Some people in Belize speak Spanish or Kriol, but English is the official language and the most. Islands with Beaches Large Acreage Ocean Island Mainland Power. English is the official language, and US dollars are accepted throughout the country. g. It is a diverse country. Belize Map 1134 x 1341 size – click on image for full size. Belizean Creole (Belizean Creole: Belize Kriol, Kriol) is an English-based creole language spoken by the Belizean Creole people. Name. Together with twin-town Santa Elena, on the east bank of the Macal River, this is the main population center of Cayo, with lots of good budget accommodations, decent restaurants and frequent transport. Help with Belize trip itinerary Nov 21, 2023. 26. Marcella Kelly is studying one of the rainforest’s top predators – the jaguar. It's an unpretentious place to meet other travelers or satisfied expats and makes a good base for explorations to the cays, reefs and islands to the east, and the jungles,. edu Toll free: +(501)664-4502 : The University has a continuous program with three entering classes per year; January, May and September. Airport, Belize). Address. And while the urban scenery may involve the occasional fetid. 00. 1. The largest city in Belize is Belize City, which has a population of. Belize has a very unique history, being the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Here at Biz Latin Hub, many of our European and North American clients ask about it. strain Atlantic rainforest, and R. History. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark-Ray Alley, Ambergris Caye – a stunning place to explore in Belize ; 3. Wind Gusts 7 mph. Only half a mile from the Barrier Reef, the island is a top destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. One of the questions we often get asked, especially by people doing business in Belize or Panama, is which jurisdiction is the best choice. 1: An Interim Report. Homes for sale in Belize City, houses for sale in Belmopan, Corozal and more. Central America maps, facts, and flags. Free maps of Central American countries including Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama maps. Belize (/ b ə ˈ l iː z / ()) is a country in Central America. It’s been growing in popularity for years with tourists, snowbirds and permanent residents. Food and drink. Whether you want to scuba dive, hike to waterfalls, explore ancient Maya ruins, helicopter over the Blue Hole, or lounge on the beach and sip cocktails, there are endless amazing things to do in Belize. Its ramshackle streets are alive with colorful characters who represent every facet of Belize's ethnic make up, especially the Creoles. The U. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is one interconnected system comprised of seven marine protected areas located along the length of the barrier reef, the shelf lagoon and offshore atolls. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Lobster Fest 2024. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, Vol. Move-and-shake in Panama City. Fully-furnished 2-bedroom 1. The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the country's dry season. 00. The storm is expected to hit Belize toward the middle of this week. Belize , Central America. 00. - 399,999 USD. Long before that it was part of the Mayan Empire. With 8,800 square miles of land, this gives Belize a population density of about 45. General cost of living in Belize. 1. Major sources of FDI include the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The hole is circular in shape, over 300 metres (984 ft. ベリーズ（Belize）は、中央アメリカ北東部、ユカタン半島の付け根に位置し英連邦王国に属する立憲君主制の国家である。 ハリケーンの被害を避けるため、首都はベルモパンに遷都した。 なお、最大の都市は以前の首都であったベリーズシティである。 北にメキシコと、西にグアテマラと国境. Thousand Foot Falls is the highest waterfall in Central America. 89 million and outflows at USD $35. Nov 20, 2023, 11:01 PM. Belize is also inexpensive to get to and easy to travel in. Belize’s economy, tourism, and natural attractions. Belize, Central America. Spend your days snorkeling the dramatic Belize Barrier Reef or take a thrilling fishing trip for the catch of the day. 2. For Financing in Belize: You can contact your local DFC Bank. Located in safe residential area of Belize City, only 15 min to Int. Central America is an isthmus, or land bridge, that unites the two continents of North and South America. 