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BELIZE GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 22,965 sq km (8867 sq miles). Population: 282,600 (2004). Population Density: 31.9 per sq km. Capital: Belmopan City. Population: 12,300 (2004). Belize City (the former capital) has a population of 59,400. Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1981. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II represented locally by Governor-General Sir Colville Young since 1993. Head of Government: Prime Minister Said Musa since 1998.

Language: English is the official language, however, various dialects such as Creole, Maya, Ganifuna and Spanish as well as a smattering of others are also spoken

Religion: The people of Belize are mainly Roman Catholic (approximately 60 per cent of the population). Other small groups practice Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bahai, as well as other Christian denominations.

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs.

GEOGRAPHY: Belize is bounded in the north by Mexico in the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The country is dominated by mountains. About 15 miles offshore is a spectacular reef which stretches nearly 200 miles which makes it the second longest in the world.

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BELIZE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A passport is required for all visitors to Belize. It should be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of the intended stay in the country. A 30-day visa will be issued on arrival, and extensions (up to six months) may be obtained from any Immigration Office for a fee of BZ$25 for every 30 days. Citizens of the British Commonwealth (India excepted), the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community do not require visas for travel to Belize. All other citizens should contact the nearest Belizean Consulate or Embassy for details on obtaining visas before travelling. The Immigration & Nationality Department in Belmopan can be contacted at telephone numbers 501-8-22611, and -22423.

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GETTING AROUND BELIZE

Belize has no rail network, so it depends heavily on small aeroplanes for transport. There are domestic airports in Belize City, Caye Caulker, Corozal, Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda and San Pedro. Bus is the mode of transportation for most Belizeans, and they travel fairly regularly on the country's three major roads (between Corozal and Belize City, between Benque Viejo Del Carmen and Belize City, and between Belmopan and Dangriga). Cars can be rented in Belize City if you're at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license from your home country. Bicycles and motorbikes can be hired on the Cayes. Fast and frequent motor launches connect Belize City with Caye Chapel, Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.

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BELIZE DUTY FREE

The following goods may be taken into Belize without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 568ml of alcoholic beverages; one bottle of perfume for personal use.

Prohibited items: The following items may not be exported from Belize: pre-Columbian articles, marine products, unprocessed coral or turtle shells.


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BELIZE COMMUNICATION

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 501. Outgoing international code: 00.

Mobile telephone: Coverage is available in all six districts. Belize Telecommunications Ltd (website: www.digicell.bz) has a GSM 1900 network. Handsets can be hired from Belize Telecommunications Ltd (BTL) at US$5 per day, plus a deposit of US$150.

Fax: BTL public booth in Belize City and some government and company offices have facilities available.

Internet: ISPs include BTL (website: www.btl.net) and Belize Web (website: www.belizeweb.com). There is an e-mail service centre in the BTL office in central Belize City and Internet cafes in urban centres and popular tourist centres.

Telegram: Full services are available from BTL public booth and post offices and major hotels in Belize City, Belmopan and San Ignacio.

Post: Mail to Europe takes up to five days.

Press: The major weeklies include Amandala, The Belize Times, The Reporter and The San Pedro Sun. Belize Today is a monthly official paper published in English. The Guardian is a United Democratic Party-affiliated paper.

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BELIZE BUSINESS PROFILE

Economy: Agriculture is the most important economic sector – the main products are citrus fruit, bananas and sugar cane. Timber is also important, especially mahogany and other tropical hardwoods. Fishing and livestock are being developed. The fastest-growing area of the Belize economy has been the service sector, particularly ‘offshore’ activities, including the lightly regulated banking sector and a ‘flag of convenience’ shipping register. However, these have started to cause political difficulties for the Belizean government. In June 2000, Belize was identified by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) – the world’s 30 wealthiest economies – as one of 35 ‘tax havens’ whose financial laws are believed to encourage large-scale tax evasion and money laundering. The government has since taken measures to meet the OECD’s demands. Tourism, fuelled by foreign investment, has also expanded in recent years, although not at the rate the government had originally hoped – net tourist expenditure in Belize is approximately US$100 million annually. Industry is dominated by the processing of agricultural products (for example, the production of rum from sugar) and light industries such as textiles. The country has no natural energy resources, although the search for oil reserves continues both on- and offshore and hydroelectric projects are underway. The USA is the largest single trading partner, providing half of all imports and taking about 60 per cent of Belizean exports. The UK and other EU countries are other important trading partners. Belize is a member of CARICOM, the Caribbean economic community, and provides some transit facilities for trade to and from other countries in the region. Belize is a significant recipient of overseas aid from Britain, the EU and North America. Recently, things have been looking up for the Belize economy. The unemployment rate dropped to 11.6 per cent in 2004. GDP growth in 2004/2005 was estimated at 4.2 per cent. Tourism is proving strong for Belize, plus there has been pleasing performances in agricultural and construction sectors. However, due to borrowing funds from other counties (predominantly the US) on less-than-favourable terms, the crucial fixed exchange rate (B$2 to US$1) looks increasingly under pressure.

