Welcome to Belize
- Details
- Category: Belize
- Published on Friday, 26 August 2011 01:03
- Written by Trys
- Hits: 2227
In a country of only 8,867 square miles - under 200 miles of Caribbean coastline from "proud Rio Hondo to Old Sarstoon" (north to south), and under 90 miles at its widest point from Belize City along the Western Highway to the Guatemalan border (east to west) - the phrase "Belize travel" would seem to have limited significance. Yet this magical little country is so rich and so varied, that travelling comparatively short distances can bring you to dramatically different locations / eco-systems / amazing adventures.
Some key statistics for you to consider - 40% of the entire landmass and offshore coral reef is under Government protection as wild-life nature reserves; they cover mountain pine ridges, rainforest-covered limestone foothills, riverine forestation, cave systems, wetlands, scrubland savannah and coral reefs and atolls. There are reserves for tapirs, jaguars (the only one in the world), birds, butterflies, marine life - a continuous wildlife corridor for flora and fauna throughout the country. More than 700 species of tree, more than 500 species of bird, over 300 varieties of orchid and bromeliad; only 320,000 residents and currently 8 sets of traffic lights in the entire country.
Small wonder that the locals refer to Belize as the jewel, as in the expression, "Welcome man, dis jooel is fer evribadi."
