Belize Overview Country Overview Belize is situated at the base of the Yucatán Peninsula in Central America and borders Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to the east. The coastal strip is swampy with mangroves, salt and freshwater lagoons and sandy beaches crossed by a number of rivers. To the south and west rises the forested Maya mountain range. Belmopan, the country’s capital city, is carved out of the jungle in the centre of Belize, near the Maya Mountain foothills. The imposing National Assembly building on Independence Hill is patterned with an ancient Mayan motif. Near the town of San Antonio, located in the Toledo District, is the Mayan site of Lubaantum, where the famous crystal skull was discovered in a temple vault. Belize City, over 300 years old and the country’s main commercial area and seaport, is the biggest city. It combines a mixture of colonial architecture, functional wooden buildings and historic cathedrals. Chinese, Latin American and Creole food is widely available. Bars are plentiful and the local Belikin beer is worth sampling. The more popular Belize nightclubs feature local bands at the weekends. General Information Area: 22,965 sq km (8867 sq miles). Population: 240,204 (2000). Population Density: 10.5 per sq km. Capital: Belmopan City. Population: 6785 (1997). Belize City (the former capital) has a population of 53,915. GEOGRAPHY: Belize is situated at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America and borders Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country’s area includes numerous small islands (Cayes) off the coast. The coastal strip is low and swampy, particularly in the north, with mangroves, many salt and freshwater lagoons and some sandy beaches crossed by a number of rivers. To the south and west rises the heavily forested Maya mountain range, with the Cockscomb range to the east and the Mountain Pine Ridge in the west. More than 65 per cent of the area of the country is forested. The land to the west along the borders with Guatemala is open and relatively scenic compared to much of the interior. The shallow offshore Cayes straddle a coral reef second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1981. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II represented locally by Governor-General Sir Colville Young since 1993. Head of Government: Prime Minister Said Musa since 1998. Language: English is the official language, but Spanish is spoken to some extent by over half the population. Garifuna (Carib), Maya and Ketchi are also spoken as well as a German dialect (by the Mennonites). Religion: The people of Belize are mainly Roman Catholic (approximately 60 per cent of the population). Other denominations include Anglican, Methodist, Mennonite, Seventh Day Adventist and Pentecostal. Time: GMT - 6. Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 501. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone Coverage is available in all six districts. Belize Telecommunications Ltd has a GSM 1900 network. Handsets can be hired from Belize Telecommunications Ltd (BTL). Fax BTL public booth in Belize City and some government and company offices have facilities available. Internet ISPs include BTL (website: www.btl.net) and Belize Web (website: www.belizeweb.com). There is an e-mail service centre in the BTL office in central Belize City and Internet cafes in urban centres and popular tourist centres. Telegram Full services are available from BTL public booth and post offices and major hotels in Belize City, Belmopan and San Ignacio. Post Mail to Europe takes up to five days. Press The major weeklies include Amandala, Government Gazette, The San Pedro Sun, The Reporter and The Belize Times. Belize Today is a monthly official paper published in English. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.19 12.10 6.195 5.975 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 13.79 9.455 6.130 5.995 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No Yes Australian Yes No Yes Canadian Yes No Yes USA Yes No Yes OtherEU Yes No Yes Japanese Yes Yes Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) nationals indicated in the chart above for stays up to 30 days; (b) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Chad, India, Mozambique, Nauru, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West African countries who do require a visa), for stays up to 30 days; (c) nationals of Caribbean Community Member States (CARICOM), except Haiti, for stays up to 30 days; (d) nationals of Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, Tunisia and Uruguay for stays up to 30 days; (e) transit passengers continuing their journey within two days and holding onward tickets. Note: (a) All travellers are required to show evidence of sufficient funds (minimum £50 per day) and proof of return or onward ticket at the point of entry. (b) Each individual traveller regardless of age must make a separate visa application. Types of visa and cost: Tourist and Business (single-entry)(valid for three months): £20. Multiple-entry visas can only be issued within Belize itself, or with authorisation from the Department of Immigration in Belize. Validity: Visas are usually valid for three months from date of issue. Extensions to the period of stay must be applied for at the nearest Immigration