Country and Culture

Geography

Belize has recognized its pristine forests, rivers, and oceans as valuable assets, and has placed 35 percent of its land under protection. With a wealth of biodiversity within a small area, Volunteers inevitably find the natural beauty of Belize a positive aspect of their service. The longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, along with numerous small islands, stretch along the coast, providing a home for numerous species of fish, coral and other marine life. Within Belize are a plethora of environments, including mangroves, tropical forest, pine forest, rivers, and caves.

Belize has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. While there is little seasonal variation, the two main seasons are the dry season from February—May and the rainy season from June—January.

Economy and Government

Belize is a stable, democratic country. There are two major political parties, which have traded power back and forth over the years. The Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet are elected officials who are surprisingly accessible to the people.

Belize has a relatively high average yearly income, offset by a very high cost of living. Because there is little domestic manufacturing, most of the products sold in Belize are imported. Belize's main exports are agricultural-citrus, sugar, and bananas-making them highly susceptible to market fluctuations. Tourism is an important and growing area of the economy.

Culture

Belize's people are descendents of immigrants from many different parts of the world, resulting in a multiethnic, multicultural society. Most northern Belizeans are Mestizos, descendants of Mexican immigrants from the Yucatan, and the south is populated with Mayans who came from the area that is now Guatemala. The Garifuna, descendants of the original inhabitants of the Caribbean and Africans, arrived in Belize in the 1700s, and maintain a rich culture unique to the eastern coast of Central America.

Because of this diversity, most Belizeans are multilingual. English is the official language; however, Belizeans commonly use creole, a local dialect, in their daily activities.

Last updated Sep 27 2008