479 posts. We are a diverse country with various cultures and languages. Belize is often thought of as a Caribbean country in Central America because it has a history similar to that of English-speaking Caribbean nations. Belize is most famous for being part of the Mayan civilization. Story and photos by Johanna Heidorn. Ambergris Caye. Search for real estate and find the latest listings of Belize Property for sale. New York vs London Central vs Eastern Time California vs Hawaii Eastern vs Pacific Time. For sale and rent: Income generating Beachfront property with house and cabana on the Caribbean Sea in the heart of Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District, Belize, Central America Sit back and enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the comfort of your home. Located in the northeast of Central America, Belize was known as British Honduras until 1973. The Weather in Belize. Add that to the fact that Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. At the north of Central America sits Belize, a spectacular country full of cultural and ecological diversity seen nowhere else in the world. $750 USD /mo. You never want to come across as rude by tipping or not tipping when expected. Belize. 11. Reply to: ADO bus to Cancun. High atop a hill about a mile south of San Ignacio, Cahal Pech is the oldest-known Maya site in the Belize River valley, having been first settled between…. Central America Travel Guide. Belize Facts. ,. 2 2 75 x 90 Feet. , 2006 est. While its closest neighbors in Mexico and Guatemala were settled by Spaniards, Belize came under the control of the British Empire instead, importing certain customs,. The people of Belize are a grand mix of many cultures, and Kriol exemplifies yet another example of that melting pot. For international shipping, please contact us at info@privateislandsinc. The country is bursting with opportunity!Located on Central America's eastern coast just south of Mexico, Belize borders the Caribbean Sea and includes around 450 islands called "cayes" (pronounced "keys") as well as a diverse mainland. Belize, also has significant areas of undisturbed wetlands, Caribbean pine forests, and rainforests, all of which provide ideal habitat for healthy and diverse populations of wildlife. , the Maya civilization was at its peak. Wind E 7 mph. Then, turn inward: the 540,000-sq-ft Chiquibul Cave System is the longest in Central America – though you can turn a headlamp and see pile-of-plates stalagmites, cave pearls and rock chandeliers inside any of Belize’s 300+ caves on foot, inner tube or canoe. Browse our Belize real estate listings and discover the finest property for sale in Belize - an English-speaking Central American destination renowned for its spectacular rainforest-covered interior, ancient Mayan ruins, diverse wildlife habitats such as the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef and a palm-fringed Caribbean Sea coastline with stunning white sand beaches. Its prolonged path to independence was marked by a unique international. Belizean Creole is a contact language that developed and grew between 1650 and 1930, as a result of the slave trade. The original "San Pedranos" (from the 1800's til the 1970's or so) are Mestizo, and and speak both Spanish and. Call us in Washington, D. Call it Christmas with a twist. Central America. 7,069. Ambergris Caye & Corozal, Belize. Hol Chan Reserve Boat Tours Nov 21, 2023. $ USD 6,999,500. Before the arrival of Europeans, it was once a part of the Maya Civilization. 5. Level Contributor . 27. Belize Jobs at has the lastest job listings, job vacancy posts and career openings available in Belize, Central America. The most popular route is Los Angeles to Belize City Philip S. World Time. Geographically Belize is located between 15° 52′ 9″ and 18° 29′ 55″ North Latitude, and. Belize, Central America. It also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast. Read our community guidelines. Luigi Wewege is President of award-winning Caye International Bank, headquartered in Belize, Central America. We also have the lowest population density in Central America with 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer. Placencia is essentially divided into two parts: south of the airstrip and north of the airstrip. 2. Belize is on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian on the Yucatán Peninsula. Actun Tunichil Muknal. 2 Baths. This colorful caye has hotels ranging from budget to luxe, and classic Caribbean activities like snorkeling and sailing. The affectionately named “Island Home” showcases 2 bedrooms and 1. Central America is the narrow and elongated part of America that forms the land link between South and North America. Hol Chan Reserve Boat Tours Nov 21, 2023. ReMax Island Real Estate is proud to offer for sale this cozy charmin. The climate in detail. 00 Inquire Now. Belize is a Central American country with a Caribbean Coast that is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west. Read the CentralAmerica. Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is the premier Live Butterfly Exibit in Belize. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or passport from Belize. 