Office in Belize where evidence of sufficient funds must be provided. Application to: Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section. Application requirements: (a) Application form. (b) One passport-size photo. (c) Passport. (d) Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay (at least £50 per day, shown by copies of most recent bank statements). (e) Return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation. (f) Copies of tickets or a confirmed travel itinerary. (g) Fee. Payment is by bank draft or postal order, personal cheques are not accepted (you may pay in cash if the application is made in person). (h) £5 to cover postal applications, where applicable. (i) For Business visas: Copies of most recent bank statement or letter from financial officer and proof of purpose of trip. The visa recipient is advised to carry all evidence submitted in support of the application for possible inspection by the immigration official upon entry into Belize. Working days required: Normally ten. Visas issued in person will be ready for the following day. Allow two to four weeks if clearance is needed from Belize. Temporary residence: Apply to Immigration and Nationality Department, Belmopan. Money Currency: Belize Dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Bz$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Bz$1, and 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Note: The Belize Dollar is tied to the US Dollar at US$1 = Bz$2. Currency exchange: Currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and travel agencies. Some businesses will even accept dollars. ATMs in Belize generally do not accept foreign cards. Credit & debit cards: American Express, Visa and MasterCard (limited) are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Most establishments will add a five per cent service charge to the bills of customers using credit cards. Travellers cheques: These can be exchanged, commission will usually be charged. Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to Bz$100. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of Bz$400 for residents, and up to the amount imported and declared for non-residents. Visitors are advised to carry a minimum of Bz$75 for each day they intend to stay. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Belize Dollar against the Pound Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 2.87 2.91 3.12 3.14 $1.00= 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.97 Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0800-1300, Fri 0800-1630. Duty Free The following goods may be taken into Belize without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 568ml of alcoholic beverages; 1 bottle of perfume for personal use. Prohibited items: The following items may not be exported from Belize: pre-Columbian articles, marine products, unprocessed coral or turtle shells. Public Holidays Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Mar 9 Baron Bliss Day. Apr 18-21 Easter. May 1 Labour Day. May 24 Commonwealth Day. Sep 10 St George’s Caye Day. Sep 21 Independence Day. Oct 12 Columbus Day. Nov 19 Garifuna Settlement Day. Dec 1 Bank Holiday. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Mar 9 Baron Bliss Day. Apr 9-12 Easter. May 1 Labour Day. May 24 Commonwealth Day. Sep 10 St George’s Caye Day. Sep 21 Independence Day. Oct 12 Columbus Day. Nov 19 Garifuna Settlement Day. Dec 1 Bank Holiday. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No 1 Cholera 2 No Typhoid and Polio 3 N/A Malaria 4 N/A 1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers coming from infected areas. Pregnant women and children under nine months should not normally be vaccinated. 2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry into Belize. However, imported cases of cholera were reported in 1996 and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. 3: Typhoid fever is a risk and immunisation is advised. 4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year, excluding Belize district and urban areas, predominantly in the benign vivax form. The risk is highest in the western and southern regions. A weekly dose of 300mg of chloroquine is the recommended prophylaxis. Food & drink: While tap water is generally regarded as safe for consumption, purified water is readily available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other risks: Amoebic and bacillary dysenteries and other diarrhoeal diseases are very common. Hepatitis A, B and C occur. Dengue fever may also be present. Cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis occur. Snakes may be a hazard. