Bordering Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize is a small country—roughly the size of Massachusetts, with a population just over 400,000 people. It’s the only officially English-speaking country in Central America, and home to a blend of many cultures: Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and more.
Despite its compact size, Belize manages to play host to a wealth of biodiversity. More than 60% of the land is covered by a lush forest, and home to over 500 species of birds and a dedicated jaguar preserve. Offshore, over 400 islands and cays dot the Caribbean, anchored by 185 miles of reef—the second-largest barrier reef on the planet. Snorkel alongside nurse sharks, dive the iconic Blue Hole, or explore over 600 ancient Mayan ruins nestled in jungle hills.
