Welcome to the land of cultural and geographical diversity.
 An adventurer's paradise, Belize is a peaceful, English-speaking country just two hours away from several major U.S. gateways. This tiny country offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, spectacular diving and marine experiences. In a single day, one can go from Central America's largest caving system in a tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
The atmosphere and personality of Belize today is a result of the dynamic influence of over ten rich and diverse cultures that make up the population of some 300,000. This includes the influence of the Mestizo and Latin culture in the North and in the west; the African/Caribbean influence along the coast of central and southern Belize while the Maya influence is evident in the inland areas of southern Belize.
Belize, known as British Honduras up until 1973, got its independence from Great Britain in 1981. Located in on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is bordered by Mexico in the north, Guatemala in the west and south and in the east by the Caribbean Sea. The country is 174 miles long and 68 miles wide with an area of 8,867 sq. miles.
Agriculture has been the mainstay of the country's economy for many decades with sugar cane and papaya in the north, beans, vegetables, poultry and cattle in the west , and citrus and bananas and rice in the south. The millennium has heralded tourism as a valuable means to improve the economy and to encourage the sustainable use of Belize's abundant natural resources. In recent years, the growth of tourism has encouraged the country to recognize its tourism potential, and to work to safeguard the natural resources that sustain the industry. Today 40% of the country has some form of protected areas status. There is ongoing investment to improve the capability of the people and the standard of services that contribute to the success of the tourism industry. This happens at all levels, from infrastructure to the diverse accommodations.
Within these pages you will find information on Belize's:
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About Belize