09 million dollars in 2022. Our bank license permits us to conduct financial services with both. The United States is the leading trading partner and source of investment funds for Belize. The community made up 3. Although English has been given the “official language” title, more than half the population of Belize speaks Spanish fluently. MEXICO CITY (AP) — Belize on Monday reaffirmed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the second country to do so in a week as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen travels across Central America in an effort to shore up a dwindling number of allies. Getting cabs from San Ignacio back to Chaa creek 12:19 pm. Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America otherwise a melting pot of many races with an estimated population of approximately 274 000. Aside from unparalleled and diverse natural beauty, the country has a rich history and culture. It’s considered the cultural center of the Cayo District, and it’s a great base to visit some of the most impressive Belize tourist attractions, including Actun Tunichil Muknal, an ancient cave where ceramics, stoneware, and skeletons from the. Save the Date: The San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Lobster Fest is set for July 1st-13th, 2024. The undisputed superstar of Belize's tourism industry, 'La Isla Bonita' strikes an impressive and perhaps even magical balance of large-scale tourism development with a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Today Belize, which considers itself part of both the Caribbean and Central America, is cultivating relations with Latin America and the United States, although there is a lingering dispute with. 4-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour to Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize. Caracol (Spanish for "snail") is the most spectacular Mayan site in Belize, as well as one of the most impressive in Central America. Save. Belmopan. Com 22 960 km² de área e uma população de 397 628 habitantes (est. Belize Culture and History. Why visit Belize? No doubt, this tiny country is the adventure capital of Central America! In the depths of the jungles, hiking, waterfall rappelling, cave spelunking, exploring Maya ruins, swimming in rainforest pools, zip-lining, and wildlife spotting are a few of the ways to fill your time… and spike your adrenaline!The country’s second largest grocery store—one of only three vaguely resembling an American supermarket—is also located there. LOCATION Belize, previously British Honduras, lies on the East coast of Central America and in the heart of the Caribbean Basin. $345,000 USD View Details. Expect to find a range between US$1,500 to $2,500. Accommodation: Belizean Dreams Resort Right on the coast in Hopkins Village in southern Belize, this resort is a small, locally owned and managed property offering a number of all-inclusive packages - choose from a diving package, honeymoon package, inland and. It’s the closest caye to the Garifuna village of Hopkins and it is ideally situated halfway between Placencia to the south and San Pedro in the north, making it a great potential stop for yachts and tourists. Although Belize has the third highest per capita income in Central America, the average income figure masks a huge income disparity between rich and poor, and a key government objective remains reducing poverty and inequality with the help of international donors. While English is the only official language in Belize, the country has attracted thousands of immigrants from neighboring Spanish-speaking countries, leaving it with an eclectic mix. Turneffe Atoll also features a good bottom for wading, and is arguably the best fly. The country is a melting pot of cultures with Maya, Garifuna, and Mennonite cultures as well as North American ex-pats and Chinese and Arab immigrants all calling Belize home. Private tours to Tikal from San Ignacio Nov 21, 2023. Four major airlines provide direct flights into Belize. Hol Chan Reserve Boat Tours Nov 21, 2023. Learn about their habits and the best times to visit. Over time the shipwrecked slaves and the native cultures intermingled and became one. Your message. 98-acre private island located right off the coast of Belize's Stann Creek District, a popular diving destination. Its mainland is about 290 km long and 110 km. If you want to visit Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), spots are limited to 125 people. Large Acreage Ocean Island. Jackass Bitters is a well-respected plant that has been used widely in traditional Central American medicine. Multi-redundant Hologram 8. Belize is in Central America. