When Europeans first arrived in Central America in the 16th century, it was the Maya who were living in what would become Belize, as well as Guatemala and southern Mexico. They had no centralized system of government or major settlement, but an abundance of ancient ruins (many of which survive today) revealed their long dominion over the tropical lands they inhabited and a past marked by a powerful and sophisticated civilization. 

The many different tribal groups may not have still been linked by political control, but they were all connected by culture and commerce. New discoveries about the Maya continue to be discovered in Belize today.

The hostile reception that the Spanish received from the Maya, in combination with the trouble the barrier reef caused their big ships, led Spanish settlers to go elsewhere in Central and South America. Soon after the arrival of the Spanish, British ships began stopping in Belize, but with a different intention. 

Looking only to make some money and not at all concerned with the native population, the British kept to themselves and were left in peace by the Maya. As such, the area became a perfect base for sailors hoping to engage in illegal activities. Able to navigate the shallow waters of the reef, British pirates could sneak up on full Spanish ships and make off to the Caribbean with the loot. The most famous among the British pirates, Blackbeard (aka Edward Teach) was known to use some of the cayes of Belize’s coast in between his rampages up the coast of North America.

By 1670 England and Spain got together to deal with the problems of piracy and things calmed down in Belize’s waters, only to heat up in new and equally lawless logging settlements on the mainland. Conflict arose with Spain over the years, since technically the British loggers were on Spanish land. 

Taking advantage of England’s vulnerability during the war for American Independence, the Spanish determined to wipe out the British presence in Belize. After several years of struggle, the Baymen (as the inhabitants of Belize were called) triumphed over the Spanish at the battle of St. George’s Caye on September 10, 1798, and the land became British territory. 

The excitement tapered off after that. It wasn’t until 1862 that England got around to officially recognizing its new colony and giving it the name British Honduras. By that point the country already had a diverse population of Europeans, Africans and Maya that remains a point of national pride today.

After the American Civil War, Americans started finding their way to Belize as well. When Belize gained its independence—and a new name—in 1981, it was better off than many of its Central American neighbors and became an attractive place for many refugees to settle. Today the population remains small, and the country still retains the atmosphere of an unexplored land that greeted its earliest visitors.

 Because of its British, not Spanish, heritage, Belize is considered by many to be a Caribbean nation that just happens to be in Central America. The large Creole population gives credence to that idea; only small numbers of Maya, the dominant people of Guatemala and southern Mexico, live in Belize, though the number of mestizos is growing.

In a small, sparsely populated country like Belize, this melding of Central American and Caribbean has led to a national culture that celebrates the diversity of its people. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Creole language spoken there. A mix of English, west African languages, Spanish, and a language of the indigenous people of Nicaragua, Creole is spoken by all the people of Belize, whether they are Creole or not. It is an oral language in a largely oral culture, and is a fun and integral part of national identity and pride.

Though the majority of the country is Catholic, the ceremonies and traditions of many different ethnic groups are practiced. However, the biggest party in Belize comes every September, when the country celebrates its two biggest holidays—St. George’s Caye Day, commemorating British victory over an attack by the Spanish in 1798, and Independence Day. A nation of dancers, in Belize music is a central component to the variety of events that go on throughout the month.

 Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, flanked by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. Inland lies rainforest laced with stunning waterfalls and cave systems, with subtropical temperatures peaking around the steamy central capital of Belmopan.

From heights of about 3,000 feet, the country slopes down to flat wetlands and a coast that is slightly cooler thanks to trade winds from the Caribbean Sea. But Belize’s most spectacular region lies offshore—a coral reef surpassed in length only by the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Two seasons exist in Belize—the rainy season from approximately June to January, and the dry season from February to May. Most travelers come during the winter months when the weather is coolest, but divers will find the best visibility during the summer. Just keep in mind that the distinction between the rainy and dry season may not mean much, as rain can come at any time of year.

 The cuisine of Belize is influenced by both the country’s abundant tropical plants and its British colonial heritage. The Caribbean favorites of rice, beans, chicken and plantains are staples, as are tea and various tinned items imported from Europe. Tropical fruits are plentiful and delicious everywhere, with coconut finding its way into main dishes and desserts with equal frequency.

Fish such as snapper, shark and mackerel are popular, especially when served in soups or stews, but shellfish can be hard to come by at times due to strict harvesting regulations. The local Maya population has made one of its greatest influences on Belize through its cuisine—as is evident in the tamales and other Central American dishes that are enjoyed throughout the country. 

Rum is far and away the most popular spirit, but whatever you drink, be sure to avoid too many of the limes that are ubiquitous throughout Latin America—in Belize they are thought to decrease the sex drive.

 Thanks in large part to its coral reef, Belize is a major center for ecotourism. The array of outdoor activities that await travelers to Belize goes far beyond swimming and diving (though it would be difficult to find a better place for either). The reef itself is dotted with 200 cayes—small sandy islands that have given Belize the reputation as a major bird watching destination.

Inland, tropical forests are divided into nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries for species ranging from baboons to jaguars. Hundreds of Mayan ruins and the fascinating history they tell also wait, draped under vines and hidden among misty mountains.

 * Most everyone is happy to accept U.S. currency throughout the country.

* Sunscreen and strong insect repellent are essential items in Belize, and are often hard to come by. Pack more than you think you will need—and use it. 

* Due to the weather, dress is extremely casual. Be comfortable, but remember that swimsuits and bare feet are not acceptable away from the beach. 

* Tipping is important to service workers, though no set standard exists. Tip as you see fit, except in taxis, where the fare should always be decided before entering.

 * Belize: Reefs, Rain Forests, and Mayan Ruins by Dick Lutz. Published in 2005 by DIMI Press.

* Insight Guides: Belize, published by Apa.

* Birds of Belize (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) by H. Lee Jones and Dana Gardner. Published in 2004 by the University of Texas Press.

* Belize: And Northern Guatemala (Travelers' Wildlife Guides) by Les Beletsky. Published in 2004 by Interlink Books.