Belize is a unique country compared to its neighbors. It's English-speaking, has Caribbean influence and is home to a large percentage of immigrants co-existing.
As a local that's lived here most of my life and traveled to surrounding countries, I can give you an interesting perspective on Belize, the culture, and its people.
Here's a list of all the facts: 👇
1. Belize Is Famous For Its Hot Sauce
Found on most dining tables at home and at restaurants in Belize, Marie Sharp is a spicy habanero sauce produced in Belize. The hot sauce holds national status that has extended all the way to Japan.
2. The Largest Building Is A Mayan Ruin
While cities like Dubai may have the world's tallest skyscrapers, Belize's tallest man-made structure is a Mayan Ruin named Caracol located in the Cayo District. Its main temple measures at 141 feet (43m) high.
Belize has over 900 Mayan Ruins that have been discovered so far but only 12 are major archeological sites.
3. Belize Has World Famous Islands
Locally known as cayes and pronounced KEYS, Belize is home to hundreds of tiny little islands – some are privately owned. The largest of them all is Ambergris Caye, recognized as one of the most popular islands in the world by many travel blogs.
4. The Entire Country Can Be Driven In 6 Hours
Compared to other countries where it takes an entire day to see a change of landscape, we can literally go from reef to rainforest in a matter of hours. Traveling east to west takes only three hours.
5. The Queen's Face Is On Our Money
This comes as a result of being a former British Colony. All the dollar notes have Queen Elizabeth's face, and she's even on some coins like the quarter (25¢), nickel (5¢) and penny (1¢).
6. Only Country With A Flag With People On It
The flag is the only country to have humans depicted as a major design element. The next closest country flag with a human in it is Malta which has a tiny badge with a man on a horse.
7. Home Of The Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole that divers flock from all over the world to visit. Other travelers opt for fly over tour of the attraction by helicopter or hopper plane.
It is roughly 1,000 feet (300 meters) in diameter and over 400 feet (120 meters) deep. To date, it is the largest geological formation of its kind in the world.
8. Weather Apps Don't Really Work Here
If you're planning a trip to Belize you've probably looked at your weather app and seen rain for the entire week. But it normally comes as short rain showers. The best way to predict the weather is by looking at the sky and seeing dark clouds forming.
9. 60% Of The Country Is Forested
This is the highest rate of forest cover in Central America and the Caribbean according to World Land Trust. As a result, it's rich in biodiversity. What this means is that all the travel days will be filled with lush green views.
10. Chinese Stores Are Everywhere
Belize has immigrants from a handful of countries. One of those communities is the Chinese community and most are owners of most grocery stores and fast food restaurants. Unfortunately, these grocery stores tend to sell expired goods so check expirations dates before buying.
11. World's Narrowest Main Street
According to Guinness Book of World Records, the village of Placencia has the world's narrowest main street. The street spans 5000ft long and 4ft wide which passes through colorful homes and shops in the village.
12. Locals Love Barbecue & Grills
This can be called a Sunday pastime and for some, it's a weekend pastime. Belizeans love barbecue so much that we make our own grills.
13. Lowest Population In Central America
Out of all the countries in Central America, Belize has the lowest population at only 400,000 people similar to the country of Iceland. All other countries in the region start at a population of four million people. Interesting right?
14. Belizeans Speak Broken English
Although English is the official language in Belize, the majority of the locals speak Belizean Creole which is a broken English. Other languages spoken in Belize include: English, Spanish, Maya, German, and Garifuna.
15. The Caribbean Influence Is Strong
Belize might be a part of Central America, but it's a lot more Caribbean than it is Latin American. Compared to our Mexican and Guatemalan neighbors, the vibe is very different.
There are three main reasons why Belize is more Caribbean than Latin American like it's neighbors: its history, culture and politics. Belize is a member of CARICOM, was a British Colony and has a Prime Minister due to the British Parliamentary System.
The music genres are also unique in Belize with an inclination towards Reggae, Soca and Punta especially in regions inhabited by the Creole people.
16. Locals Love Cooking With Coconut
The most popular dish, rice & beans is cooked with coconut milk which gives it a sweet flavor. Coconut oil is also used to cook plantains. Other foods & drinks with coconut include: creole bread, coconut tart, boil up soup, coconut rum, coconut water.
17. Second-largest Barrier Reef In The World
Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That means world-class snorkeling and scuba diving for anyone interested in visiting.
18. Home To The World's Only Jaguar Preserve
If you're a fan of wildlife, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier site for jaguar preservation in the world. The reserve is located in a southern district of Stann Creek.
19. Belize Doesn't Use The Metric System
Previously a British colony known as British Honduras, the metric system stuck with the country even after gaining independence in 1981.
20. Belize Has Zero Fast Food Chains
The country has no fast food chains. Subway tried to open a franchise chain a while back, but it failed miserably. The local Belizean Subs were a lot cheaper and tastier perhaps even tastier.
21. Breaking Bad TV Series References Belize
Fans of the Breaking Bad TV show will recognize Belize as the code word for making someone disappear. What's funny is that the Belize Tourism Board offered the whole cast an actual trip to Belize!
They haven't taken up the offer, but one billionaire software mogul did decide to live in Belize – John McAfee.
22. The Infamous John McAfee Lived In Belize
The creator of the popular McAfee Antivirus software was living in the northern part of Belize and at one of the popular islands for a couple of years. There are two documentaries on Netflix that were filmed about his rock star lifestyle in Belize.
He eventually fled the country after he was accused of murdering his neighbor on the island of Ambergris Caye.
23. U.S. Dollars Are Accepted Countrywide
The U.S. dollar is accepted country-wide and is pegged at $1USD = $2BZD. Statistics show 3 out of 4 of tourists are from the U.S. with Europeans and Canadians following behind. Dollar bills are accepted but not the coins.
24. The Country Lives Off Tourism
Tourism accounts for 40% of the total GDP, so almost everyone has a family member working in the tourism industry. That just translates to locals taking care of tourists who directly feed their families.
25. Speed Bumps Are Not Always Marked
If you're planning on renting a car, I recommend driving slowly when arriving & exiting small villages. That's where the speed bumps catch you by surprise.
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
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