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry #4792 Coney Drive First Floor of Withfield Tower Belize City, Belize P. Belize is the youngest nation in Central America. C. Belize is the only English-speaking country in the region and has a long coastline on the Caribbean Sea. 4, p. Belize Map 1134 x 1341 size – click on image for full size. ATM Cave in Belize, photo by Peter Andersen via CC BY-SA 3. Central America, southernmost region of North America, lying between Mexico and South America and comprising Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize. There is no need to be concerned about leaving your hotel. Water Caye represents the rarest of opportunities in all of Belize in so many unique ways. The district has its fair share of Maya ruins, boating, nature trails, swimming and fly fishing attractions. The same 200 miles of coral that is the Belize Barrier Reef also anchors a rich marine landscape that supports flyfishing, reef fishing, and deep-sea fishing. Central America Map: Regions, Geography, Facts & Figures. Offshore banking in Central America is a popular choice among wealthy individuals around the world. The Central American country of Belize is a popular destination on the backpacker circuit and for people who love exploring beautiful nature. boat. 1. The procurement of these items, valued at nearly half a million dollars is a direct contribution from the Belize Integral Security Programme, a BZ$60-million project that was approved in 2015 and. As for a specific day that is optimal to be in Ambergris Caye, this is possible during San Pedro’s Lobsterfest. 3. Sale USD 25,000. Latin America & Caribbean / Mercy Work / Planting Churches. Along with Belize, the Spanish-speaking countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama are a part of Central America. Lush rainforests, picturesque beaches, ancient temples, and more, Central America is a great adventure just waiting to be uncovered. 2 days ago · And getting to Belize City is shockingly simple too: flights are less than three hours and often under $300 from Atlanta,. Credit Cards & ATMs: Most major credit cards are accepted in Belize, especially Visa and Mastercard. The population density in Belize is 18 per Km 2 (47 people per mi 2). This Central American beauty not only has a Caribbean coast to die for, it has all the Mayan mystery and colonial charm of neighbouring Guatemala and Mexico – but with far smaller crowds. Belize, Costa Rica, and parts of Mexico are more expensive than the other countries. This strategic geographical position has played a crucial role in shaping the history, culture, and. ; Belize ranks number 177 in the list of countries (and. Real estate prices in Belize are comparable to Costa Rica and more reasonable than real estate prices in other Caribbean Central American countries. #1 in Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America. It connects that continent with South America . All inclusive Snorkeling at Hol Chan. A simple way to keep your wallet happy is to bundle your flight and hotel bookings through Expedia. Covering an area of 22,970 sq. With an area of only 8,867 square miles, Belize has the second-lowest population density in Central America, with an estimated total population of 408,436. Belize is a country located in Central America and it is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Belmopan. Its capital city is Belmopan. Belize is the only country in Central America that doesn’t list Spanish as an official language. The Jabiru Stork is one of the largest birds in the Americas, standing at 4. Lauren Juliff Published on January 10, 2023. Xunantunich. Belize is actually located on the mainland of Central America, but it is true that Belize has a long. Ambergris Caye is the largest Caye in Belize, it’s basically on the same stretch as Cancun, and the beaches are world-class too. Its proximity to Belize City makes it. Father/Son (75/40) Snorkeling trip. Belize is located in Central America and it is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. 12. 1. Altun Ha Ruins, Belize District – an important historic attraction to visit; 4. Belize is a small Central American nation, located at 17°15' north of the equator and 88°45' west of the Prime Meridian on the Yucatán Peninsula. It is the largest barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere and represents all the main reef and coastal habitats, including rare littoral forest on sand. It’s also the easiest to visit, with lots of tours running from Belize City, San Pedro, and more. Re: Safety and place to stay. The country of Belize itself is also small — it’s not much larger in size than the U. For Sale. Time Zone. Belize is safe! For most tourists traveling in Central American countries, there’s a couple of things worth knowing before making the trip. What To Expect. Before modern medicine developed laboratory drugs, our ancestors all over the world used herbs and weeds for health. Belize Real Estate Homes for Sale in Belize Furnished and Unfurnished Homes for Sale in Belize from Vista Real Estate Find Belize Homes for Sale in every. Women walk past a sign with information on hurricane warnings before the arrival of Hurricane Lisa in Belize City on November 2,2022. The cost of a Belizean Passport is US$15. companies also invest in the agriculture, agroforestry, and energy sectors. Once a smaller undeveloped private island, Frigate Caye has now been transformed into a larger 3. Belize Costa Rica Indonesia Mexico Panama Portugal Spain Turkey United Arab Emirates United States of America. 