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information consult the Health appendix. Note: Visitors applying for residency will require an AIDS test (foreign tests may not be acceptable). Health care: There are seven government hospitals – one in Belmopan, one in Belize City and one in each of the other five main district towns. Medical services in rural areas are provided by rural health care centres, and mobile clinics operate in remote areas. International travellers are strongly advised to take out medical insurance before departing for Belize. Travel - International AIR: International services, mainly of a regional nature, are provided by Tropic Air, American Airlines, Continental, Grupo TACA and Maya Island Air. There are flights from the USA, Guatemala and the other Central American countries. Approximate flight times: To Belize from London (via Miami) is 11 hours; from Los Angeles is 8 hours; from Miami is 2 hours; from Guatemala City is 2 hours; from Cancun is 1 hour and 30 minutes and from New York is 5 hours. International airports: The Philip S W Goldson International Airport (BZE) is 16km (10 miles) northwest of Belize City. Taxis are available to the city (travel time – 15 minutes); prices should be agreed with the driver beforehand. Facilities include duty-free shops, bank, shops, restaurant and bar. There is an airport bus to the city centre (travel time – 30 minutes). Note: Belmopan, the capital, is 84km (52 miles) from Belize City by road. Departure tax: US$20 is levied on all passengers, apart from transit passengers travelling on within 48 hours and children under 12 years of age. SEA: Main ports include Belize City, Corozal, Dangriga, San Pedro and Punta Gorda. Belize has greatly improved its port facilities, but these cater for cargo vessels and no cruise lines call. There are regular ferry services between Punta Gorda and Puerto Barrios and Lívingston in Guatemala, or from Dangriga and Placencia to Puerto Cortés in Honduras. ROAD: There are road links with Chetumal on the Mexican border and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. Regular scheduled bus services serve these routes, leaving between every half hour or hour for Belize City. Border crossing fees may apply. Travel - Internal AIR: Local services link the main towns. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air fly three times daily from the municipal airstrip at Belize City to Ambergris Caye. There are also scheduled flights daily to each of the main towns, and charter rates are offered to all local airstrips, of which there are 25. Island Air (WP) offers scheduled flights between the mainland and San Pedro. Several companies have charters from Belize City to the outlying districts. SEA: The sugar industry runs motorboat links along the coast. There is a scheduled boat service from Belize City to Ambergris Caye, Caye Chapel and Caye Caulker. Small boats irregularly ply between the small Cayes off the coast. This transport used to be the only means of travel to the interior, along the Belize, Hondo and New rivers, but services have dwindled since the advent of all-weather roads. ROAD: Approximately 1600km (1000 miles) of all-weather roads link the eight towns in the country, though torrential rain seasonally severs these links, particularly at ferry points. Belize has a less developed network of roads than the rest of Central America but it is steadily being improved, especially in the north, as is the Belize stretch of the road to Mexico, while the Belize–Belmopan road is in generally good condition. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: There are good and inexpensive daily bus services to all the large towns, and to both the Mexican and Guatemalan borders. Many of the buses are modern and air-conditioned. See the tourist board website for details of schedules. Car hire: Avis, Budget, Hertz and National operate in Belize City and there are many other companies in Ladyville, Dangriga and San Ignacio. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for excursions south of Belize City. Documentation: A national driving licence is acceptable. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Belize City to other major cities/towns in the country. Air Road Sea Northern Border 2.20 - - Corozal Town - 2.00 - Orange Walk Town 1.15 - - Belmopan 0.20 1.00 - Benque Viejo - 1.45 - San Ignacio - 1.30 - Dangriga 0.30 3.30 - Punta Gorda 0.45 8.00 - San Pedro, Ambergris 0.15 - 1.30 Caye Caulker - 0.45 - Placencia 0.30 4.00 7.00 Accommodation HOTELS: Belize has few first-class hotels, but smaller establishments give good value. There are mountain lodges in the interior and resort hotels on the Caribbean coast. Most accommodation establishments are listed by the Belize Tourism Industry Association (see Contact Addresses section). The BTIA represents more than 50 per cent of all establishments. Grading: Hotels have been divided into three categories according to price and standard. Rates are subject to change without notice. It is advisable to confirm reservations and rates in advance. Classes of hotels are as follows: Expensive: All hotels provide a private bath/shower and have a restaurant and bar. There is air conditioning in all rooms. Some rooms also have a phone and TV. Moderate: All hotels provide a private bath/shower and full or partial air conditioning. Budget: Nearly all provide a private bath/shower, though sometimes baths/showers are shared. On the Barrier Reef Cayes there are numerous resort hotels of roughly the same standard as those given above. APARTMENTS: Long-stay visitors can rent apartments on a monthly basis. CAMPING AND CARAVANNING: There are budget campsite facilities in Belize, Cayo and Corazal districts and a slightly more expensive campsite in Toledo district. There is a caravan site in Corozal Town, and also outside San Ignacio. Camping on the beach is forbidden. Camping on private beach yards in Caye Caulker and in Tobacco Caye is available. Mainland Belize Belmopan is the country’s new capital city, carved out of the tropical