Belize is located in Central America and borders Mexico and Guatemala. The capital, Belmopan, is carved out of the jungle in the center of Belize, near the Maya Mountain foothills. Belize City, over 300 years old and the country's main commercial area and seaport, is the largest city, boasting over 80,000 inhabitants and continually growing. It combines a mixture of colonial architecture, functional wooden buildings and historic cathedrals, exuding a ramshackle charm. Other towns of note are Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and the blooming beach town Placencia to the south, and Orange Walk and Corozal to the north.

Belizeans are a laid back people with a low-key demeanor. To the short-term mission participant, Belize will appear quite rural and undeveloped.

Belize enjoys a subtropical climate the entire year. The wet season occurs from August through November, followed by a dry season from December through March. The normal highs all year are 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while low temperatures rarely reach the 60's.

Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America. Creole is also often spoken by locals, as well as Spanish in the western part of the country near Guatemala.

Belize is safe by Central American and Caribbean standards, though street crime is not uncommon in more urban areas. Local theft and pick pocketing are the most frequent occurrences. Awareness of one's surroundings is paramount at all times.

Belize's economy is seeing steady growth due to an increase in international tourism.  Its jungles are being touted as destinations for eco-lodges, and being located next to the world's second longest barrier reef has obvious advantages. Telecommunications companies are growing, attempting to usher Belize into the 21st century. The per capita income in Belize is just over $8,000 USD annually.

Belize's dollar value is tied to the United States dollar. Two Belizean dollars equal one U.S. dollar, and either currency can be used. At this time, Belizean banks are not connected to the international banking system, so ATM's are unusable for Americans.  Visa and MasterCard continue to gain acceptance at most hotels and restaurants.

Latin American, Creole, and Chinese restaurants represent the vast majority in Belize. Most restaurants serve a variety of foods, from chicken and rice to shrimp or pizza.  Local fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapples are widely available and taste excellent. Any fruits that are not peeled or cooked should be avoided.

Belize boasts dense jungles loaded with creatures that fly, swim, and walk. Among them, the toucan, jaguar, and tapir are most famous. The Belize Zoo offers a great opportunity to see the local flora and fauna up close. Also within Belize are a number of Mayan ruins, including Altun-Ha and Xunatunich, which rises 131 feet from the jungle floor.

Belize was dominated by and in the middle of the Mayan empire for the better part of a thousand years. The Spanish arrived in the 16th century and used the area primarily for logging. During the next two hundred years, many British and Spanish pirates inhabited the area, battling for naval supremacy. Finally in 1798, the British navy defeated the Spanish and laid official claim to the area. In 1862, Britain formally named the territory “British Honduras”. That title that lasted until 1981 when a peaceful independence was granted and British Honduras became Belize.

The vast majority of Belizeans declare some sort of spiritual faith. Many are Roman Catholic, while Christian Protestantism continues to grow. Other practiced cults are Jehovah's Witnesses, Hindu, and Voodooism.

Here are some links to more information about Belize.
(These links will open in a new window when clicked.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bh.html
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1955.htm