History and Culture of Belize

Belize History

The first people in Belize to develop a distinct culture were the Maya. Belize was an important part of the great Mayan Empire, which was possibly the most sophisticated civilization in the ancient Americas. Including modern-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras, the Maya reached their peak in the 6th, 7th, and 8th centuries AD. However, by the 14th Century, this once-great civilization declined. By the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th Century, Maya presence was barely felt. Even though the Spanish ruled Belize since their arrival in the New World, they were never able to truly control the area. To them, Belize was a backwater, good only for cutting dye wood. This lack of control eventually allowed for pirates from England and Scotland to come in and find sanctuary during the 17th century. When pirating became a less popular profession, these former buccaneers turned to logging the rich tropical forests of Belize.
 

From the outset of colonization, Belize's roots were more British than Spanish. Britain gained full control from Spain in 1798, when it defeated the Spanish Armada off St. George's Caye. While the United States was embroiled in the Civil War, Great Britain declared Belize to be the colony of British Honduras, against the terms of the Monroe Doctrine.
As in many other countries, Belize's economy faced decline after WWII. This eventually led to the push for independence. Self-government was granted in 1964, which allowed for the formation of democratic parties and a parliamentary style of rule. Belmopan was named the new capital when Belize City was practically destroyed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. In 1981, the country gained full independence and officially became Belize.
 
Belize's independence and rule have always been threatened by the neighboring country of Guatemala, which has maintained that Belize has always been its rightful property. In 1972, during Belize's political transition from colony to an independent nation, Guatemala threatened war. British troops stationed on the border prevented any incident, and now the call to reclaim Belize is an empty political cry in Guatemalan politics.

In recent years, the US government provided additional stability to Belize. In the 1980's the US invested large amounts of aid into Belize's economy. For this reason, it has remained extremely pro-US. Belize is an extraordinarily peaceful country - its standing army of 550 soldiers is a testament to this. Due to civil wars in Honduras and El Salvador, Belize has experienced an influx of refugees from these struggles, which has significantly increased the population of Spanish speakers in the country. Still, the country remains peaceful and tolerance prevails with the mix of cultures from Garifuna and British expats to Mennonites and settlers from Hong Kong. The laid-back atmosphere, cultivated since British buccaneers first began hiding out here, invites visitors to slow down, relax, and just soak up the rhythms of this tiny gem.

 

Belize Culture

English-speaking and Creole-dominated, Belize has more in common with its Caribbean island neighbors than its bordering Spanish-speaking countries. With a laid-back ambiance of swinging hammocks, large swaths of impenetrable jungle, and an underwater world of twisted corals, neon fish, and gentle manatees, Belize is a tropical treasure. Located in the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west. Though small in size (9,087 square miles), it arguably offers the best diving in the world. It is also one of the best places in the Americas to see the elusive jaguar and other large jungle animals. In a single day, visitors can snorkel in the morning and visit ancient Mayan ruins in the interior in the afternoon.

A unique aspect of Belize is the fact that its undeveloped areas have allowed nature to live on in a way that draws biologists and environmentalists. The entire country only contains two paved roads, which can make getting around difficult, but it is an experience on its own. Prices for food, hotels, and souvenirs are higher in most out-of-the-way places, but it's worth it! The best idea is to just relax and let yourself fall into the slow rhythm that is Belize.

Belize Religion, Language, and Food

The majority of Belizeans are Roman Catholic. However, due to the heavy British influence, Belize has a larger Protestant population than any other country in Central America. The Maya and Garifuna practice their own mixture of traditional shamanism and Christianity.
The official language of Belize is English, but many other languages are also used. Along the coast, you'll likely hear an English-based Creole. Spanish is the main language in towns that border Guatemala to the west and Mexico to the north, and it's possible to run into several other languages such as Mayan, German, Chinese, Lebanese, and Arabic.
While Belize has never really developed a national cuisine, its food is diverse and influenced by its history: it was inhabited by the Maya for centuries, colonized by English buccaneers, and served as a refuge for escaped enslaved Africans. As a result, Belizean food offers spicy Creole creations, standard English corned beef, and the Mayan delicacy of the fried paca (a small jungle rodent). For most meals, rice and beans are a staple, and coconut milk, plantains, and hot peppers are common ingredients. Sitting down to a traditional Mayan meal can be a treat for the adventurous. Suckling pig roasted underground is a delicious favorite in the countryside!

Facts about Belize People

One of the most memorable parts of any trip is meeting the people. Known for their friendliness and laid-back attitude, Belizean people known as Belizeans, reflect the country’s rich cultural mosaic. If you're wondering what to expect in Belize, you'll quickly discover that the warmth of its people is one of the highlights.
1. Belize is a Cultural Melting Pot
Belize’s small population includes a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, including:

• Creole (Kriol): Descendants of African and British settlers, mainly found in urban areas like Belize City.
• Maya: Indigenous groups (Yucatec, Mopan, and Q'eqchi') live in rural villages, especially in southern Belize.
• Garifuna: Afro-Caribbean people with their own language, music, and food, especially along the southern coast.
• Mestizo: Spanish-speaking descendants of Maya and Spanish settlers, especially in the north and west.
• Mennonites: German-speaking communities known for farming, found in villages like Spanish Lookout.
• Chinese, East Indian, and Lebanese communities also contribute to Belize’s diversity.

This blend creates a dynamic culture where multiple languages, religions, and traditions coexist peacefully.

Belize Language

Unlike other Central American countries, Belizeans speak English as the official language, making it easy for visitors to communicate. You’ll also hear Creole, Spanish, and several Mayan dialects in daily life. Understanding people and the Belize culture will help you appreciate the soul of the country. And when you travel with us, our Trip Planners get ready for a cultural experience you’ll never forget.