jungle in the geographic centre of Belize, near the foothills of the Maya Mountains. It has a population of nearly 7000, most of whom are civil servants, and is in the first phase of a 20-year development period. The most imposing building is the National Assembly on Independence Hill, patterned in an ancient Mayan motif. Corozal was settled around 1850 by Mestizo refugees from Mexico; now it is a well-planned community and the centre of Belize’s thriving sugar industry. Just outside Corozal are two interesting Mayan ruins: Santa Rita, just one mile north of Corozal with a view of the town and its waterfront; and Cerros, once a coastal trading centre which can be reached by a 20-minute boat ride across Corozal Bay. South of Corozal is the agricultural centre of Orange Walk, where fresh fruit and vegetables can be bought at the markets. Also to the south is the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary where the jabiru stork (the largest bird in the western hemisphere) can be seen, along with howler monkeys, crocodiles and many indigenous birds. Day cruises of the New River, south of Orange Walk, are available with stops at the spectacular Mayan citadel ruin of Lamanai and the Temple of the Masks, where visitors can see the tremendous head of the sun god, Kinich Ahau, carved into the limestone. One of the most famous Mayan ruins in Belize is Altun Ha, located 50km (31 miles) north of Belize City on the Northern Highway. The site was a major ceremonial centre and trading centre in the Classic period (AD 250-900) and an extraordinary head of the sun god, ornately carved in jade, was found here and is now a national symbol of Belize. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is located south of the Western Highway about 115km (70 miles) from Belize City. It is an area of fine views and secluded streams, and contains the Hidden Valley Falls which plunge 500m (1600ft) into the valley. Inland from Belize City on the Belize River, is the Community Baboon Sanctuary with one of the few robust black howler monkey populations in Central America. San Ignacio, surrounded by hills, is the administrative centre for the Cayo district. Not far from San Ignacio are several Mayan sites including El Pilar and the magnificent Xunantunich with its 1500-year-old El Castillo, the second-tallest building in Belize. The canaa of the Caracol Mayan site in Cayo is the tallest Mayan building in Belize. This site has been claimed to rival such other famous sites as Tikal in neighbouring Guatemala. Also in Cayo are the waters of Rio on Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Near the town of San Antonio, located in the Toledo District inland from Punta Gorda, is the Mayan site of Lubaantum, where the famous perfectly carved crystal skull was found in a temple vault. Coastal Belize Belize City is over 300 years old and serves as the main commercial area and seaport. It is the country’s biggest city, and is a mixture of colonial architecture, functional wooden buildings and historic cathedrals. Sights include the oldest Anglican cathedral in Latin America, St John’s, and Government House, the Belize City residence of the British Governor, built in 1814. Around 32km (20 miles) south of the city is Belize Zoo on the Western Highway, with more than 100 species of indigenous animals, including monkeys, jaguars and tapirs. Cerros is located on the fringe of a beautiful expanse of blue-green water which is ideal for watersports. Across the bay is an archaeological site. Dangriga (Stann Creek) provides a good base for excursions to the offshore islands and nearby forests. Natural waterfalls can be seen at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary situated at the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Close by lies the diving and snorkelling haven Southwater Caye. Placencia is a village situated at the tip of the 20km-long (12 mile) Placencia peninsula. Its protected lagoon and sandy beaches make it an ideal place for fishing, swimming and sunbathing. The fishing village of Punta Gorda is the southernmost outpost of Belize. Forty kilometres (25 miles) north of here off the Southern Highway is the Mayan ruin of Nim Li Punit, with the tallest carved stele in Belize. The Belize Cayes The cayes (pronounced ‘keys’) are islands and/or mangroves located between the mainland and the barrier reef, on the barrier reef, and on or within the barrier reef perimeters of the offshore atolls. Although the mangrove cayes are normally uninhabitable for humans, they do provide an ideal habitat for birds and marine life. The island cayes, which are distinguishable by their palm trees, have provided the foundation for the development of many fine resorts to serve watersports enthusiasts and marine naturalists. Ambergris Caye, with its many beaches and the fishing village of San Pedro, is the most popular tourist destination. Along with the other Cayes it is a paradise for divers with access to one of the most unspoilt coral reefs in the world; Hoi Chan Marine Reserve is a popular dive site where southern stingray and nurse sharks can be observed in shark ray alley. Situated 58km (36 miles) north of Belize City, it is accessible by daily scheduled air flights and boat transfers. Caye Caulker has an extensive underwater cave system which has made it popular with