by Dan Evon

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: September 21, 2009

Maybe it is because Belize is the only Central American country with English as its primary language. Maybe it's because the laid back attitude of the country is infectious. Either way, Belize has become a tourist haven for travelers who are looking for pristine beaches and a place where trouble can not find them.

Geography

This small country is only 9000 square miles but contains the second largest barrier reef in the world. The reef provides unparalleled opportunities for fishing, diving, and snorkeling. If you are an apt swimmer you may even be able to join locals who

spearfish off of the reef. Belize also consists of small islands called cayes off to the east in the Caribbean sea.

Economy

Belize has many exports including: sugar, bananas, and seafood. Their oranges are also so sweet that they are often shipped to Florida to be mixed in with the famous Florida oranges. But the bulk of Belize's economy comes from what they take in, not what they put in. Tourism is Belize's biggest money maker, yet it does not diminish from the charm of the small tropical country.

Politics

Belize is a very new country, celebrating its independence only 18 years ago. Belize became independent of Britain on September 21st, 1981. The Britain influence is still strongly felt in the country however. They have a parliamentary democracy which is led by a Prime Minister. They also have a bi-cameral National Assembly, and the country is divided into 6 separate districts.

Food and Drink

Seafood is abundant in Belize, most of which has been caught just hours before it hits the grill. Food is nearly always served with rice and beans and to get the full taste of Belize, top it with a Marie Sharp's hot sauce which is famous throughout the country. If the hot sauce starts to make your sweat, wash it down with a Belkin beer, "the only beer worth drinking," according to the Belkin label.

Interesting Extras

The Mosquito Coast with Harrison Ford takes place in near by Honduras but was actually filmed in Belize. If you want to get a look at the beautiful interior landscape of Belize check this movie out.

Belize is also home to many of the Mayan ruins.

The three-toed anteater, called the tamandua, is one of the unique animals that calls Belize home.

Despite its small size Belize is home to 43 different airports. What's more interesting is that only 5 of them are paved. Belize consists of many cayes and remote ranches that people often fly too.

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