5 bath Apartment, Belize City, Belize. Covering a huge area of more than 400 square kilometres, it is is also one of the largest and most famous jaguar sanctuaries in the world — today, the numbers stand. Cozy & modern vacation studio. Submit News; 501-666-6726 [email protected] Home; Breaking News; Covid-19; Economy. 01% of the total world population. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye HALF ACRE SIDE BY SIDE LOTS. Find your dream home in Belize! Browse through a variety of homes for sale in Belize and choose the perfect one for you. In other words, yes, it's hot and humid here, as it is throughout nearly all of Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean (with highlands exceptions). According to Ethnologue, a comprehensive. Central America forums; Belize forum; Watch this Topic. Galapagos Islands. Central America is a subregion of North and South America, situated between Mexico and South America. Check current conditions in Belize City, Belize, Belize with radar, hourly, and more. Prices for Belize vacant land for sale. Current Weather. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. Way back in 1986, the world-famous singer Madonna visited San Pedro, which inspired her to write the hit song “La Isla Bonita,” which currently has over 85 million views on YouTube. Belize is a country on Central America's eastern coast where it is bordered by Mexico and Guatemala. Geography Location Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico Geographic coordinates 17 15 N, 88 45 W Map. Central America is the southernmost region of North America, lying between Mexico and South America and comprising Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua,. 6% from 2000 to 2020. The region consists of seven countries: Belize , Guatemala , El Salvador , Honduras , Nicaragua , Costa Rica , and Panama . The island offers a wide variety of water-oriented activities – swimming, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and jet-skiing – as well. More so than anywhere else in the country, the Orange Walk District is the country’s leader as a birder’s paradise. Here are some reasons why this Caribbean island attracts so much positive attention. There are approximately 39 million native Spanish speakers in Central America, which is 75% of the total. Our $22 million Airport Improvements Project Airport includes airport infrastructure expansion, personnel training, new services, equipment upgrade and many other improvements. investors. Belize is a small but beautiful country located in Central America. Using border-apprehension data from 2012 to 2018, researchers from the universities of Texas. Belize, formerly British Honduras, became independent. Belize borders the Caribbean Sea and has a hot, tropical type A climate. S. The most popular route is Los Angeles to Belize City Philip S. . Belize - Maya, Archaeology, Colonialism: The following is a history of Belize focusing on events since European settlement. Belize is the only country in Central America with English as the official language. Amazing brand new custom high end 5 bedroom, 6 bath home on private-island. According to famed diver Jacques Cousteau, the Great Blue Hole of Belize is one of the most spectacular dive sites on earth. There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes. com with your mailing address and we will provide shipping options. 2 Lots for Sale in Benque Viejo, Cayo, Benque Viejo Town, Belize Residential Map. While not exactly a beach town, as it is mostly docked seawalls, there is a fantastic beach experience at Secret Beach, remarkable excursions, live music, and a party-hard live music atmosphere, starting in the morning. With a total population of just 300,000 people, Belize is the most sparsely populated country in Central America and among the least densely populated in the world. Belize, Central America. The government passed laws decriminalizing up to 10 grams of weed. : 40,338,000). San Pedro, Belize District Lakeside Villas - Villa 2. Called “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies” by Charles Darwin in 1842, the Belize Barrier Reef is home to 500 species of fish, 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species and hundreds. 5. Here are five reasons to consider spending Christmas in Belize. Belize is located in Central America, but it also has a decidedly Caribbean feel, making it appealing for visitors. Cozy Charming Tropical Cottage. Except for Belize, all of these countries were first settled by the. Some recipes have changed over the years due to cultural mixing and a generation gap. Belize is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America. 7 acres with 150 feet of beachfront and pier. Ask a questionGetting cabs from San Ignacio back to Chaa creek yesterday. