Things to know about Belize! FAQ

I keep getting asked questions about Belize from friends far far away.
So, for your general information, and thanks to the 2008 Belize phone book from where I stole all this, here are your answers guys!

The climate of Belize is subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and rainy season is between June and August - also mosquito season!

It costs 75 Belize cents to send a letter to Europe and 40 cents for a postcard - and it takes weeks and weeks to get there, if it gets there at all.

The electrical system is 110 volts A.C. Brown outs are frequent, you need a surge protector for your computers.

Belize is an independant country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth Member. English is the official language and is widely spoken. Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garifuna are also spoken. I find that most people speak Spanglish.
The population is 311,480 at last count comprising Creoles (African-European), Garifunas (Caribs), Mestizos (Spanish, Indian), Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebonese, Chinese, Eastern Indians and Europeans. Due to racial harmony and religious tolerance, all of these different cultures have blended successfully. Most denominations are represented here, majority being Roman Catholic.

Belize is in time zone GMT-6 (aka US Central Standard), no daylight savings.

And yes, Belize is the size of Wales.... it has an area of 8,866 square miles. It's situated on the east coast of Central America on the Caribbean. It's bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The second largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long) falls within the territory as do 3 of the 4 coral atolls in the western hemisphere.

So there it is, for those of you that were too lazy to Google!