An adventurer's paradise, Belize is your peaceful, English-speaking neighbor only two hours away from 2 major U.S. Gateways. With a diversity of adventure opportunities unmatched by any other country, the Belize people have protected 40% of the country as parks and natural reserves.

Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic 3,675 foot mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare. In a single day you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. And the people are as warm and friendly as the climate

Geography
The cayes(pronouced keys), the offshore atolls, and the barrier reef are the main attraction to Belize. The barrier reef, which is 185 miles long, is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. The cayes are islands and/or mangroves, that are located between the mainland and the barrier reef, on the barrier reef, and on or within the barrier reef perimeters of the offshore atolls. Although the mangrove cayes are normally uninhabitable by humans, they do provide a superior habitat for birds and marine life. Many birds, fish, shellfish, and marine organisms begin their lives within the protection of the mangrove. On the other hand, the island cayes, which are distinguishable by their palm trees, have provided the foundation for the development of many fine resorts to serve the water sports enthusiasts and the marine naturalists. the cayes and atolls provide superior opportunity for SCUBA diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, sailing, sailboarding, and sea kayaking, as well as habitat for both nesting birds and turtles.

The northern half of the mainland of Belize is a plain that was once the bed of a sea. The land is covered with a thin layer of soil, that supports scrub vegetation and dense hardwood tropical forest. The coastal area is neither land nor sea, but a sodden, swampy transition between the two. It consists of mangrove and grasses, and it is bordered by tussock grasses, cypress, and sycamore where the land separates the water.

The central part of Belize consists of sandy soil that supports large savannas. Approximately thirty miles southwest of Belize City, the land begins to rise dramatically to between 1,500 and 3,680 feet above sea level into the enchanting Mountain Pine Ridge Area and the Maya Mountains. Abundant rainfall runs off the northwest from the highlands in a number of streams which flow into the Macal River. Ultimately, the Macal River and the Mopan River converge to provide the headwaters of the Belize River.

The southern part of Belize, with its watershed to the southeast from the Maya Mountains, consists of short rivers that rush through slopes combed with overhanging ledges and caves. The rivers, carrying sand, clay and silt, have enriched the coastal belt over the years, allowing Belize to develop significant agricultural products such as citrus and bananas. Along with an annual rainfall of some 170 inches, southern Belize has a true tropical rain forest that is rich with ferns, palms, lianas, and tropical hardwoods.

Climate
The climate is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The country has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is nicely tempered by the Sea breezes.

Variation in weather features, emphasizes the interesting difference in elevation, geology, plant and animal life. A summer high temperature, usually never exceeds 96 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter lows are seldom below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night.

Saltwater temperature varies between 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the North to 170 inches in the South. Although the rainy season is usually between June and August and the dry season is between February and May, global weather changes are making historical predictions somewhat invalid. At the end of October, the weather does become cooler, and from November to February, it is pleasant with showers of rain. Average humidity is 85 percent.

Government structure and issues
Belize has a seventeen year history of self government, from 1964 to 1981. During this time the British had control only over foreign affairs, internal security and defense.

Belize was granted independence in 1981. During the first three years of independence, the country was lead by the People's United Party, with George Price being the first Prime Minister. Following the first general election in 1984, the People's United Party were replaced by Manuel Esquivel and the United Democratic Party. The People's United Party then took seats again in 1989.

Structure of the government
Belize's form of government is modeled like that of the Westminister system. The governor general, prime minister and cabinet are the executive branch of the government. The legislative branch comprises of a twenty-eight member elected House of Representative and an eight- member appointed Senate. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor General and is the leader of the ruling party and the Cabinet. The judicial system consists of a supreme court and magistrate court, each district having a magistrate court, with the exception of Belize City having four. Each of the six districts, including San Pedro and Benque Viejo, has a locally elected seven member town board, except Belize City with a nine member city council.

The two-party system
Belize, since 1961, has a two party political system, which is not constitutionally mandated. Actually any number of Belizean adults can run as candidates for the 28 electoral divisions. Belize has no laws controlling the formation or activities of political parties. A person can say a political party exists and if the candidates of that party are successful, they therefore gain seats in government. Political parties avoid class conflicts by representing all classes. But usually when parties are not in power they identify with the poorer class of society. On the most part, political parties do not strive on dues from members but from large donations given by business and most of which are not to the public's knowledge.

Foreign policy
During the period of self government, Britain kept control over the management of Belize's foreign affairs, allowing the People's United Party to participate in the foreign policies initiatives.

Belize has been very discreet and inflexible about the position of its foreign policy. Belize had to keep very close ties with Britain-troops as well as the United States- trade and aid. Due to the use of foreign policy as a tool for supporting trade and investment, the direction of foreign policy making in Belize was not different from most of the other nations in the 1990's.

Belize's foreign policy has been greatly determined by its political, military and economic links with Britain and the United States, as well as its geographical ties with Central America and the Caribbean.

Belize in the region
Belize, with its rights for self determination, joined Caricom, although becoming a member brought only limited economic benefits. For Belize it helped to further it's drive for independence.

One reason why Belize had played no direct part in the Central American peace process was because of its traditional isolation from Central American politics. Since the late 1980's, Belize has been recognized as a genuine Central American nation by its isthmus neighbors.

Belize and Mexico have been enjoying a good relationship. In Belize, unlike other Central American countries, there is a positive recognition of Mexico and Mexican society. Belize has also established closer relations with Venezuela, who has tried to obtain support from Belize for its full membership in Caricom.

Getting here
British subjects and citizens of Commonwealth countries, citizens of the USA and citizens of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Holland, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay who have a valid passport and an onward or return ticket from Belize do not need to obtain a visa.

There is a departure tax of $20BZ ($10US) and a airport security fee of $2.50BZ ($1.25US) when departing by air from the International Airport to any destination, foreign or domestic.

By road
Roads in Belize can be challenging. You will need a sturdy car and a strong heart to drive into Belize through Mexico. The trip is about 1350 miles. You will need Belizean insurance bought in Belize with Belizean dollars.

Bus travel to Belize from the US border cities to Mexico City and on to Chetumal are fast, comfortable and relatively inexpensive. All-weather highways connect Mexico City with Chetumal. Several bus companies connect Chetumal, Mexico and Melchor, Guatemala to Belize City.

There are regularly scheduled busses to Belize from the neighboring towns of Chetumal, Mexico and Ciudad de Melchor, Guatemala. These busses leave every half hour to an hour to Belize. See bus schedule.

By boat
Small, regularly scheduled ferry service travels between Punta Gorda in the southern district of Toledo, and Puerto Barrios in Eastern Guatemala.

Maritime ports of entry are Belize City, Corozal, Dangriga, San Pedro and Punta Gorda. You are required to report your entry to the police or immigration authorities as soon as possible after entering Belizean territory.

Belize by bus
The least expensive way to get around Belize on a day to day basis is by bus. Buses run regular schedules and by other Central American standards, Belizean buses are clean, roomy and efficient.

No reservations required though often recommended as some bus routes fill up quickly and completely.

What to wear
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" sunglasses 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 appropiate 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.

What to bring
Passport, Visa (if applicable), Prescription Drugs, Personal Items, Spare Eye-glasses, Sunglasses, Sun Tan Lotion, Sun Screen, Sun Burn Cream, Insect Repellant, Camera/Film, Batteries, Cash, Travel Checks, Credit Cards

Personal equipment
SCUBA diving gear with certification card and dive log, snorkeling gear, binoculars, fishing tackle, etc.