Business: Lightweight, tropical suits are often worn. Appointments should be made and calling cards are acceptable. October to March are the best months for visits. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1700. Some businesses are open Saturdays.

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BELIZE SOCIAL PROFILE

Food & Drink: The national dishes of rice, beans and lobsters as well as conch and tomales should be tried. Many international favorites are available in Belize City but more limited elsewhere. The local drink is called "A and P" because it is a blend of Anise and peppermint. Rum is the main drink here. Otherwise try some of the fruit drinks which come in all sorts of flavors.

Nightlife: There is live dancing late in the evenings at Bellevue Hotel and quiet music at Fort George Bar overlooking the harbour. In addition, there are popular nightclubs throughout Belize that feature local bands at weekends.

Special Events: For further details, contact the Belize Tourism Board (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in Belize:
Feb 9 San Pedro Carnival. Mar 25-28 Easter Fair, San Ignacio. Mar 26 Holy Saturday Cycling Classic. May 7-9 Cashew Festival. Jun 25-27 Lobster Festival. Aug 5-8 International Costa Maya Festival. Aug 12 Deer Dance Festival. Nov Garifuna Settlement Day, nationwide. Dec Boxing Day Celebrations, nationwide.

Social Conventions: British influence can still be seen in many social situations. Flowers or confectionary are acceptable gifts to give to hosts if invited to their home for a meal. Dress is casual, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. It may be inadvisable to discuss politics, particularly if of a partisan nature.

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BELIZE HEALTH & SAFETY

The only major modern hospitals in Belize are located in Belize City, although there are smaller hospitals or clinics in every major town or city. In general, you should bring any prescription drugs you will need with you, although there are reasonably well-stocked pharmacies in most major towns and tourist destinations.

Contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT; tel. 716/754-4883, or 416/652-0137 in Canada; www.iamat.org) for tips on travel and health concerns in the countries you're visiting, and lists of local, English-speaking doctors. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (tel. 800/311-3435; www.cdc.gov) provides up-to-date information on health hazards by region or country and offers tips on food safety.

General Availability of Healthcare--There are two major hospitals in Belize City: Belize Medical Associates, 5791 St. Thomas Kings Park (tel. 223-0302; www.belizemedical.com), a modern, 24-hour private hospital, with emergency care and numerous private-practice physicians; and the city's main public hospital, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on Princess Margaret Drive (tel. 223-1548), which is also open 24 hours and has a wide range of facilities and services.

Most of the other towns and major tourist destinations either have a small hospital or a local health clinic, in addition to private-practice doctors. Any foreign consulate can provide a list of area doctors. If you get sick, consider asking your hotel concierge or front desk staff to recommend a local doctor -- even his or her own.

Before You Go--If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems, wear a MedicAlert identification tag (tel. 888/633-4298; www.medicalert.org), which will immediately alert doctors to your condition and give them access to your records through MedicAlert's 24-hour hot line.

Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels -- otherwise they won't make it through airport security. Also bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name. Don't forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses.

If you worry about getting sick away from home, consider purchasing medical travel insurance and carry your ID card in your purse or wallet. In most cases, your existing health plan will provide the coverage you need.

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BELIZE CURRENCY/MONEY

Currency: Belize Dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Bz$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Bz$1, and 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange: Currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and travel agencies. Some businesses will even accept dollars. ATMs in Belize generally do not accept foreign cards.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, MasterCard (limited) and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Most establishments will add a 5 per cent service charge to the bills of customers using credit cards.

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BELIZE SHOPPING

Handicrafts, woodcarvings and straw items are on sale. Jewellery in pink and black coral, and tortoiseshell (not to be imported to the USA) used to be good buys, but now there are severe restrictions on the export of these and some other goods in the interests of wildlife conservation. ‘In-Bond’ stores carry watches, perfumes and other duty free purchases, but Belize is not comparable in size to other free ports in the Caribbean. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200, 1300-1630 and 1900-2100.

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BELIZE TIPPING

Few places add service charges, and 15 per cent is normal. Taxi drivers are not tipped.

