Belize Fishing Lodge

TOPOGRAPHY: Belize occupies 8,866 square miles. On the east coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The second-largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long) falls within Belize’s territory along with three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere. Doyle’s Delight is the country’s highest peak at 3,688 feet.

CLIMATE: The climate is subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is between June and August.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: Same as U.S., 110 volts AC.

GOVERNMENT. Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.

LANGUAGE: English is the official language and is widely spoken. Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garifuna are also spoken.

POPULATION: The population of Belize is approximately 311,500 comprising Creoles (African-European), Garifunas (Caribs), Mestizos (Spanish, Indian), Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indians and Europeans.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS: Most denominations are represented in Belize. The majority is Roman Catholic; there are also Anglicans, and Methodists, etc.

TIME ZONE: Belize occupies the time zone GMT-6, the same as US Central Standard Time. Daylight saving time is not observed.

WATER. Tap water in Belize is potable.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Direct-dial and cellular telephone, fax, TV, e-mail and Internet are available. Internet cafes are plentiful, and wireless is available at some resorts. Satellite phones in remote areas.

MONEY: Currency exchange; Local currency is the Belize Dollar, or $BZD. One US dollar is equivalent to BZD$2. Banks and ATM’s throughout the country include Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Scotia Bank and First Caribbean.