GOVERNMENT
An independent member of the British Commonwealth since Septemer 21, 1981, Belize has a stable, democratically elected parliamentary government.

LANGUAGE
English is the official language. Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, and Creole are also spoken widely.

POPULATION
The Belize Ministry of Finance estimates the 2004 population at 282,600. Ethnic groups include mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garinagu (also called Garifuna), and European.

TIME ZONE
Belize occupies time zone GMT-6, same as US central standard time. Daylight saving time is not observed.

TOPOGRAPHY
Belize occupies 8,867 square miles along the east coast of Cen­tral America, on the Caribbean Sea. Bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, the country contains the second-longest barrier reef in the world (185 miles) and three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere.

Doyle’s Delight, in the Maya Mountains, recently replaced Victoria Peak as the official highest point, reaching 3,688 feet.

WATER
Tap water in Belize is potable.

CURRENCIES/RATES
Currency exchange. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at BZ$2 to US$1. Banks and ATMs throughout the country include Alliance Bank, Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, First Caribbean, and Scotiabank.
Postal Rates. Send letters to the US for BZ$.60 or to Europe for $.75. Send postcards to the US for BZ$.30 or to Europe for $.40.

Taxes. The hotel tax is nine percent and the general sales tax is 10 percent throughout the country.

Tipping. A voluntary gratuity of 10 percent is acceptable; 15 percent for exceptional service. Some establishments may add a tip to the bill. Check before paying.

CHURCHES
Most denominations are represented in Belize. Check with the front desk for the nearest location.

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