Many people,
at first, are not familiar with the country of Belize until you mention its
former name, “British Occupied Honduras”. Full independence was gained from
Britain in 1981 as a parliamentary democracy. The government is stable with two
key parties presently in power. Belize is approximately the size of
Massachusetts with a population of 280,000 consisting of a wide array of people
and ethnic groups. Located south of Mexico and east of Guatemala, it is
Caribbean in “flavor”, rather than Latin, and speaks English, rather than the
Spanish language of its surrounding neighbors. Primarily a tropical rain forest,
Belize has two seasons: rainy and dry. During the dry season (late February to
May) the temperature and humidity fluctuates and thunderstorms can be expected.
In the rainy months (fall and early winter) rainfall can be as high as 150” with
high humidity.
Belize by
and large is an underdeveloped country with the south being further behind in
its progress. This disparity is reflected in all aspects of life from economical
to spiritual. The country is composed of seven districts. Among the Belizeans,
the southern end of the country is known as the forgotten land.
The
northern part of the country, which relies heavily on tourism, is relatively
prosperous with an average income of $1800/month Belize ($900/US). The southern
part depends on timber and agriculture with an average income of $800/month
Belize ($400/US). With limited access to goods and services readily available up
north – the cost of living is more expensive in the south. Since incomes are
lower yet everyday living costs are higher, we work among some of the poorest in
the nation, with our primary cultural groups being Maya Mopan, Kekchi, and the
Garifuna. (We ask that you please remember this during your ministry trip. North
Americans often come across as affluent and arrogant when we are not sensitive
to the cultural contrasts around us.)
No visas are
required for entry by Americans or Canadians; however, you will be given a passport. No shots are required
to enter – but we do strongly suggest that you check with the CDC at
www.cdc.gov for any recommended
shots and Malaria prevention pertaining to traveling in Belize. Cloroquin is
sometimes recommended as a Malaria medication (taken one week prior to
departure, once during the trip, and 3-4 weeks after returning). Also you
should discuss with your doctor any items related to your personal health
issues.
Statistics
At-a-Glance
Languages
- English –
official
- Spanish –
spoken by 50% of the population
- Creole
- Kekchi
- Garifuna
- Maya
Mopan
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