Rahim Tabet | November 12, 2014 |
Belize
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Central America
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Travel
Belize is located in the northeast corner of Central America. In the north it borders Mexico to the west and south by Guatemala and to the east is the Caribbean Sea border. Belize is in area about as big as half of the Netherlands and is therefore, in El Salvador after, the smallest country in Central America. This small country is but thinly populated, because there are only about 300,000 people. Almost 50% of the country is protected area. Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth. The best time to visit the country is from late December to March. This is also equal the peak season and not the cheapest time to go.
After Belize City was already quite devastated in 1931 by a hurricane, Hurricane Hattie struck in 1961, the city and also it left a trail of destruction behind big again. Because of the enormous damage that had done this hurricane, plans were made to move the capital to a more inland location. For this the city Belmopan was chosen and so the city is already since 1970 the new capital of Belize.
Belize exports banenen, shrimp, orange juice and sugar. But tourism is still the main source of income.
History
Before the arrival of the Spaniards Belize was inhabited by the Mayans. Because the Mayans offered fierce resistance, did not manage the land to colonize the Spaniards, but they settled there are some missions. In the middle of the 17th century, the British turned their attention to the countries in Central America and have them managed to settle in Belize.
This left the Spanish course not just go on their side and so a period of major disagreement between the two parties in which the neighboring countries were involved. In 1862, Belize was a British colony and was named British Honduras. After a little more than 100 years of British rule, the country became independent in 1964 and since 1973 bears the official name Belize. Eventually, the country was on September 21, 1981 declared full independence.
People & culture
Approximately 40% of the population are mestizos. These are Spanish-speaking Maya-Spanish origin. `S 30% creole, descendant of slaves.
About 25% of the population lives in Belize City and another 25% live in six major cities. The other half of the population lives in rural areas.
Language
The official language is English. Many Belizeans speak Creole, a sort of bastardized English. About 40% of the population speaks besides English / Creole Spanish.
Safety
Compared to neighboring countries, Belize is a fairly safe country, where the crime rate is low. Well come regularly violent activities against tourists, such as robberies and rapes. It is therefore advised not to travel alone, avoid secluded places and unlit streets after sunset and not to go on the street. Moreover, wearing expensive jewelry is not recommended.
Medical Information
Belize has no extensive medical facilities. With a serious problem takes place evacuation to the nearest suitable hospital professional. This means generally that you must fly to the United States.
Immunizations
There are certain vaccinations recommended. For current advice please contact the Public Health Service, Travel Clinic or the Tropical Centre.
Visa
Anyone with a Dutch passport does not need a visa for Belize, it is your passport to be valid for 6 months after your stay.
Price
The price level in Belize is approximately equal to the Netherlands. It is much higher than in the rest of the countries in Central America.
The currency is the Belizean dollar.
Transport
Transportation to the country
There is no direct flight between the Netherlands and Belize, most flights from the Netherlands to make a stopover in the United States and from there you fly further to Belize. International flights arrive at the Philip Goldson International Airport, which is just slightly north of Belize City. Another possibility to travel to Belize by the Netherlands to fly directly to Cancun and from there by bus to Belize drive.
Transport in the country
In Belize, public transport quality. By bus almost every place in the country accessible, trains not have them. Most buses in Belize are similar to the type of American school, but in addition there are also the luxury express buses. These buses run only on the main roads between cities, so they are fast and go regularly. To achieve smaller places, you have to rely on the local bus companies, but these buses are a lot slower and travels thus lasts longer.
Renting a car in Belize quite expensive and if you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that only the main roads are paved. A good alternative means of transport to explore Belize is the bicycle. The paved roads are passable and in some tourist cities can therefore also rent bikes and mountain bikes.
The best way to travel between major cities and tourist destinations by plane. Every day there are several domestic flights between these places.
