THE MAIN INFLUENCES on the economy of Belize have been the country's small size and its long history as a colony. As occurred elsewhere in the Caribbean, over the centuries the colony's administrators precariously based its economy on a succession of single raw commodities--logwood in the 1600s and 1700s, mahogany in the 1800s, and then sugar in the mid-1900s. During the 1980s, the dangers of a single-crop economy became brutal realities for the many Caribbean countries that had grown heavily dependent on sugar exports. Sugar prices collapsed, and protectionist trade practices by industrialized countries exacerbated the producers' problem. Belize's experience was no exception. However, the commodity crisis of the 1980s led to economic reform in Belize aimed at diversification and taking the economy definitively beyond the colonial period.

Small economies, such as Belize's, tend to be less diverse and more dependent on exports than larger economies, a situation that makes them volatile and highly vulnerable to outside forces. A small work force and limited capital, dependence on foreign markets and investment funds, and high overhead costs are all factors that have hindered Belize's economic growth. Despite these problems, the economy has steadily improved since independence was achieved in 1981. The British legacy of stable representative government, respect for education, a relatively even distribution of income, and a comparatively high standard of living has attracted increasing amounts of foreign investment. In 1991 the economy was more diverse than ever, the export sector was strong, a growing tourism industry promised increased revenues, and the government had avoided dangerous levels of foreign debt. The outlook for Belize's economy for the remainder of the 1990s seemed bright.

Belize is a country with a rich diversity of Culture, none of which is dominating. You will find a mixture of Maya, Garinagu also known as Garifuna, Mestizo a mixture of Spanish and Indian, Mennonites which are of German decent with a blend of many other cultures from Chinese to Lebanese. (The current Prime Minister of Belize, equivalent to the President, is of Palestine decent).

The Maya built breathtaking temple complexes aligned to the movement of celestial bodies. Although they remained technically a Stone Age culture, they also developed sophisticated mathematics, astronomy and calendars. Then the Maya mysteriously disappeared, but their direct blood descendants are still living in Belize. Then in the 1500s, after Columbus found the Americas for the Europeans, the Spaniards came over and captured Mexico and Central America including Belize and constructed some plain stone churches. They mixed with the Mayas and created the Mestizo culture. Then British pirates came to Belize igniting a struggle for power and ending with a victory for the English Crown. The British brought slaves to Belize to cut logwood. In 1797 the entire Garinagu population (direct blood line descendants of African slaves) were deported from St. Vincent to Honduras and they spread along the entire coast of Central America with a large amount concentrating in Belize, that was called British Honduras in those days.. In 1847 Refugees came to Belize by the thousands from Mexico, Maya, Mestizo and Spaniards. All the other cultures in Belize are people that fled their countries during the World Depression in the 1930 and the II World War.

The official language of Belize is English, but the Creoles (the largest ethnic group) speak their own colorful dialect as well as Standard English. Spanish is the main language in the north and some towns in the west. You may also hear Mayan, Chinese, Mennonite German, Lebanese, Arabic, Hindi and Garífuna (the language of the Garinagu people of Stann Creek district) being spoken. Most of Belize's population is Roman Catholic, but British influence has created a sizable and varied protestant congregation, including German Swiss Mennonites. The Mayan practice of Catholicism is a fascinating fusion of shamanism-animist and Christian ritual.

Belize has never really developed its own national cuisine. Its cooking borrows elements from the UK, the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. The most common food of the people in Belize is rice and beans. These are most often complemented with chicken, pork, beef, fish or vegetables. Coconut milk and fried plantains add a tropical flavor

Belize is extremely easy to reach from North America. With plenty of flights, cruises, and even roads to get you there, it shouldn't be any trouble at all. Or, if you're the seafaring type that likes to strike out on your own adventure, considering renting or sailing your own yacht to Belize's coast.

Flights arrive at several Belizean airports from surrounding Central American countries, as well as from the U.S. Travelers can then hop around the country via smaller commuter jets.

Cruises are another popular way to reach Belize. These floating hotels provide transportation, a place to stay, and plenty of pre-planned activities both onboard and on land.

If you're looking to spend a bit of time on the open road, you can bus or drive to Belize from North and Central America. Mexico borders Belize from the north, while Guatemala borders on the south. Buses travel through southern Mexican cities such as Cancún.

Sailors should make sure that they pass through all of the proper channels when entering and exiting Belizean waters. There are plenty of rules and procedures to be aware of, whether the yacht is your own or is a charter.

From an adventurous road trip to relaxing days at sea, you can choose your favorite way to reach Belize.

Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America; it is larger than El Salvador and compares in size to the state of Massachusetts. Slightly more than half of the people live in rural areas. About one-fourth live in Belize City, the principal port, commercial center, and former capital. Most Belizeans are of multiracial descent. About 44.1% of the population is of mixed Mayan and European descent (mestizo); 31% are of African and Afro-European (Creole) ancestry; about 9.2% are Mayan; and about 6.2% are Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna). The remainder, about 9.2%, includes European, East Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and North American groups.

English, the official language, is spoken by virtually all except the most recently arrived refugees.

A vacation in Belize can mean rappelling down mountain sides, tubing through caves, trekking through thick jungle, viewing rare, tropical birds, basking on white sandy beaches, snorkeling in clear waters, plunging 30 feet into the Caribbean Sea to explore the colorful and pristine Barrier Reef or simply relaxing in an exotic resort. Depending on your itinerary, visitors should pack accordingly. 

Inland adventures usually require hiking gear like lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts, strong hiking boots, binoculars and a bathing suit (to plunge into the green pools at the base of waterfalls). Bug repellant is also necessary but can be bought in most tourist facilities and supermarkets in the country. Flashlights may also be required to explore the numerous caves. This is often provided by the tour operator or resort but can also be bought in any hardware store or supermarket. Early mornings and late evenings may become cool in the mountainous regions, so a simple jacket or sweater should also be packed.

Visitors embarking on offshore adventures need only bring along their favorite swimsuits.   Most dive resorts and dive shops provide visitors with all snorkeling and scuba gear in the cost. Sunscreen, sun-tanning oils, nice straw hats, bug repellant and beach towels are all available at most tourist facilities inland and offshore.

Visitors requiring special medications are urged to bring along enough to last the trip and a prescription from their doctor in case they run out.   Pharmacies countrywide offer a wide variety of medication and other everyday supplies that visitors may need. Bird books, Belize guidebooks and maps can also be bought in most tourist facilities, the major supermarkets and some gas stations throughout the country.

Probably the most important item to bring is a Camera! Don't leave the country without a colorful documentary of your Belize experience.

Climate is subtropical with annual average temperature of 80 degrees F. Dress accordingly. You’ll mostly wear casual, lightweight clothing, jeans, shorts and short sleeved shirts. Take a sun hat to protect your skin. Include a sweater, lightweight waterproof jacket, long sleeved shirt and long pants. They may be needed on boat trips as well as at night and early morning in higher cooler elevations, or unexpected cool days during winter. Be sure to take a change of clothing in your carry on luggage in case it is temporarily lost or misplaced in transit.