events. We do know that several centuries before the arrival of the Europeans, the Arawak moved north from Brazil to settle and farm the area along the northeast coast of South America before expanding farther north onto the Caribbean islands. Shortly before the arrival of the Europeans, the aggressive, warlike Carib pushed into the area and largely destroyed Arawak society. Because of the warlike Carib and the region’s apparent lack of gold or silver, the Spanish ignored the northeastern coast of South America. Settlement by Europeans would wait until 1616, when a group of Dutch arrived to establish a trading post. The Dutch soon realized the agricultural potential of the swampy coastal land and aggressively set out to drain the coast using a vast system of seawalls, dikes and canals. What had been swampy wasteland decades before, soon turned into thriving sugar plantations. The development of agriculture brought rapid change to the colony. Because the plantation economy needed labor, the Dutch imported African slaves for the task. The growing economy also attracted the attention of the British, and British settlers from neighboring Caribbean islands poured into the three Dutch colonies established along the coast. By the late 1700s, the new British settlers effectively controlled the colonies. Formal control by Britain would come in 1814, when most Dutch colonies were ceded to Britain after the Napoleonic wars. In 1838 Britain completed the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire, and the problem of obtaining cheap and plentiful labor arose anew. The planters first sought to attract Portuguese, then Chinese, workers, but both groups soon left plantation work. Concerned that the decline in labor would ruin the sugar-based economy, the planters finally contracted laborers from India to work the sugar fields. Large numbers of indentured workers poured into British Guiana in the late 1800s. Although theoretically free to return after their contract period had expired, most East Indians remained, adding a new ethnic group to the colony’s mélange of Africans, Europeans, and Amerindians. The twentieth century saw a rising consciousness among the country’s ethnic groups and a struggle for political power between the new, disenfranchised, nonwhite middle class and the old plantocracy. Economic changes gave momentum to the growing call for political changes. The country saw rice production, dominated by the Indo-Guyanese (descendants of East Indians), and bauxite mining, dominated by the Afro-Guyanese (descendants of Africans), grow in importance, whereas sugar growing, controlled by the European plantation owners, declined. The British colonial administration responded to demands for reform by establishing universal suffrage in 1950 and allowing the formation of political parties. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the country’s first political party, quickly became a formidable force. The PPP was formed by two men who would dominate Guyanese politics for decades to come: Cheddi Jagan, a Marxist Indo-Guyanese, and

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 200 – 800

    Maya cities flourish all through Belize.

    Maya cities flourish all through Belize.

  2. 900 – 1000

    Maya cultural decline in Southern and Central America .

    Maya cultural decline in Southern and Central America.

  3. 1520

    The Spanish Conquistador, Hernan Cortez, crossed southern Belize.

    The Spanish Conquistador, Hernan Cortez, crossed southern Belize.

  4. 1528

    Francisco de Montejo, the Adelanto arrives in Corozal, northern Belize.

    Francisco de Montejo, the Adelanto arrives in Corozal, northern Belize.

  5. 1650

    British buccaneers begin to settle the coast of Belize

    British buccaneers begin to settle the coast of Belize.

  6. 1655

    The census around the cacao orchards near current day Belmopan is about 450.

    The census around the cacao orchards near current day Belmopan is about 450.

  7. 1660

    Bartholomew Sharpe, famous British pirate, makes Belize his base.

    Bartholomew Sharpe, famous British pirate, makes Belize his base and begins to harvest logwood for sale to U.K.

View full timeline (24 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • About 1/3 of the country's population lives in Belize City.

  • Belize is home to the second longest barrier reef in the world second only to that of Australia.

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Geography and Environment

Belize is located along Central America’s eastern coast, bordered to the north by Mexico, to the west and south by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. It measures 175 miles north to south and 69 miles across at its widest point. The savannas of northern Belize are flat and dry compared to the rest of the country (receiving only 50 inches of rain a year). The primary source of income for the predominantly Mestizo population there is sugarcane. South and westward, the hilly inland terrain is more forested, including some remaining stands of mahogany. Next is the Mountain Pine Ridge range, with pine-covered peaks of over 3,000 feet that enjoy cool nights year-round. To the south are citrus plantations, fishing, and rainforests where the annual rainfall increases to 120 inches. The Mayan Indian and Garifuna inhabitants subsist primarily upon small-scale farming and fishing. Much of the coastline consists of either dense growths of mangrove habitats, or broken, low-lying and narrow sandy shoreline. Belize City itself rests upon filled mangrove forest, with an elevation that is actually a foot below sea level. The central Belize District is the most populated of six and is predominantly Creole. Economic activity centers around commerce and some light manufacturing. Belize’s barrier reef is the second largest in the world, running some 150 miles, nearly the entire length of the coast, featuring three of the Caribbean’s four atolls. Small islands or cayes (pronounced keys) abound in the crystal-clear waters of the reefs.
Terrain
flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south
Climate
Belize’s subtropical climate is hot and humid most of the year. In Belize City, the average daily temperature is 85°F, but the daytime high is often in the 90s between May and October, with uncomfortably high humidity. Dry season runs from January through April. Heavy rains begin in June and can continue through December. Mosquito outbreaks are a perennial result. From March to November, a fairly steady breeze makes the heat in Belize City less intolerable. The coolest period is December to February, when the average daily temperature is only 75°F. During this period, night temperatures can drop into the upper 50s. Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur from June through November. In 1931 and 1961, hurricanes devastated Belize City;
Natural Hazards
frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole

