Basic information on Belize, including language, travel requirements and travel tips.
Capital: Belmopan. There are 6 district: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo
Population: 287,730 (as of July 2006)
Language: English. Although English is the official language in Belize, there are variations of it called Belizean Creole, or Broad Creole, that sound a little different from a traditional English. About one-third of Belizeans speak Spanish, mainly in the Corozal and Orange Walk districts.
Land Size: Slightly smaller than Massachusetts
Economy: Tourism is the number one money maker, followed by marine products, citrus, cane sugar and bananas.
Climate: Rainy season from May to November and dry season from February to May; tropical climate.
Natural Disasters: Hurricanes from June to November and flooding in the Southern Coast.
Travel Requirements:
- Passport is required
- Visa is not required for visits lasting less than 30 days
- Sufficient funds - at least $60 a night
- Round trip ticket required
The following airlines offer direct flights to the Philip Goldson International:
- American Airlines: Flights from Dallas/Ft. Worth and Miami
- Continental Airlines: Flights from Houston
- Delta Airways: Flights from Atlanta
- Taca (El Salvador): Flights from Houston and Miami
- US Air: Flights from Charlotte
Once in Belize City, the following Belizean airlines can fly to various tourist:
- Island Air: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Corozal
- Tropic Air: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Placencia, Punta Gorda, Flores (Guatemala)
Travel Tip: People already in Belize City should use the municipal airport to fly to other Belizean destinations since the costs are lower. For example, it costs about $30 from the municipal airport to get to Ambergris Caye while it costs $54 from the international airport. A 210-mile flight from Belize City to Punta Gorda costs about $88 from the municipal while it costs $103.50 from the international airport.
