A small country in Central America on the coast of the Caribbean, Belize is an amazing tourist destination known for its stable government, ecotourism, and Mayan archaeological sites. The word Belize comes from either the Mayan word belix-muddy water, or belikan-land facing sea. Belize was the last British colony on the American mainland, gained its independence on September 21st 1981, and became part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Because of the former British influence, the official language is English like many other Caribbean countries. Belize may have a small population, but has many different cultures, one of the most prominent being Mayan, and other important languages are Spanish, Kriol, and Garifuna. There are many amazing ancient Mayan sites around the country- more than 600! Some of the most popular are the Lamanai Reserve, the multiple sites in the Cayo District, and the Altun Ha site.
Another reason Belize is so popular is the amazing nature reserves. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve protects a wide variety of wildlife, including a few species of jungle cats, snakes, monkeys, and 290 types of birds! The reserve also has tons of trails, so visitors can hike and explore the park. Some trails, such as the Tiger Fern Trail and The Waterfall Trail are extremely popular, ending at cascades or waterfalls. There is also an organic chocolate farm and factory called Che’il Chocolate Factory and you can make your own before going on a hike.
Belize also has tons of great beaches, and the world’s second largest Great Barrier reef which is at least 160 miles long. It is also popular for The Great Blue Hole, which is a part of the reef that suddenly plunges down very deep, and is home to a school of reef sharks. There are also seven marine reserves and attractions such as The Cat’s Eye and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Belize also has multiple Atolls-or ring shaped coral reefs-and Cays-small, low islands on reefs. A popular beach resort is the Plascencia Peninsula, where tourists can bask in the sun, kayak, snorkel and dive at the nearby marine reserve.
The original capital, Belize City, was destroyed by a hurricane in 1970, and the new capital, Belmopan was built a bit farther from the shore. The city has older Victorian buildings, and the Museum of Belize, which is in an old prison. The city is also a short drive from the Belize zoo, and in the city is the Belize Swing Bridge. Overall, Belize is an amazing tourist destination with tons to offer. 
“13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Belize: PlanetWare.” PlanetWare.com, 2021, www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/belize-biz.htm.
Chabil Mar Villas. “20 Amazing Facts About Belize.” Chabil Mar Villas, 8 Jan. 2021, chabilmarvillas.com/20-amazing-facts-about-belize.html.
“Belize.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize.