Belize

Whether you're looking for adventure in the form of jungles or underwater excitement, you'll find it in Belize. From the southern jungles to the north's Ambergris Caye, this small Central America country lies just south of Mexico, bordered by Caribbean waters.

For many travelers, the top stop is Ambergris Caye, a barrier island 30 miles long and anywhere from 1,000 feet to three miles wide. This is the most developed of Belize's many outlying islands. Still, it is a relatively unspoiled place. There are just three main roads (all sand) in San Pedro, the island's only town, and people get around in electric golf carts. The Barrier Reef along Belize's shores is the country's most well-known and popular feature. It is 200 miles long, and the opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing along the reef and atolls are endless.

Both expats and travelers find Belize an easy country in many aspects. English is the official language. Culturally and ethnically, locals are from a varied background so new arrivals find that this is a welcoming society. Culturally, Belize combines the atmospheres of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Mayan history, clear Caribbean waters, and exotic jungle wildlife share this small sliver of paradise.

Fast Facts:

Language: English

Currency: Belize dollar

Population: 250,000

Recommended for: scuba divers, snorkelers, ecotourists

For More Information: www.travelbelize.org

Map courtesy the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and
the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection