26 Glittering Belize Facts

By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer

Published June 10, 2024

Belize is the only Central American country where English is the official language._[7]
Belize gained its independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981. However, Guatemala claims Belize as part of its country, calls Belize "state #23," and has made several threats to invade._[7]
Belize's Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary is the only jaguar preserve in the world._[4]
The islands of Belize are called Cayes (pronounced "keys"). Belize has about 450 islands. Most of them are uninhabited, but each cay has a government-appointed watchman._[4]
Belize was once the heartland of the Mayan civilization. Between 250 AD and 900 AD, over one million Mayans lived in Belize. After several hundred years, the civilization broke apart, between 600–900 AD. Currently, Belize has around 900 known Maya temple sites._[5]

In Belize, the black howler monkey is also known as the "baboon"

The black howler monkey of Belize is one of the top 10 loudest animals in the world. Their calls can be heard over 3 miles away and can reach 140 decibels. By comparison, a jet engine takeoff is about 150 decibels._[9]
Belize does not observe daylight saving time._[2]
Of the one million tourists that visit Belize annually, an estimated 70% are American._[2]
Most Belizeans are trilingual: English, Spanish, and Creole._[2]
There are basically two seasons in Belize: dry and rainy. The average annual temperature is about 80°F (26.6°C)._[2]
It is considered rude to greet Belizeans by their first name unless you know them very well. It acceptable to pat someone on the back, shake hands, lock thumbs, and give a kiss on the cheek._[2]
According to Belizean legend, a thumbless dwarf with backward feed named Tata Duende lures poorly behaved children into the jungle._[3]
The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the second-largest coral reef system in the world. It is home to over 450 species of fish. It is only one of two barrier reefs in the Western Hemisphere._[2]
The only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean is Belize._[7]
Belize is the only country in the world that has a flag featuring people. It's considered one of the most sophisticated national flags._[2]

Belize also has the most colorful flag in the world, with 12 different colors

The national animal of Belize is the tapir, or mountain cow. It is biologically related to horses and rhinoceroses._[2]
The national food dish of Belize is rice and beans._[2]
Belize has the lowest population density in Central America: approximately 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer._[2]
Belize is largely a Roman Catholic country because of the Spanish conquistadors; however, because the country also has been heavily influenced by Britain, its Protestant population is larger than any other Central American country._[2]
Belizeans love their country, and littering is seen as highly disrespectful._[8]
The tallest building in Belize is a Mayan temple called the Canaa ("Sky Palace"), at 141 feet (43 meters) high._[7]
Belize's wetlands host two of the twenty-three species of crocodilians: the saltwater American crocodile and the freshwater Morelet's crocodile._[7]
The gibnut rodent is Belize's most exotic delicacy. It's also known as the "royal rat" because it was once given to Queen Elizabeth, in 1985._[6]

Would you eat the "Royal Rat"?

Because Belize has so many forests, its motto is "Under the shade, I flourish."_[7]
The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize for $1 USD, which makes it easy for U.S. tourists to spend. Additionally, most shops list prices in USD and accept U.S. currency._[7]
Belize has its own version of Big Foot, known as El Sismito. He feasts on raw meat (including people) and is afraid of otters._[1]