|
Belize lies on the East coast
of Central America in the heart of the Caribbean Basin. The country was
previously known as British Honduras. In the North, Belize shares borders
with Mexico and to the West and South with Guatemala. In the foreground,
it is graced with the Caribbean Sea and 174 miles of unbroken barrier
reef. The capital of Belize is Belmopan,
a small city with a population of about 5000 people.
This beautiful country provides extensive sites for those with a passion
for watersports like the avid
snorkeler or the scuba diver. Fishing, waterskiing, windsurfing, boat
races and swimming are favorite activities. The exciting underwater world
with unique coral structures, marine caves and extensive marine life are a
dream come true for visitors. Miles upon miles of white sandy beaches and
secluded island retreats are only part of the fun-in-the-sun menu.
The population
of approximately 200,000 people consists of a mixture of Creole, Garifuna,
Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and Eastern
Indian. Due to racial harmony and religious tolerance, all of these
different elements have mixed and blended successfully, and Belize has
gained a widespread reputation for its friendly people. English is the
official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan
are widely spoken throughout the country. Belize is blessed with an
outstanding archaeological heritage of
Maya temples and palaces. It is known that the Maya occupation began as
early as 1500 B.C., and although it began its decline in 900 A.D., some
Maya cultural centers continued to be occupied until contact with the
Spanish in the 1500's. During the classic period (250 A.D. to 900 A.D.),
the population of Belize exceeded well over one million people, and it is
believed that Belize was the heart of the Maya civilization at that time.
Although large Maya cultural centers no longer exist, there is still a
significant Maya population residing within many small villages.
Altun Ha (Water of the Rock)
has two main plazas, over thirteen 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 inaccessable by public transport. Situated in the Chiquibul Rain
Forest of the Cayo District, Caracoal
(Snail) is home to the tallest man-made structure in Belize; Canaa
(Sky Place) pyramid rises 140 feet high. Although hard to get to
during the rainy season, trips and the necessary entry permits can be
organised with travel agents in Belize.
The main
attractions of Belize are the cayes (pronounced keys), the
offshore atolls, and the barrier reef. The barrier reef, which is 185
miles long, is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. The
cayes are islands and/or mangroves, that are located between the mainland
and the barrier reef, on the barrier reef, and on or within the barrier
reef perimeters of the offshore atolls. Known for its marine environment,
Belize is well publicized for possessing the
second longest barrier reef in the world, as well as three
major offshore atolls. In addition to the aforementioned, Belize possesses
numerous mangrove systems both offshore and along the coast, thus creating
a tremendous wetlands environment in which birds, fishes, mammals, and
reptiles can propagate.With such a significant marine ecosystem, scuba
divers, marine biologists, and sport fishermen have long recognized the
importance of Belize, and it has become a favorite destination for them.
Although the mangrove cayes are normally
uninhabitable by humans, they do provide a superior habitat for birds and
marine life. Many birds, fish, shellfish, and marine organisms begin their
lives within the protection of the mangrove.
|
|
