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Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, lies on the Caribbean coast between Mexico and Guatemala. English is the official language of Belize, but English Creole is widely spoken as well as Spanish, which is the main language in many districts. The bonus of Belize is that it has shallow, inner coastal waterways sheltered by a line of Coastal reefs and is dotted with islets called “cayes” or “cays”. Belize’s bio diversity is rich, with a host of flora and fauna. About thirty-seven percent of Belize’s land territory falls under some form of official protected status. Belize has the only jaguar reserve in the world.

Although Belize City is no longer the capital of Belize, it remains the center of activity. Belize City has the only international airport, offering a direct flight from either Houston or Miami. Financing is usually cash. Many buyers will obtain a second mortgage or line of credit on their principal home. Before you spend all your money on your dream vacation or retirement villa in Belize, be prepared for the closing taxes and fees. The Tax Stamp is 5% and the General Sales Tax (GST) is 10% of the purchase price. So, on a purchase of $300,000, your taxes at closing are another $45,000. That does not include closing costs. Attorney fees are additional.

There are three different real property title systems in Belize, but most of the time the buyer does not have a choice. The system is typically designated by the location. Property is transferred by Deed of Conveyance, the absolute right to ownership of property.

As in many of the Central American countries, Belize has its own retirement and incentive program. To be designated a Qualified Retired Person in Belize, a person must be 45 years of age and receive a monthly income of $2,000 through a pension or annuity that is not generated in Belize.

If you are thinking about purchasing property in Belize, first go there and relax. See if the atmosphere is what you are looking for. One of the most populated resort areas is Amerigas Caye, which is located just south of the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. As in many other countries in Central America, you can feel safe and comfortable leaving your resort property in Belize.

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Belize History

It is estimated that at their peak, about 2 million Mayans lived within the borders of what is now Belize. The Mayan cities of such as Caracol, Xunantunich and Lamanai dotted the landscape, with small agricultural communities farming the land between.

The first settlers in Belize were English Puritans. Ship-wrecked sailors, buccaneers, and pirates began to establish permanent bases in Belize, harassing the Spanish galleons carrying gold, silver, and hardwoods from Central America to Europe. These rugged individuals called themselves “Baymen” after the Bay of Honduras. Spain attempted to expel these British buccaneers from then Spanish territory, but finally signed treaties allowing the British to continue to harvest timber in exchange for protection against pirates preying on the Spanish galleons.

During the 1840's, Great Britain declared Belize to be the colony of British Honduras. Development of Belize then became more organized and multiethnic through a series of cultural changes. The European settlers began to marry freed slaves forming the Creole majority that still is dominant in the population.
In 1931, a destructive hurricane destroyed Belize City and the economy was so poor that the residents began to call for independence. By 1954 voting rights were extended to all adults, and by 1961, England agreed to begin the process of setting Belize free. In 1973, the colony's name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, Belize's Independence was declared.

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Belize Attractions and Things to Do

Belize has thousands of cultural attractions waiting for you to experience. Among them, there are many Maya archaeological temples to visit. Belize is best known for its marine environment. They have the longest living barrier reef in the western hemisphere and the second longest contiguous reef in the world after Australia. Diving in Belize is pristine and many are attracted in Belize’s “Blue Hole” with its amazing reef walls. Divers flock to Belize to enjoy the underwater attractions.
Every destination in Belize offers something special. Throughout Belize, the natural ecology varies significantly and adds to the intrigue of the country’s environment. Each district also possesses a unique history that has contributed to the social surroundings that exist today.

Mainland Ecotourism
Belize's natural environment is its most precious resource. Each district contains several protected areas which enable scientists of all disciplines and visitors who love the outdoors to walk through the flora and witness the fauna firsthand.

With the support of numerous environmentally conscious organizations, such as the Audubon Society, the Smithsonian Institute, the World Wildlife Fund, and many zoological societies, Belize has become an internationally recognized leader in the preservation and conservation of its environment. Many of the protected areas of Belize are open to the public and are set up for visitors to hike, bird watch, swim, canoe, or simply take in their surroundings.

Treasures of the Sea
Known for its marine environment, Belize is well publicized for possessing the second longest barrier reef in the world, as well as three major offshore atolls. In addition to the aforementioned, Belize possesses numerous mangrove systems both offshore and along the coast, thus creating a tremendous wetlands environment in which birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles can propagate. With such a significant marine ecosystem, scuba divers, marine biologists, and sport fishermen have long recognized the importance of Belize, and it has become a favorite destination for them.

Maya Mystique
Belize is blessed with an outstanding archaeological heritage of Maya temples and palaces. It is known that the Maya occupation began as early as 1500 BC, and although it began its decline in 900 AD, some Maya cultural centers continued to be occupied until contact with the Spanish in the 1500's. During the Classic Period, the population of Belize exceeded over one million people, and it is believed that Belize was the heart of the Maya civilization at that time. Although large Maya cultural centers no longer exist, there is still a significant Maya population residing within many small villages.

For those who are interested in archaeological sites, the Belize Institute of Archaeology has committed to developing locations which are easily accessible for the casual tourist. This does not indicate the Institute's total commitment to the vast archaeological potential of Belize, but it does allow visitors the opportunity to appreciate Maya history, as well as to appreciate the tremendous undertaking that is required to restore the Maya Sites.

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Destinations

The country of Belize is divided into these major districts:
Corozal
Orange Walk
Belize
Ambergris Caye
Caye Caulker
Cayo
Stann Creek
Placencia
Toledo

Most people visit attractions in at least two of these regions in Belize during their trip, often combining one inland destination and one marine destination.

For more information on Belize, visit their official tourism site here

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