  • Creole
  • English
  • Garifuna
  • Mayan
  • Spanish

Population

Population
314,522
Population in Major Urban Areas
BELMOPAN (capital) 14,000
Nationality Noun
Belizean(s)
Ethnic Groups
Mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7%

Education

Literacy Definition
Age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
High
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Belize
Full Country Name
Belize
Former Name
British Honduras

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary democracy
Legal System
English law
Executive Branch
Chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022), represented by Governor General Froyla TZALAM (since 6 May 2021) Head of government: Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 12 November 2020); Deputy Prime Minister Cordel HYDE (since 12 November 2020) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister Elections/appointments: The monarchy is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is typically appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Legislative Branch
bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; members are appointed for five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (29 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: House of Representatives - last held 5 March 2003 (next to be held March 2008) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PUP 21, UDP 8
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
21-Sep-81
Independence
21 September 1981 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 21 September (1981)

Capital City

Capital Name
Belmopan
Capital - geographic coordinate
17 15 N, 88 46 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

the decision to move the capital of the country inland to higher and more stable land was made in the 1960s; the name chosen for the new city was formed from the union of two words: "Belize," the name of the longest river in the country, and "Mopan," one of the rivers in the area of the new capital that empties into the Belize River

Military

Branches: Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, BDF Air Wing (includes Special Boat Unit), BDF Volunteer Guard

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Belmopan

# 4 Floral Park Road

Belmopan, Cayo District

Belize, Central America

Telephone: 011-501-822-4011

Emergency after-hours telephone: 011-501-610-5030

Facsimile: 011-501-822-4050

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Economy

Belize maintains a small, open economy oriented primarily toward private enterprise, with tourism serving as the leading source of foreign exchange earnings. The sector has grown significantly in recent decades, drawing visitors to the country's Maya ruins, barrier reef, and ecotourism destinations, and it rebounded strongly following the pandemic, with visitor arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2023. Agriculture remains a vital pillar of the economy, with sugar, citrus, bananas, and marine products — particularly shrimp and lobster — serving as key export commodities. Oil production, discovered in commercial quantities in 2005, contributed meaningfully to government revenues for over a decade, though output has declined substantially and now plays a diminished role. GDP growth has been uneven, with the economy contracting sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 before rebounding strongly, expanding by roughly 15 percent in 2022 and continuing solid growth through 2023 and 2024 on the back of tourism, construction, and agriculture. Belize carries a significant public debt burden, having restructured its sovereign debt on multiple occasions, most recently in 2021 in conjunction with a landmark "blue bond" debt-for-nature swap that directed savings toward marine conservation and helped lower the debt-to-GDP ratio from over 100 percent during the pandemic to around 65 percent in recent years. Persistent challenges include a wide trade deficit, vulnerability to natural disasters and external economic shocks, elevated poverty rates, crime, and dependence on a narrow range of exports. Reducing poverty and broadening economic diversification remain central long-term priorities, with the government continuing to rely on support from international development partners and financial institutions.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Belizean dollars (BZD)
GDP — official exchange rate
$908,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
3.8%

Banknotes

Belize Money - Front
Belize Money - Front
Belize Money - Back
Belize Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
1 April - 31 March
Annual Budget
$329,000,000 (USD)
External Debt
$1,362,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
35.4%
Current Account Balance
-$200,100,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange
$90,450,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture 27%; industry 18%; services 55%
Industries
garment production, food processing, tourism, construction
Agriculture Products
bananas, coca, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber; garments
Export Commodities
sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood
Export Partners
Mexico 68.3%, US 12.6%, UK 7.1%
Import Commodities
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco
Import Partners
Mexico 69%, US 12%, Netherlands Antilles 2.3%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
6,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
General Assessment: above-average system; trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay Domestic: fixed-line teledensity of slightly less than 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 70 per 100 persons International: country code - 501; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) fiber-optic telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 8 (Intelsat - 2, unknown - 6)
Internet Country Code
.bz

