Pull out a map and find Belize. It’s tiny, right? But don’t let its size fool you. This small country has earned the nickname “Jewel in the Heart of the Caribbean Basin” for good reason. Traveling to Belize on a teen tour will give you stories you’ll continue telling 50 years from now. Swim in clear waters alongside marine life, hike through the jungles where beautiful howler monkeys swing across trees, and stand at the top of ancient Mayan ruins, taking in views that stretch extensively. Here are some key facts about Belize: Key Facts About Belize Details Population 422,103 Official Language English Capital Belmopan Currency Belize Dollar Name for Belize Resident Belizean Area 8,867 sq mi (22,966 sq km) Keep reading for some fun facts about Belize that will make you want to visit ASAP!
10 Fun Facts About Belize Belize is the only Central American country not to have Spanish as its official language Belize has over 400 small islands The nation’s capital was moved 50 miles away because of a hurricane Belize’s money makes for easy conversion You’ll need to leave your chains behind Belize is home to a thumb-stealing goblin The country has the only jaguar reserve in the world The nation got its name in 1973 Belize is 60% forested The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
1. Belize is the only Central American country not to have Spanish as its official language The official language spoken in Belize is English. However, this fascinating country is home to a variety of languages, the most common of which are English, Spanish and Belizean Creole. Many Belizeans are multilingual and other languages spoken in the country include Yucatec Maya, Garifuna, German, Mandarin and Arabic. Student travelers participate on language cultural exchanges in a local classroom in Costa Rica. 2. Belize has over 400 small islands Belize boasts some 450 small islands called cayes (pronounced “keys”), each of which has a watchman appointed by the government. 3. The nation’s capital was moved 50 miles away because of a hurricane Hurricane Hattie, which struck the country in 1961, killed at least 400 people and destroyed half of Belize City, the former capital. This scale of destruction prompted calls for the capital to be located further inland. Belmopan was constructed and was declared the new capital in 1970. Travel to Belize on a Student Travel Program 4. Belize’s Money Makes for Easy Conversion The Belize dollar is worth 0.50 USD, which makes it easy to figure out how much you’re spending on holiday. 5. You’ll need to leave your fast food chains behind Belize does not have many of the popular food chains we take for granted, such as McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC and Starbucks. Luckily, Belize has a diverse cuisine, which brings together foods from various cultures, including French, Spanish, Caribbean and Mexican, so you won’t miss your food chains at all. 6. It’s home to a thumb-stealing goblin Okay, not really. But local folklore states that this goblin, named Tata Duende, lacks thumbs and will steal the thumbs of those he encounters, so you should hide yours if you encounter him. This interesting character, said to guard the forests, is so well-known in the country that he has even appeared on the Belizean postage stamp. >> KEEP READING: Exploring Indigenous Island Myths and Legends on Service-Learning Trips. 7. The country has the only jaguar reserve in the world The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve is home not only to jaguars, but a host of other wildlife including black howler monkeys, parrots and toucans. The only jaguar nature preserve on the planet, this wildlife sanctuary can be an exciting place to stop by if you’re visiting Belize. However, you’re unlikely to see any jaguars as they’re masters at hiding! 8. The nation got its name in 1973 Before Belize was Belize, it was called British Honduras. The only British colony in Central America, Belize gained independence on September 21, 1981, eight years after changing its name. Independence Day is celebrated on this day every year with a large carnival, bringing color, music and dance to the streets. 9. Belize is 60% Forested The rate of forest cover in Belize is higher than that of any other nation in Central America and the Caribbean with forest making up 60% of the country. To protect some of Belize’s natural beauty, a global consortium of NGOs worked together to purchase the Belize Maya Forest in 2021, saving it from the risk of deforestation. The Belize Maya Forest, along with the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, which is also protected, means that 9% of Belize’s landmass is being safeguarded. 10. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site The Belize Barrier reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and the second-largest in the world. The only barrier reef larger is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is home to over 500 species of fish. There is plenty more to see in Belize’s waters. Shark Ray Alley in Ambergris Caye is a popular spot to snorkel above nurse sharks and smaller rays, while other visitors flock to Gladden Spit between March and June to see the whale sharks. Tourists can also visit the Blue Hole Natural Monument, an enormous underwater sinkhole encircled with coral.