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Belize Geography

Half Moon Caye, Belize

Belize, the former colony of British Honduras, is independent since 1981. A stable, democratic country in Central America, with English is the official language, but Spanish is spoken. Only about 300,000 people live in Belize - covering an area of 8,867 square miles (22,960 km²). With its neighbors Mexico and Guatemala, Belize joins the Mundo Maya, the world of the Maya. Here, this civilization lived from 250 AD to 900 AD its zenith. Innumerable temples and palaces bear witness usually overgrown by the jungle, away.

The pivotal point of the country is Belize City. Where more than 300 years, pirates sought refuge, a lively pulse of a 60,000-inhabitant city. Here mingle American, African, European and Asian cultures. With its Caribbean charm Belize City is the ideal starting point for your tours.

Travelers will be impressed by the natural beauty and the friendliness of the people of Belize. And short of the ways: in the morning or in the hammock under palm trees Caribbean, in the afternoon on our way to Maya ruins in the depths of the jungle or by bike through gorgeous scenery.

Belize Population and Religion

The proportion of the indigenous population now stands at around 11%. The largest population group are the mestizos, the half-breeds between whites and indigenous people. The country is among the Central American countries with the lowest population density, but has an above-average population growth. 50% of the population belong to the Roman Catholic Church.

Belize Economy

The economy has grown strongly in recent years. Yet still live around one third of the population below the poverty line. Main industry is the extraction of precious woods especially mahogany. Besides the use of modern sawmills also be afforested scheduled for the abundance of timber.

Belize Languages

The official language is English.

Belize Currency

The currency in Belize is composed as follows:
1.00 Belize dollar = 100 cents (exchange rate: 1, - EUR = approximately 2.5496 BZD (Belize Dollar)).
Bare euro can be redeemed in a few banks have in Belize. Be accepted (not all) international and national well-known credit cards (eg Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and U.S. dollar travelers checks and checks that are received in U.S. dollars on a U.S. bank and cash U.S. Dollar . At some ATMs, which are integrated in the MAESTRO system can cash with the debit card will be drawn. It is advisable to carry enough cash U.S. dollars with them.

Time

Belize has a time difference to the official GMT Standard Time from -6 hours, the time difference to CET is -7 hours.

Electricity

Voltage: 110 volts. It is advisable to carry an adapter.

Telecommunications

The country code is +501
Mobile: GSM850/GSM 1900
There is a roaming partner for the networks of E-Plus, O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone.

For those looking for the ultimate adventure vacation whether it is by one’s self or with one’s family, look no further then the beautiful and exotic country of Costa Rica, with its golden sand beaches, active volcanoes, lush dense rain and cloud forests, and amazing vibrant seaside towns. With something for everyone, this tiny Central American country has today become one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, with plenty to do and much to see.

Offering fantastic adventure vacations for one and all, Costa Rica combines a laidback lifestyle with stunning natural beauty and a friendly local Tico population to provide a truly memorable and unforgettable holiday. With an impressive wealth of national parks, which cover more than a quarter of the country’s land surface, Costa Rica provides adventure lover’s with a thrilling stage; hosting everything from mountain biking to white water rafting, and jungle treks to canopy and rappeling tours of the verdant forests here. For those who enjoy the ocean in all its glory, Costa Rica has some of the best surf breaks and swells in the world, with incredible snorkeling and underwater diving opportunities as well.

For those who enjoy endless meandering trials set amidst some of the most lush and magnificent forests, Costa Rica has some incredible hiking and trekking possibilities. Visit the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park or take a  hike in the wonderful Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja to become truly one with nature. However, if you prefer you can visit the secluded and remote jungles of the Corcovado National Park, which is home to the last remaining coastal Pacific rainforest.

White water river rafting and kayaking opportunities are also abound in Costa Rica. Kayak out in the open ocean or raft down the roaring rapids of the Rio’s Pacuare, Revenatzon and Naranjo for wild ride. But if surfing is your thing, then head on down to the fantastic beaches that Costa Rica has on offer. Visit the Salsa Brava, Ollie’s Point, Witches Rock, Pavones or Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas for some of the most superb surf breaks in the world.

To explore some of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous sceneries underwater, dive along the coast off Bahia Drake or Drake Bay or visit the lovely Isla del Caño, home to some of the most fabulous underwater and marine life in the country. Along the Guanacaste Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula excellent snorkeling opportunities can be found at Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa. And if all this is not enough, try rappeling down some of Costa Rica’s beautiful waterfalls around the areas of Puerto Jimenez and Cabo Matapalo.

As you can see Costa Rica’s versatility not only extends to its landscape, but its fantastic adventure opportunities as well. So come on down to this gorgeous tropical country to experience Pura Vida or the ‘Pure Life’ and have the adventure of a lifetime!