divers, whilst those who wish to explore the reef without getting wet can see photographs of reef fish at the museum. On Half Moon Caye at Lighthouse Reef is the Red-Footed Booby Bird Sanctuary, founded in 1982 to protect the booby and other birds and animals. There are many other Cayes with facilities for those interested in fishing, diving and seeing wildlife. National Parks Belize has a rich natural geography, from jungle forests, karst terrain and swampy mangroves to tropical beaches. Consequently, the country is eager to promote ecotourism and there exists a number of protected areas, including marine reserves and national parks. Twelve miles southeast of Belmopan, the Blue Hole National Park pays tribute to the curious Blue Hole, a collapsed water sinkhole, 7.6m (25 feet) deep, of intense colour. The park is a natural forest reserve that is home to an abundance of birds, animals, flora and St Herman’s Cave, an ancient Mayan cave. Five Blues Lake National Park is situated at the foot of the spectacular Mayan Mountains and covers over 1619 hectares (4000 acres) of tropical forest. The eponymous lake is a collapsed cave system, known as a cenote or blue hole, and appears in an array of aqua hues. There is an amazing wealth of wildlife and fauna to be seen here. At the junction to the Cayo District from the Hummingbird and Western highways, lies Guanacaste National Park, taking its name from the giant Guanacaste trees at the edge of the reserve. With over a hundred species of bird and highlighted trails with information on the trees and plants within the forest, the park is popular as an introduction to the diverse environment of Belize. Laughing Bird Caye National Park is a shelf atoll, ideal for diving, but is also a habitat for the unusual laughing gulls. The Caye is situated 21km (13 miles) southeast of Placencia Village in the Stann Creek District. The Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area contains 81,745 hectares (202,000 acres) of preserved forests and marshlands which provides a home for a rich array of birds and endangered species, including Jaguars, Pumas, Black Howler Monkeys, Margays, Ocellated Turkeys and Brocket Deer. Over 40 Mayan ruins have also been discovered here. The conservation park is located near the Orange Walk district of Belize. Mayan Archaeological Sites Travellers wishing to follow ‘La Ruta Maya’ (the pathways into Mayan culture) will find some unspoilt and rarely visited Mayan ruins in and around Belize. Lamanai (Submerged Crocodile) is one of the largest Mayan centres, and as an archaeological reserve also contains a museum, the remains of two 16th-century Spanish churches and a 19th-century sugar mill. The site is situated on the banks of the New River Lagoon in the North of Belize and accommodation is available in local guest-houses and jungle lodges. Altun Ha (Water of the Rock) has two main plazas, over 13 temples and a large jade head of the Sun God Ahau (one of the largest carved Mayan jade objects). Several tour operators run trips to the site which is located near the Belize district and is inaccessible by public transport. Situated in the Chiquibul Rain Forest of the Cayo District, Caracol (Snail) is home to the tallest man-made structure in Belize; Canaa (Sky Place) pyramid rises 43m (140ft) high. Although hard to get to during the rainy season, trips and the necessary entry permits can be organised with travel agents in Belize. Cerros (Maya Hills) lies on a peninsula overlooking Corozal Bay and consists of three large acropolises dominated by pyramid structures. The impressive ruins of Xunantunich (Stone Woman) include six plazas, 25 temples and palaces, and the 43m-high (130 foot) ‘El Castillo’ (The Castle). To access the site requires taking a bus 8 miles west of San Ignacio town and a ferry over the Mopan River, before walking a further 1.6km (1 mile) to the grounds. It is advisable to book the trip through a travel operator or company. For further details contact the Belize Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Sport & Activities Watersports: Belize ranks among the best scuba diving and snorkelling destinations in the western Caribbean. At a length of 296km (185 miles), Belize’s Barrier Reef is the longest in the Western hemisphere and offers divers a nearly continuous wall of coral (stretching almost 224km (140 miles) from Mexico to the Sapodilla Cayes). The best developed sections of the reef are south of Columbus Reef. Some of the best dive sites include Lighthouse Reef, where divers can explore walls with spectacular drops of thousands of feet; and the Blue Hole (see Resorts & Excursions, National Parks section). Boats to both sites can be hired. Visitors can either arrange diving trips with an offshore resort, sign on with one of the many live-aboard boats or hire a charter boat from one of the many dive resorts along the coast. Visitors should also be aware of the restrictions on the removal of coral, orchids and turtles, and on spearfishing in certain areas. Wrecks and treasures are also government-protected. For further information and a list of dive operators, contact the Belize Tourist Board. Swimming is good off the Cayes and on the southeast coast, where many places have developed as diving and watersport resorts (see Resorts & Excursions section). All kinds of fishing, including