Belize

At a Glance:

If you ever had any doubt the big things come in small packages, Belizeing is believing. And if you are into the ambience of the great outdoors, you won’t find a better spot for happily ever aftering than this pristine Caribbean paradise. 

As Fodor’s writes in its Belize guidebook, “Belize is a jewel. It’s a place of incredible natural beauty, of mint-green seas and emerald green forests, of the longest Barrier Reef in the Western or Northern Hemisphere, with more kinds of birds, butterflies, flowers, and trees than in all of the United States and Canada combines.”

Plus, Fodor’s might have added, Belize is also home to the highest concentration of the largest cat in the America’s: the breathtaking beautiful jaguar. It has an extensive network of largely unexplored caves. And, its Mayan ruins are some of the most intriguing in all of Central America. 

Not only is the cost of living low in Belize, but the US dollar is the country’s currency – so you don’t even have to worry about exchange rates.  And to make life even easier, English is the official language! Since gaining full independence from England in 1981, Belize has established itself as a rock-solid democracy, safeguarding personal freedom and property rights. 

So, how is life for the expat in this tiny land of exotic lure? Perhaps Britain’s ShelterOffshore.com sums it up best: “If you’re looking for an alternative relocation destination where the cost of living is affordable and the way of life is fantastically laid back, where you can enjoy the sophistication of a big city or the beach-bum lifestyle of an island hopper, Belize offers it all.”

Healthcare:

Belize has a highly efficient mixed-care healthcare system providing free, or low-cost, service in government-run hospitals and clinics. In addition, it boasts a myriad of first-rate doctors (many trained in the US and Canada) who charge a small fee for services.

The country is divided into four medical regions: the Cayo District in the Western Region, Orange Walk and Corozal Districts in the Northern Region, Stann Creek and Toledo Districts in the Southern Region, and the Belize District in the Central Region. The modern, well-equipped Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital is the nation’s top medical institution, with a network of 7 district hospitals is spread throughout the four medical regions. In total, there are seven government hospitals. One is located in Belmopan, one in Belize City and one in each of the other five main district towns.

A visit to a doctor in Belize will cost in the neighborhood of $15 to $20. A hospital stay could cost somewhere from $20 to $50 a day. Many prescription drugs cost less in Belize than in the US and can be purchased without a doctor’s order.

Public Safety:

Like most countries today, Belize’s crime problem has worsened in recent years. Having said that, two points must be taken into consideration: (1) most of the violent crime in Belize is occurs in Belize City, a place in which few expats settle, and (2) outside of Belize City and the Belmopan region, crime is largely relegated to petty theft. In the rural regions and on the popular cayes, serious crime is largely non-existent.

Population and Geography:

About the size of Massachusetts, geographically Belize is the second smallest (second to El Salvador) country in Central America. With just 312,000 people, it has the smallest population. Ethnically diverse, it includes Latinos (51%), Creoles (23%), Mennonites, Garifunas, Anglo-Europeans, Middle Easterners, Asians, and an increasing number of US and Canadian expats.

Belize lies on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered directly to the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. Honduras lies to its immediate southwest, separated by the Caribbean.

Type of Government:

A fully functioning democratic republic since gaining its independence from Great Britain in 1981, Belize remains a member of the British Commonwealth.

According to the U.S. Department of State, ‘Belize is a parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model … The primary executive organ of government is the cabinet, led by a prime minister (head of government). Cabinet ministers are members of the majority political party in parliament and usually hold elected seats in the National Assembly concurrently with their cabinet positions.

The National Assembly consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate … Members of the independent judiciary are appointed. The judicial system includes local magistrates, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal. “

CLC Don’t Miss This Alert!:   

Dress is casual … dining is casual … the pace is casual … life is … well … casual.

Welcome to Ambergris Caye, the copasetic Caribbean island where you’re perfectly safe to entirely ignore the Desiderata admonition to “Go placidly amidst the noise and haste.” Because on Ambergris Caye, there is neither of either.

What there is, you will find (much to your lasting delight) is a picturesque 25-mile long island surrounded by a turquoise sea and punctuated by narrow, sea-grass beaches and a plethora of well-worn, rustic piers. In the Caye’s single, sparsely populated town, San Pedro, you’re find three sandy streets lined by native-run guesthouses, quaint, unencumbered bars and restaurants -- and virtually no gas-powered vehicles.

And about a half mile off the windward side of the Caye, you will find the Belize Barrier Reef -- the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest in the world.

But enough from your Club scribe. Let’s let Madonna round out the picture in her ode to Ambergris Caye, La Isla Bonita:

Tropical the island breeze
All of nature wild and free
This is where I long to be
La isla bonita
I fell in love with San Pedro
Warm wind carried on the sea, he called to me
Te dijo te amo

Casual. Copasetic. Ambergris Caye. Don’t miss this!

For Additional Information:

• Heritage Foundation Economic Freedom Index:

• Freedom House Index:

• State Department Country Report:

• CIA Country Factbook:

• World Health Organization Rankings 2000 (dated but still useful):