About Belize
BELIZE 
Belize is located just south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Bordered by Guatemala to the west and south. Approximately the size of Massachusetts, with a population of 225,000.
GOVERNMENT
Formerly known as British Honduras. Gained independence in 1981. A parliamentary democracy and member of the British Commonwealth.
TIME
Time observed year round is GMT-6 .
LANGUAGE
English is the official language. Most Belizeans speak at least one other language - e.g. Spanish, Indian, Chinese, Maya, and the local Creole.
WHAT TO WEAR
Shorts, T-shirts and sundresses are the rule of the day. You'll want sandals for the "surf" and comfortable sneakers for the "turf" portion of the trip. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt for evenings especially in the mountains. Long pants are a necessity in the jungle. Don't forget your swimsuit!
WHAT TO BRING
Sunscreen is a must. Insect repellent is useful during jungle hikes or when the air is calm along the coastline. Film, batteries, cosmetics, health and beauty aids, and snack foods brands are limited. Drinkable water is generally not a problem.
ELECTRICITY
110 volts. No adapters necessary for U.S. appliances. Some remote hotels have electricity furnished by generators.
GENERAL INFORMATION
In an effort to preserve resources and amenities for the enjoyment of others, the following are prohibited by law: Removing and exporting black coral, hunting without a license, picking orchids in forest reserves, removing archaeological artifacts, spear fishing while wearing scuba diving apparel and overnight camping in any public place, including forest reserve. Main Industries : Fisheries, lobsters, sugar, citrus and bananas.
AIR SERVICE
Belize City - an easy two-hour flight from Miami, New Orleans, or Houston - is the hub for visiting the mainland or the cayes. To compliment your Maya Island Air Regional Flight from Belize to Cancun, Guatemala City, or San Pedro Sula, Maya Island Air provides domestic air service to ten destinations within Belize.
TAXI SERVICE
Taxis are available at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport and generally in all towns. Fares are strictly regulated within Belize City.
BUS SERVICE
Regular, scheduled bus service operates to and from all main towns - to the border of Guatemala and across the Mexican border to Chetumal and Cancun.
CUSTOM DECLARATION
Duty-free importation is allowed for: The accompanied baggage of the passenger, wearing apparel, jewelry, binoculars and cameras, all of which are not intended for any other person or resale. Each person is allowed to import: One carton (200 only) cigarettes and one bottle (fifth) of alcoholic beverage, duty-free.
CURRENCY
The currency exchange is $2 BZ-$1 US. Cash or traveler's checks are accepted- *credit cards are widely accepted.
RELIGIONS
Roman Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish and other regional ethnic religions.
FOOD
Rice and beans are the staples of the Belizean diet, often served with chicken. Creole, Mexican, Central American, Chinese, Indian and American cuisine are also served. Seafood is widely available, although it is illegal to serve lobster generally between March 15 and June 14.
TIPPING
Some hotels and restaurants add a 15 percent service charge, which is distributed among the staff. In general, follow the same guidelines you would use at home, tipping as a way of rewarding good service.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
The coral reefs off the coast provide the longest continuous barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Calm Caribbean waters inside the reef range from turquoise to aquamarine. Lack of wave action allows sea grasses to grow; Belize does not have a "walk-in" beach. Low coastal areas are mangrove swamp. Most of the mainland is covered in broadleaf jungle, which yields to pines at higher elevations. Belize is crisscrossed with navigable rivers including the Mopan, New River, and Belize River. The Maya Mountains have numerous waterfalls.
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