game fishing (for snapper, barracuda, marlin and bonito), can be enjoyed all year round. Belize’s 20 river systems and smaller streams are ideal for kayaking and canoeing, and trips (which usually also involve birdwatching or wildlife viewing) can be arranged via local travel agents, operators or hotels. Other: Birdwatching is popular, with hundreds of bird species can be observed, particularly in the national parks, notably the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Silk Grass Greek Road and the Mountain Pine Ridge. Caving and archaeology are also popular pastimes. Social Profile Food & Drink: There is a selection of restaurants which serve international, Chinese, Latin American and Creole food. Service and quality vary but the food is generally cheap. Bars are plentiful and local drinks include coconut rum mixed with pineapple juice. The local Belikin beer is worth sampling. Nightlife: There is live dancing late in the evenings at Bellevue Hotel and quiet music at Fort George Bar overlooking the harbour. In addition, there are popular nightclubs throughout Belize that feature local bands at weekends. Shopping: Handicrafts, woodcarvings and straw items are on sale. Jewellery in pink and black coral, and tortoiseshell (not to be imported to the USA) used to be good buys, but now there are severe restrictions on the export of these and some other goods in the interests of wildlife conservation. ‘In-Bond’ stores carry watches, perfumes and other duty-free purchases, but Belize is not comparable in size to other free ports in the Caribbean. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200, 1300-1630 and 1900-2100. Special Events: For further details, contact the Belize Tourism Board (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring annually in Belize: Jan 1 Krem New Year’s Cycling Classic; Horse Racing in Burrell Boom. Feb 7-9 International Billfish Tournament. Feb 9 Valentine Cycle Race. Mar San Jose Succotz Festival (local fair celebrating patron saint). Mar 7-10 La Ruta Maya Canoe River Challenge. Mar 9 Agricultural Show (northern Belize); San Cas Belmopan Cycling Classic. Apr 19 Holy Saturday Cycling Classic. Apr 19-21 Easter Fair (in San Ignacio). Apr 21 Burrell Boom Cycle and Horse Races. May Summer Blue Water Tournament (St George’s Caye); Cayo Expo (San Ignacio, display of local products); Children’s Arts Festival; Arts and Crafts Exhibitions and Performing Nights. May 1 Horse Race in Burrel Boom and Orange Walk District; BWU Cycling Classic. May 3-4 Cashew Festival (Crooked Tree Village). May 11 Mother’s Day Cycling Classic. May 16-18 National Agricultural and Trade Show (Belmopan). May 25 Horse race in Burrel Boom and Orange Walk District. Jun Placencia Mountain Bike Classic. Jun 27-29 Placencia Lobster Fest. Jun 30 Dia de San Pedro (boat parade and blessing). Jul 4-6 Lobster Festival (Caye Caulker). Jul 18-20 Benque Viejo Fiesta (cultural show celebrating patron saint). Aug Deer Dance Festival (San Antonio Village Toledo). Aug 14-17 International Costa Maya Festival (Ambergris Caye). Sep 7-8 Fiestarama (Orange Walk Town). Sep 9 Fire Engine Parade (Belize City). Sep 20 Flag Raising Ceremonies. Oct 11-12 Belikin Spectacular Fishing Tournament. Social Conventions: British influence can still be seen in many social situations. Flowers or confectionary are acceptable gifts to give to hosts if invited to their home for a meal. Dress is casual, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. It may be inadvisable to discuss politics, particularly if of a partisan nature. Tipping: Few places add service charges, and ten per cent is normal. Taxi drivers are not tipped. Business Profile Economy: Agriculture is the most important economic sector: the main products are citrus fruit, bananas and sugar cane. Timber is also important, especially mahogany and other tropical hardwoods. Fishing and livestock are being developed. The fastest-growing area of the Belize economy has been the service sector, particularly ‘offshore’ activities including the lightly regulated banking sector and a ‘flag of convenience’ shipping register. However, these have started to cause political difficulties for the Belizean government. In June 2000, Belize was identified by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as one of 35 ‘tax havens’ whose financial laws are believed to encourage large-scale tax evasion and money-laundering. The Government has since taken measures to meet the OECD’s demands. Tourism, fuelled by foreign investment, has also expanded in recent years, although not at the rate the Government had originally hoped. Industry is dominated by the processing of agricultural products (for example, the production of rum from sugar) and light industries such as textiles. The country has no natural energy resources, although the search for oil reserves continues both on- and offshore and plans for hydroelectric projects are under discussion. The USA is the largest single trading partner, providing half of all imports and taking about 60 per cent of Belizean exports. The UK and other EU countries are other important trading partners. Belize is a member of CARICOM, the Caribbean economic community, and provides some transit facilities for trade to and from other countries in the region. Belize is a significant recipient of overseas aid from