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. Founded in 1848, San Pedro is the colorful capital of Belize’s biggest island, Ambergris Caye. Adopt An Animal. This is good news for anyone dependent on a pension, social security, or a limited digital nomad/remote work salary. Belize's unmissable destination. . In short, the climate is. It consisted of hundreds of large and rich cities spread over the south of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and western Honduras. Look no further than Belize. The Placencia Lagoon is a great place to kayak or canoe along the wetlands to spot wildlife like manatees, dolphins, crocodiles and birds. to $40. Tracking the Elusive Jaguar (5:14) In the Belize Maya Forest, a team led by Virginia Tech wildlife scientist Prof. Like many purpose-built capital cities around the world, Belmopan can seem a bit dull at first glance. With all of the top airlines, including Delta, United, American, Southwest, Westjet, and Air Canada offering non-stop service from the United States and. It is the only country in Central America without. $229,000 USD View Details. Looking for vacant land for sale in Belize? Browse through thousands of acres of land for sale and available lots from Belize REALTORS®. Belize Tourism Board. Belize, arguably considered by some sources as North American geographically, is nestled on the northernmost tip of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the. Belize also has the distinction of being the only Central American country where English is the sole official. 4. Its ramshackle streets are alive with colorful characters who represent every facet of Belize's ethnic make up, especially the Creoles. Ambergris Caye is the largest of the 200-plus cayes (islands) located off the Belize coast. (NOAA) In an. Belize, a picturesque Central American nation known for its rich Mayan heritage and pristine beaches, has been steadily making a name for itself in the financial world. Belize is in Central America. $ Price Upon Request. Satellite view of Tropical Storm Lisa on Monday morning. It is the only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. 9. Section 62 of the Central Bank of Belize Act empowers the Bank to issue those notes and coins issued under the Monetary Authority of Belize. 11 hours ago · Hon. Reefs • Nature & Wildlife Areas. Today Belize, which considers itself part of both the Caribbean and Central America, is cultivating relations with Latin America and the United States, although there is a lingering dispute with. W. Price estimates were calculated on June 15, 2023. To the north, it borders Mexico,. [2] They are part of the wider Indo-Caribbean community, which itself is a part of the global Indian diaspora . 00 (USA) or USD 20. Offset Time Zone Abbreviation & Name Example City Current Time; UTC -6: CST: Central Standard Time: Belmopan: Mon, 8:29:02 am: Belize observes Central Standard Time all year. Corozal is a sleepy seaside town, located just south of the Río Hondo (Hondo River), which forms the border between Mexico and Belize. That's because its very character is synonymous with Belize's best. 26. Central America is a narrow strip of land that lies at the southern end of North America . Belize is, by general standards, a small country; at just 8,867. 89 million and outflows at USD $35. Yet, while sites like Chichén Itzá, in Mexico, get overwhelmed with tourists, Xunantunich, in the western. It makes sense that there would be a huge number of flights into Belize from their neighbors in Central America. Animal adopters will be added to our digital. [2] Its political boundaries are defined as bordering Mexico to the north, Colombia to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Although Belize has the third highest per capita income in Central America, the average income figure masks a huge income disparity between rich and poor, and a key government objective remains reducing poverty and inequality with the help of international donors. Belize (/ b ɪ ˈ l iː z, b ɛ-/ ⓘ, bih-LEEZ, beh-; Belize Kriol English: Bileez) is a country on the north-eastern coast of Central America. Protected as part of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, it’s an excellent adventure aimed at people who enjoy active Central America travel. D. S. It is best known as world-class tourism destination, but the country also offers offshore banking, retirement living and a wide. 780ft 2 1 1. The country’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, agro-based industry, tourism, construction and merchandising. 11,000 The first hunter-gatherers settle in the Maya highlands and lowlands. Belize is often thought of as a Caribbean country in Central America because it has a history similar to that of English-speaking Caribbean nations. The country covers an area of approximately 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 square miles) and has a population of around 400,000, making it the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America.