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BELIZE CLOTHING & ATTIRE

Belize is a very informal country, with a very casual life-style. Unless you are invited to a Government function, please leave your "After Five" attire at home.

Leave your jewelry and expensive watches at home because you will not need them. If you must have a watch, bring an inexpensive watch that is suitable for diving and hiking.

If you are visiting the Cayes and/or the Barrier Reef, bring your shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits, as well as some comfortable tennis shoes or deck shoes. As the sun is probably more intense than what you are used to at home, bring a cap to protect your head from the tropical sun when you are boating and/or fishing. In addition to protecting your eyes from both the sun and the reflective glare off of the water, a pair of "polarized" sun glasses will enhance the variable colors of the coastal waters of Belize.

Loose fitting, light colored cotton pants and camping shirts, along with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots are appropriate for exploring the Mainland or trekking through the rain forest. When visiting the Maya Ruins or traipsing through the jungle, a hat with a wide brim will provide shade from the tropical sun, as well as provide protection from a tropical shower.

Be aware that water, beverages, and snacks are not always readily available while sightseeing- so a day pack, to carry a water bottle, energy bars, camera, film, binoculars, poncho, hand towel, etc., is a welcomed accessory. Although you do not wear it, a hiking staff can prove to be a valuable aid to climbing ruins, crossing streams, or walking up or down steep trails.

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BELIZE PEOPLE

Belize is a country rich in different cultures and ethnic groups. Although it is not completely free from racial prejudice, many of the country’s inhabitants view the presence of so many distinct cultures and religions worthy of as much national pride as the Mayan ruins or natural treasures. “Cultural presentations” displaying dances, music and dress of Belizean society are commonly a part of school activities, celebrations and political rallies.

Of the approximately 200,000 people living there, the Creoles are the most prominent, although they account for only 30% of the population. Descendants of African slaves brought to Belize from Jamaica and early British settlers, Creoles speak their own dialect of English, which, although it sounds familiar at first, is unique and almost unintelligible to speakers of standard English. Mestizos, people of mixed Hispanic-Amerindian origin and descendents of refugees from the mid-nineteenth century Caste War of Yucatán, make up about 40% of the population. They mostly speak both Spanish and Creole.

Accounting for less than 10% of the population are the Garifunas, who came to Belize from the Bay Islands of Honduras on November 19th, 1802, which is now a national holiday celebrated throughout Belize. Dominating the southern part of Belize, Garifunas are the result of the intermingling of African slaves, Carib Indians and Europeans. Rituals and traditions of the Garifuna are still being retained as they strive to maintain a place in Belizean society. They, along with the Mayans, still speak their own language.

Although the Mayans of Belize trace their lineage back to the original inhabitants of the country, they now only make up 8% of the population. Most are subsistence farmers who live in remote villages and maintain their traditional ways. There are several distinct groups, the largest being the Mopan and the Kekchi. Fleeing taxation and forced labour, the Mopans came to Belize in 1886 from Peten. Today, they live mainly in San Antonio Village in the Toledo District and other villages in the Cayo District. Ketchi Mayans came to Belize in 1870’s from Verapaz, avoiding enslavement by the German coffee growers. They have thirty communities in the Toledo District and are thought to be the poorest and most neglected group in the country.

A fairly recent group of people that have settled in Belize are the Mennonites, part of a resilient religious sect that formed in the 16th century Netherlands. Some of their beliefs, such as the refusal to pay certain taxes, has led to their persecution in other countries, and Belize is only the latest stop in their three-century search for a homeland. The first of some 3,500 Mennonites began arriving in the country in 1958 and today they are the most successful farmers in Belize, supplying most of the country’s produce. Seeking to exist in isolated farming colonies without modern technology, the Mennonites are easily identified by their old-fashioned apparel and German language.

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BELIZE SECURITY TIPS

Most visits to Belize are trouble-free, though mugging is a significant risk to travellers especially in Belize City and other urban centres. There has also been a recent increase in the number of incidents of violent crime, some targeted at tourists.

Muggings can occur during the day or at night. Avoid dark alleys, keep valuables out of sight, do not wear jewellery. Where possible travel in groups. A qualified guide should be used for trips off the beaten track.

Care should be taken when swimming in local rivers. Cholera has been found in the Mopan and Roaring Creek rivers in the Cayo District.

Visitors to the Belize/Guatemala border area are advised to use the officially recognised crossings only.

The official Hurricane Season in Belize is from 1 June to 30 November. During this season visitors are advised to notify the British High Commission in Belmopan of their presence in Belize (tel: + 501 8-22146/7, fax: + 501 8-22761).

