31 Interesting Facts about Belize

Traveling to Belize for the first time? These interesting and fun facts about Belize will help you familiarize with the destination and start planning like a pro.

1. Belize, officially the Republic of Belize, is a country located on the eastern coast of Central America. It has an area of 22,966 square km. Belmopan is its capital, and Belize City is its largest city 

2. English is the official language of Belize. This makes it unique among its Central American neighbors, where Spanish is more commonly spoken.

3. Belize has the lowest population density in Central America, with just 15 persons per square kilometer. This means there’s plenty of space and natural beauty to explore.

4. The currency of Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD). The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD, making currency exchange extremely easy for American visitors. Most accommodations, tours, restaurants, and shops list their prices in US dollars.

5. Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world—the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. This reef is second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, making Belize a fantastic destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

6. Despite its small size, Belize has had a few international disputes. The latest flashpoint occurred in 2019, when the Guatemalan navy blocked the Belize Coast Guard, though there were no casualties. 

7. Belize is home to the “jabiru stork”, which is the largest flying bird in all of North, Central, and South America.

8. Prior to 1973, Belize was known as British Honduras, during its time as a colony of the British Empire. The name Belize was officially adopted in 1973, eight years before the country achieved full independence on September 21, 1981.

The renaming marked an important step in establishing a national identity distinct from its colonial past.

9. The capital of Belize, Belmopan, was established in 1970 after the devastating Hurricane Hattie destroyed the former capital, Belize City, in 1961.

10. The name “Belmopan” is a combination of “Belize” and “Mopan”. The name Belmopan, the capital city of Belize, is a combination of two words: Belize and Mopan. Belize refers to the country itself. Mopan comes from the Mopan River, which flows near the area and is named after the Mopan Maya, an indigenous group native to Belize and Guatemala.

So, “Belmopan” essentially reflects its geographic and cultural connection to both Belize and the Mopan River. The city was established as the capital in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961, and its name honors the region’s natural and cultural heritage

11. In Belize, it is considered rude to greet a Belizean using their first name.

12. In 2005, Belize experienced civil unrest triggered by a significant tax increase in the national budget.

13. There are about 900 Mayan ruins in Belize. Here are some of the most famous Mayan sites you can explore. Found in southern Belize, these sites are known for their distinctive architecture and artifacts, including stelae and carved objects.

• Caracol – Located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, this was one of the largest Maya cities, home to an estimated 150,000 people at its peak. Its central pyramid, Caana (Sky Palace), remains the tallest man-made structure in Belize.
• Altun Ha – Situated close to Belize City, Altun Ha features impressive temples and is known for the discovery of the famous Jade Head, the largest carved jade object found in the Maya world, representing the sun god, Kinich Ahau.
• Lamanai– Nestled along the New River Lagoon, Lamanai is unique for its jungle surroundings and continuous occupation for over 3,000 years. The Mask Temple and High Temple are must-sees.
• Xunantunich– Near the Guatemalan border, Xunantunich is famous for its El Castillo pyramid, offering breathtaking views of Belize and beyond. The site also features intricate stucco friezes depicting Maya mythology.
• Cahal Pech – Located in San Ignacio, this smaller site is one of the oldest, with evidence of settlement as early as 1200 BCE. It offers a glimpse into early Maya life.

14. Belize is the only Central American country without a Pacific coast.

15. Belize is often referred to as ‘Mother Nature’s best-kept secret’ due to its unspoiled natural beauty, including a thick jungle, waterfalls, Mayan ruins, and caves.

16. Belize is a diver’s paradise, boasting some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean, largely due to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches along Belize’s coastline, offering a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life and breathtaking coral formations.

17. The Great Blue Hole – One of Belize’s most famous dive sites, this giant underwater sinkhole is a world-renowned destination for experienced divers. Measuring over 300 meters (984 feet) across and 125 meters (410 feet) deep, the Blue Hole is known for its dramatic stalactites, unique geological formations, and encounters with reef sharks.

16. Belize is universally known for having a very friendly population renowned for its amiability and hospitality.

17. Despite its small size, Belize is rich in biodiversity and is home to numerous species of flora and fauna.

18. Belize has a tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons.

19. Belize’s economy is based primarily on agriculture, with major exports including sugar, bananas, citrus, and fish products.

20. Belize is home to the world’s only jaguar reserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

21. Belize’s national animal is the Baird’s Tapir, also known locally as the “mountain cow”.

22. Belize’s national flower is the Black Orchid. That’s where the stunning black orchid resort got the name from.

23. Belize’s national tree is the Mahogany tree, reflecting the country’s history as a major exporter of mahogany.

24. Belize has a diverse culture, with influences from the Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo, Creole, and Mennonite populations.

25. Belize celebrates its Independence Day on September 21.

27. Belize’s highest point is Doyle’s Delight at 1,124 meters.

28. Belize is a member of the United Nations (UN), the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

29. Belize’s flag is the only national flag in the world to depict human beings.

30. Belize has a rich folklore tradition, with stories often featuring characters like Anansi, the trickster spider, and Tata Duende, a forest spirit.

31. Belize has a unique musical tradition, with popular genres including Brukdown, Punta Rock, and Garifuna music.