Belize City - Culture

Belize is located on the Eastern or Caribbean coast of Central America, bounded on the north and part of the west by Mexico and on the South and the remainder of the West by Guatemala. The inner coastal waters sheltered by the Barrier Reef (the 2nd largest in the world at 180 miles), and are dotted with over 200 islands, atolls and islets called "cayes" extending the entire length of the country. Belize covers approximately 8,866 miles of territory; its mainland is approximately 180 miles long and 68 miles wide at its widest point.

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of over 60,000. It offers the visitor an unusual combination of rustic, old-fashioned Caribbean charm and bustling modernity. The Belize river meanders through the middle of the city; and twice a day, the city's swing bridge closes to allow sail boats to pass. There are many traditional street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, arts and crafts in the city's public squares, especially in the colonial marketplace on Saturday mornings. Visitors can purchase handmade wood furniture made by the Mennonite community and many kinds of craft items from the National Handicraft center, as well as from the vendors who congregate near the Belize Commercial Center. With its two airports and many car rental agencies, Belize City is an excellent starting off point for visitors wishing to explore the country by car (or 4-wheel drive). There are several major tourist attractions an hour's drive or less from Belize City, such as the Belize Zoo, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bermudan Landing Community Baboon Sanctuary, and the Mayan ruin site at Altun Ha.

On the mainland, ancient Mayan temples and monuments dating back thousands of years are an archaeologist's fantasyland. With more than 600 Maya cities, Belize is the center of the ancient Maya world and an active participant in the Mundo Maya programme. In the interior, an unspoiled world of lush tropical rain forests awaits you. Here you will find a colourful collage of animal and plant populations, as well as limestone caves, scenic rivers and Maya temples. Belize is home to the world's only jaguar preserve, and the prehistoric tapir, the howler monkey and gentle manatee co-exist in protected environments.

Belize City has the only manual swing bridge in the world and is still being swung daily. The oldest Anglican Cathedral Church in Central America, St. John's Cathedral, was built in 1812 from bricks brought as ballast from European sailing ships. Over the years, Government House (now a Museum) was used as an administrative office and living quarters for the governors of Belize. This was built in the early 1800 with a combination of Caribbean Vernacular and English Urban architecture. The Lighthouse monument at Fort George Point towers over the harbour entrance. This was built from money donated to the country by Belize's greatest benefactor - Baron Bliss, the 5th baron of Portugal. At his request, he was entombed in front of the lighthouse which he designed himself prior to his death.