Belize (formerly
British Honduras), is a country in
Central America. Belize has a diverse society,
comprising many cultures and languages. Although Kriol and
Spanish are spoken among the population,
Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the
official language. Belize is bordered by Mexico to its north, by
Guatemala to its south and west, and by the
Caribbean Sea to the east.With 8,867 square miles (22,960 kmē) of land and 320,000 people (2008 est.), the population density of Belize is the lowest in the Central American region, and it also has one of the lowest population densities in the world. However, the country's population growth rate, 2.21% (2008 est.), is the highest in the region and one of the highest in the western hemisphere. Belize's abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems contributes to Mesoamerica's designation as a biodiversity "hotspot".
Belize
City (left) is the largest city of the Central American nation
Belize. Unofficial estimates place the
population of Belize City at 70,800 or more people. It is located at the
mouth of the
Belize River on the coast of the Caribbean.
Belize City is the nation's principal port and its financial and
industrial hub. Several cruise ships drop
anchor outside the port and are tended by
local citizens. The city was almost entirely destroyed in 1961 when
Hurricane Hattie swept ashore on October 31.
It was the capital of
British Honduras (as Belize was then named)
until the government was moved to the new capital of
Belmopan in 1970.
Belize
City does feature a Swingbridge (left). It's the only manually operated one in
world and this city has it. There is a great view from the bridge (right)
of the Belize City pier and it is picturesque at dusk.
Belize has a few other sights that make for a superior Caribbean stopover.
There is first class snorkeling, fantastic opportunities for some superior scuba
diving and of course the ubiquitous Mayan ruins.
the top of the Altun Ha temple. I was successful and now I have a new appreciation
for just what the
Mayan's accomplished by building these massive temple complex. It was hot
and steamy and I was tired after my extreme exertion (Lois didn't even try to
climb the Altun Ha temple)..jpg)
It's massive and well preserved. I did not try to climb this monster.
If I had they would've taken me out of the area in a body bag. The grounds
surrounding these temple are strewn with more ruins and are fascinating to look
at but the heat, humidity and fear of snakes keep you focused on the well- worn
and very rough pathways and close to your guide. 
The
Great Blue Hole (right) is a large