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BELIZE SCUBA TRAVEL TIPS

PLANNING TIPS FOR YOU:

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BELIZE DRIVING TIPS

Driving in Belize is an adventure and a drastic contrast to the fast freeways, busy intersections, and even the bumper to bumper traffic on the national park roads up north.

Our three highways have only two lanes and often have no yellow line down the middle. It is easy to enjoy the scenery while you drive, slowing down occasionally to peer at the side of a mountain. "Wow! Was that hill just dirt or was it really a grass covered ancient Maya pyramid?"

Yikes! Swerve. "That bus just pulled to a stop in the middle of nowhere! What does he think he's doing? I'm glad I saw it in time. We could have just crashed!"

Belize brings new meaning to "driving defensively". Buses stop often, sometimes every few feet, to let passengers on and off. Sometimes cars also stop in the middle of the road (with or without brake lights). And often drivers will use the Central American method of turning left, which means the driver pulls off the road to the right until all traffic has passed and then makes the left turn. So don't be surprised if you see someone pull to the right with their left turn signal on.

Visitors often marvel at the fact that Belize has only four red and green signal lights in the whole country. "What a great place, where there are so few cars that there is no need for traffic lights," you might be thinking. It wasn't very long ago when this was true, but now this looks deceiving. It isn't that we do not need traffic control. It's just that we use a less expensive and more effective method. We call them "sleeping policemen". Speed bumps. Sometimes unmarked. Sometimes only a few feet from each other. Sometimes high enough to do damage to your vehicle. Effective. Very effective for slowing down traffic in villages or at dangerous intersections. So keep alert and don't drive too fast.

You might have been parking on the same side of the street for the past few days because it appears that everyone is required to park on that side of the street. But today all the cars are parked on the opposite side of the street. "How odd." Yes, you better get out there and move your car to the other side of the road to avoid getting a ticket violation. Some busy roads in some towns allow parking on one side of the road for half the month and on the other side of the road for the other half of the month. This way the businesses share the discomfort of having their store fronts blocked by automobiles.

And don't forget those pesky one-way streets. Many roads are one way, but they are usually not marked as so. There may be a sign, but chances are that the original sign has "disappeared" and the only way to tell is by experience, good directions, or taking your chances and peeking down the way before you pull out. Observing before driving in any particular town or street is advisable. Watch which way cars are going on the roads. Just follow traffic and if worse comes to worse, and you find yourself going the wrong way on a one-way, don't panic. You may find yourself trapped on a road or even a bridge with nowhere to go! Take a deep breath, put on your hazard lights (if they work) and slowly reverse. Watch out for groups of schoolchildren, grazing animals, and remember, some take "one-way" as just a suggestion anyway.

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SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Watersports: Belize ranks among the best scuba diving and snorkelling destinations in the western Caribbean. At a length of 296km (185 miles), Belize’s Barrier Reef is the longest in the Western hemisphere and offers divers a nearly continuous wall of coral (stretching almost 224km (140 miles) from Mexico to the Sapodilla Cayes). The best developed sections of the reef are south of Columbus Reef. Some of the best dive sites include Lighthouse Reef, where divers can explore walls with spectacular drops of thousands of feet; and the Blue Hole (see Resorts & Excursions, National Parks section). Boats to both sites can be hired. Visitors can either arrange diving trips with an offshore resort, sign on with one of the many live-aboard boats or hire a charter boat from one of the dive resorts along the coast. Visitors should also be aware of the restrictions on the removal of coral, orchids and turtles, and on spearfishing in certain areas. Wrecks and treasures are also government-protected. For further information and a list of dive operators, contact the Belize Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Swimming is good off the Cayes and on the southeast coast, where many places have developed as diving and watersport resorts (see Resorts & Excursions section). All kinds of fishing, including game fishing (for snapper, barracuda, marlin and bonito), can be enjoyed all year round. Belize’s 20 river systems and smaller streams are ideal for kayaking and canoeing, and trips (which usually also involve birdwatching or wildlife viewing) can be arranged via local travel agents, operators or hotels. Windsurfing is a perfect activity for the cayes. The water is so clear beneath, it may be possible to spot fish, stingrays and even dolphins as you sail. The windy season is usually from February to April.

Other: Birdwatching is popular since hundreds of bird species can be observed, particularly in the national parks - notably, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Silk Grass Greek Road and the Mountain Pine Ridge. Caving and archaeology are also popular pastimes.

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BELIZE TIME ZONE

Belize is in Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico. Belize Standard Time is GMT - 6

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