Caribbean Gateway

Belize sits on the Eastern Coast of the Central American coastline facing the Caribbean sea. It is known as the Caribbean gateway to Central America. It is located in the Northern Hemisphere above the equator, bounded on the North by Mexico, the south amd west by Guatemala then the east by Caribbean. It consists of tropical rain forest and white sandy beaches and a 174 miles of long barrier reef. Belize is 176 miles long, 88 miles at it's widest and cover 8,867 square miles, approximately one tenth the size of United Kingdom.

History

Belize's past is an intriguing one which includes, stolen treasure, stone pyramids, logwood-cutting and multi-ethnic cultures. Belize used to be part of the British colony. The British claimed victory on September 10, 1798 over the Spaniards at the Battle of St. George’s Caye thus establishing a British colony. Belize’s official language is English and the government and legal system are modeled on the Westminster system. Belize has been independent since 1981 but remains a part of the British Commonwealth. The Queen of England is the nominal head of state but the head of government is the Prime Minister.

Culture

Belizean people are known to be very friendly people. Other people discribes Belizian to be very accommodating from the moment you arrive you are made to feel comfortable. Amazingly enough their own traditions and customs represent more than 10 diverse cultures. Belizeans are comprised of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese, as well as a number of European, American and other ethinicities. English remains the official language in Belize however the most diverse language is Belizean Creole and other cultural languages such as Garifuna, Mandarin and Spanish are also spoken.