Britain, the EU and North America. Business: Lightweight, tropical suits are often worn. Appointments should be made and calling cards are acceptable. October to March are the best months for visits. Office hours: Mon-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1300-1700, Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1630. Commercial Information: The following organisation (with which 80 per cent of all businesses are associated) can offer advice: Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 291, 63 Regent Street, Belize City (tel: (2) 73148 or 70668; fax: (2) 74984; e-mail: bcci@btl.net; website: www.belize.org); or Belize Trade & Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), 14 Orchid Garden Street, Belmopan, Cayo, Belize (tel: (8) 223737; fax: (8) 220595; e-mail: beltraide@belize.gov.bz; website: www.belizeinvest.org.bz). Conferences/Conventions: Facilities are available at a number of venues, and information can be obtained from the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment, Constitution Drive, Belmopan (tel: (8) 23393-4; fax: (8) 23815; e-mail: tourismdpt@btl.net). Climate Subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. High annual temperatures and humidity. Dry and hot climate from January to April, with rainy season from June to September. History and Government History: The region was at the heart of the Mayan empire (circa AD 300 to AD 800) which subsequently migrated to Yucatán. The country’s modern history really begins when Belize, formerly British Honduras, was occupied by the British in 1638-40, with settlements spreading as woodcutting became profitable. By the end of the 18th century, Africans were brought in as slaves to cut the mahogany. Despite attacks from the Spanish, the settlers remained, although it was not until 1862 that the territory was recognised as a British colony. The country achieved internal self government in 1964. Elections in 1965 brought the leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), George Price, to power. A bicameral legislature was then introduced. The PUP won every election held subsequently until 1984, when the United Democratic Party (UDP) took power for the first time. The new Government remained committed to the mainstays of Belizean policy: growth through foreign investment, membership of CARICOM (the Caribbean Common Market) and a settlement of the long-running dispute with neighbouring Guatemala. Price was returned to office in September 1989. Tensions have long existed between Belize and Guatemala because, even though the boundary between them was determined in 1859, Guatemala continued to claim sovereignty of Belize. Throughout the 1970s, British troops were sent over in response to Guatemalan hostility. As a result of negotiations, Britain agreed to grant Belize independence in 1981. However, the new Guatemalan President, Jorge Serrano, who took office in January 1991, declared his government’s urgent desire to reach a settlement. An agreement was duly reached in September 1991 (including the establishment of diplomatic relations) under which Guatemala recognised Belizean sovereignty (although it maintains its territorial claim) in exchange for access to Belizean ports. In May 1993, the British garrison withdrew. Shortly afterwards, Premier George Price called a snap election. Despite expectations, his PUP was narrowly defeated by Manuel Esquival, the new leader of the UDP. The Guatemala problem emerged once again in 1994 when a formal sovereignty claim was lodged at the United Nations. The Government responded by opening talks with Britain on future military assistance. Since then Belize and Guatemala have held a series of inconclusive bilateral negotiations under the auspices of the UN: as recently as 2000, the Guatemalans formally lodged a claim to half of Belizean territory. In the same forum, the Belizean government has come under pressure from the USA for its alleged laxity in the ‘war on drugs’ – Washington believes that Belize has become a major transit point for shipments into the USA and for the laundering of drug profits through the country’s banking system. Belize’s present ambassador at the UN is a controversial figure; Michael Ashcroft, a wealthy British entrepreneur (and treasurer of the British Conservative party), was the driving force behind Belize’s newly developed ‘offshore’ finance industry. He also controls a significant portion of the financial sector as well as key parts of Belize’s economic infrastructure. Ashcroft has developed a very close relationship with the new PUP government led by Said Musa, which took office after a landslide victory in the August 1998 election. In the last two years, the main preoccupation for the Government has been repairing the immense damage caused by Hurricanes Iris and Keith. Government: Belize is formally a constitutional monarchy in which the British Monarch is Head of State, represented in Belize by a Governor General. The bicameral National Assembly is the legislature, and consists of a nine-member Senate (appointed by the Governor-General for a five-year term) and a 29-member House of Representatives (directly elected for a maximum five-year term). Executive power is in the hands of the Governor General, advised by the cabinet. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.