Flora & Fauna
Off the coast of Belize are coral reefs and more than 200 so-called "cays". Cays are palm islands consisting of coral. Ambergris Caye is the largest. Off the coast of Belize is the second largest barrier reef in the world. Also offshore underwater caves such as the Blue Hole and the Giant Cave, one of the longest underwater cave in the world.
In Belize there are `s 4000 different species of flowers, trees and plants. There are also `s see 500 species of birds, which is more than in almost any other country in Central America. One of the most interesting birds, the yellow-billed toucan, the national bird of Belize.
After Belize City was already quite devastated in 1931 by a hurricane, Hurricane Hattie struck in 1961, the city and also it left a trail of destruction behind big again. Because of the enormous damage that had done this hurricane, plans were made to move the capital to a more inland location. For this the city Belmopan was chosen and so the city is already since 1970 the new capital of Belize.
Belize exports banenen, shrimp, orange juice and sugar. But tourism is still the main source of income.
History
Before the arrival of the Spaniards Belize was inhabited by the Mayans. Because the Mayans offered fierce resistance, did not manage the land to colonize the Spaniards, but they settled there are some missions. In the middle of the 17th century, the British turned their attention to the countries in Central America and have them managed to settle in Belize.
People & culture
Approximately 40% of the population are mestizos. These are Spanish-speaking Maya-Spanish origin. `S 30% creole, descendant of slaves.
About 25% of the population lives in Belize City and another 25% live in six major cities. The other half of the population lives in rural areas.
Language
The official language is English. Many Belizeans speak Creole, a sort of bastardized English. About 40% of the population speaks besides English / Creole Spanish.
Safety
Compared to neighboring countries, Belize is a fairly safe country, where the crime rate is low. Well come regularly violent activities against tourists, such as robberies and rapes. It is therefore advised not to travel alone, avoid secluded places and unlit streets after sunset and not to go on the street. Moreover, wearing expensive jewelry is not recommended.
Medical Information
Belize has no extensive medical facilities. With a serious problem takes place evacuation to the nearest suitable hospital professional. This means generally that you must fly to the United States.
Immunizations
There are certain vaccinations recommended. For current advice please contact the Public Health Service, Travel Clinic or the Tropical Centre.
Visa
Anyone with a Dutch passport does not need a visa for Belize, it is your passport to be valid for 6 months after your stay.
Price
The price level in Belize is approximately equal to the Netherlands. It is much higher than in the rest of the countries in Central America.
The currency is the Belizean dollar.
Transport
Transportation to the country
There is no direct flight between the Netherlands and Belize, most flights from the Netherlands to make a stopover in the United States and from there you fly further to Belize. International flights arrive at the Philip Goldson International Airport, which is just slightly north of Belize City. Another possibility to travel to Belize by the Netherlands to fly directly to Cancun and from there by bus to Belize drive.
Transport in the country
In Belize, public transport quality. By bus almost every place in the country accessible, trains not have them. Most buses in Belize are similar to the type of American school, but in addition there are also the luxury express buses. These buses run only on the main roads between cities, so they are fast and go regularly. To achieve smaller places, you have to rely on the local bus companies, but these buses are a lot slower and travels thus lasts longer.
Renting a car in Belize quite expensive and if you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that only the main roads are paved. A good alternative means of transport to explore Belize is the bicycle. The paved roads are passable and in some tourist cities can therefore also rent bikes and mountain bikes.
The best way to travel between major cities and tourist destinations by plane. Every day there are several domestic flights between these places.
Flora & Fauna
Off the coast of Belize are coral reefs and more than 200 so-called "cays". Cays are palm islands consisting of coral. Ambergris Caye is the largest. Off the coast of Belize is the second largest barrier reef in the world. Also offshore underwater caves such as the Blue Hole and the Giant Cave, one of the longest underwater cave in the world.
In Belize there are `s 4000 different species of flowers, trees and plants. There are also `s see 500 species of birds, which is more than in almost any other country in Central America. One of the most interesting birds, the yellow-billed toucan, the national bird of Belize.
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