Who controls Belize?

Is Belize a poor or rich country?

Belize is an upper middle-income country in Central America with close sociopolitical and economic ties to the Caribbean. In 2022, Belize had a population of 405,000, a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 billion, and a per capita GDP of $6049.

What island does Bill Gates own in Belize?

The company said that of the multi-million dollar properties Gates owns, he has a private island in Belize called Grand Bogue Caye, which is valued at about $25 million.

Is Belize a US ally?

Belize remains a committed partner on U.S. regional priorities, including security, prosperity and governance, democracy and human rights, migration management, and climate change. The largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated at 70,000 to upwards of 100,000, resides in the United States.

Is it safe to travel to Belize?

Belize City – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

All visitors should maintain an elevated level of situational awareness, exercise increased caution, and practice good safety and security practices.

What language does Belize speak?

It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, while Spanish is the most widely spoken language. Belizean Creole is the second-most-commonly-spoken dialect, followed by the Mayan languages, Garifuna, and the German dialects.

What are the social issues in Belize?

Belize remains among the countries with the highest per capita murder rates in the world. According to government statistics, in 2022, there were 113 homicides, compared to 125 in 2021. Much of the violence is localized around the south side of Belize City. Cases of police brutality continue to be reported.

What is Belize best known for?

What is Belize Known For? Belize, a stunning country on the eastern coast of Central America, is known for its vibrant culture, lush tropical rainforests and some of the most beautiful marine environments on the planet.

Does Belize have freedom?

The law provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, and the government generally respected this right. An independent press, an effective judiciary, and a functioning democratic political system combined to promote freedom of expression, including for members of the media.

What is the racial makeup of Belize?

Most Belizeans are of multiracial descent. About 43.7% of the population is of mixed Mayan and European descent (Mestizo); 29.8% are of African and Afro-European (Creole) ancestry; about 11.0% are Mayan; and about 6.6% are Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna).

Do you need a passport to go to Belize?

All U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport for the duration of their stay in Belize.

Why is Belize's population so low?

Immigration accounts for an increasing share of Belize's population growth rate, which is steadily falling due to fertility decline. Belize's declining birth rate and its increased life expectancy are creating an aging population.

What to avoid eating in Belize?

Is it worth going to Belize?

More than half of Belize is a protected nature reserve, park, or animal reserve. Enjoy spotting rare avian species or some of Central America's last remaining big cats as you travel through breathtakingly beautiful rainforests, jungles, wetlands, beaches, mountains, and rivers.

What not to bring to Belize?

Is Belize friendly to Americans?

The State Department is warning U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to Belize City. Belize City's Southside, south of Haulover Creek Canal and extending south to Fabers Road, is known for gang-related violence. However, this area doesn't typically overlap with tourist destinations.

Is there conflict in Belize?

There is an unresolved territorial dispute between the states of Belize (formerly known as British Honduras) and Guatemala, neighbours in Central America.

Why would an American move to Belize?

Belize is a popular retirement destination because of its warm tropical weather, beautiful landscapes, and friendly locals. It's an easy place to visit or live because there is no language barrier. Big populations of North Americans, Europeans, and other nationalities are well-established in the country.

What celebrities live in Belize?

Belize has become a popular destination for celebrities to vacation, invest in real estate, or even call home. Several celebrities are known to own property in Belize. This includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Francis Ford Coppola, Bill Gates, James Prince, and many more!

Does Leonardo DiCaprio own an island in Belize?

A scuba diving trip to the coral reefs in Belize inspired Leonardo DiCaprio to buy Blackadore Caye, an island off the coast of the Central American country. The Killers of the Flower Moon actor spent $1.75 million on the 104-acre property in 2005.

What island does Jeff Bezos own?

Bezos owns three properties on Miami's Indian Creek island. Take a look at the enclave, known as "Billionaire Bunker," and see why it attracts the wealthy.