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

Belize's subtropical climate is hot and humid most of the year. In Belize City, the average daily temperature is 85°F, but the daytime high is often in the 90s between May and October, with uncomfortably high humidity. The dry season runs from January through April. Heavy rains begin in June and can continue through December. Mosquito outbreaks are a perennial result. From March to November, a fairly steady breeze makes the heat in Belize City less intolerable. The coolest period is December to February when the average daily temperature is only 75°F. During this period, night temperatures can drop into the upper 50s. Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur from June through November. In 1931 and 1961, hurricanes devastated Belize City.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Belize?
The population of Belize is approximately 314,522.
How do people greet each other in Belize?
Belizeans are informal and friendly, and while a simple nod or wave is acceptable when passing, failing to greet someone at all is considered rude. Handshakes, pats on the back, and a kiss on the cheek (to show great appreciation) are common. Do: Always acknowledge people with at least a nod or wave Use handshakes or pats on the back among friends Among close friends, clasp palms and lock thumbs Don't: Don't ignore someone when passing by Don't use first names unless you know the person well
What are dining customs like in Belize?
Rice and beans are a staple, and the main meal is eaten at midday. Creoles call dinner "tea". Creoles and Garifuna eat fish boiled or stewed in coconut milk Garifuna make cassava fritters from cooked cassava in coconut milk Nache is a sweet alcoholic drink made from crabou fruit Local rum is often mixed with condensed milk
What should I know about visiting and hospitality in Belize?
Belizeans take care to make guests feel at home and appreciate diplomatic honesty and a sense of humor. When visiting a home, hail the occupants from the gate or street until they come out. Do: Hail occupants from the gate or street when visiting Offer guests refreshments, at least a drink Bring the host a small gift such as sweets Value honesty and keep a sense of humor The pace of life is regulated by events or people, not the clock
How should I dress in Belize?
The way a person is dressed is considered a mark of taste and status in Belize. Belizeans take pride in wearing clean, pressed clothing, especially in the workplace. Do: Wear clean, pressed clothing Dress well in the workplace
What gestures should I be aware of in Belize?
Hand and facial gestures vary; Creoles and Garinagu are especially animated, while Mestizos are very reserved among unfamiliar people. Don't: Don't stare, as it is considered rude
What is family life like in Belize?
Most marriages are common-law, and adult children usually remain at home until they marry or have a child. In Creole villages, a female head of the household is common. Among the Garifuna, physical violence is rare
What do people do for recreation in Belize?
Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by basketball. An International Cross-Country cycle race is held every Easter Monday, from Belize City to Sylvestre Stadium in Burrell Boom, followed by horse races, food, and music Among Creoles, national celebrations feature open-air dancing called jump-up
What is the capital of Belize?
Belmopan is the capital of Belize. Located in the Cayo District in the country's interior, Belmopan was purpose-built after Hurricane Hattie devastated the former capital, Belize City, in 1961. The government officially relocated there in 1970, making it one of the youngest capital cities in the Western Hemisphere. Despite its administrative role, Belize City remains the largest urban center, home to roughly one-third of the national population.
Where is Belize located?
Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east. It occupies a position on the Yucatán Peninsula and is the only Central American nation with English as its official language, a legacy of its history as the British colonial territory known as British Honduras. Belize gained independence in 1981, making it one of the region's newest sovereign states.
What countries border Belize?
Belize shares land borders with two countries: Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. Its eastern coastline faces the Caribbean Sea. The relationship with Guatemala was historically contentious — territorial disputes delayed Belizean independence until 1981, and Guatemala did not formally recognize Belize as a sovereign nation until 1992. To the east, Belize's Caribbean coast is fringed by the second-longest barrier reef in the world, surpassed only by Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
What is the predominant religion in Belize?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Belize, practiced by approximately 49.6 percent of the population. Protestant denominations collectively account for around 27 percent of religious affiliation, representing a diverse range of congregations. The remaining roughly 14 percent of the population identifies with other faiths or traditions. This religious diversity reflects Belize's broader multicultural character, shaped by the convergence of Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and other communities.
What is the currency of Belize?
The currency of Belize is the Belizean dollar, with the ISO code BZD. The Belizean dollar has been pegged to the United States dollar at a fixed rate of two BZD to one USD since 1978, providing a stable exchange environment that supports the country's tourism-driven economy. US dollars are widely accepted across Belize, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and larger commercial establishments.
What languages are spoken in Belize?
English is the official language of Belize and the primary language of government, education, and formal commerce — a distinction unique among Central American nations. In daily life, however, Belizean Creole serves as a widely spoken lingua franca across ethnic groups. Spanish is common in northern and western regions, while Garifuna and various Mayan languages, including Yucatec and Mopan, are spoken among their respective communities. This multilingual landscape reflects the country's richly layered cultural heritage.
What is Belize known for?
Belize is internationally recognized for the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-longest barrier reef system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a premier destination for diving and snorkeling. The country is also distinguished by its wealth of ancient Maya archaeological sites, including Caracol, Xunantunich, and Lamanai. Belizean cuisine reflects its multicultural roots, with dishes like rice and beans, stew chicken, and hudut — a Garifuna fish and coconut broth — featuring prominently. Tourism has become the cornerstone of the national economy.

Last reviewed 2026

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