LARM Belize
Belize: Known as “The Country of the Adventurous”, Belize is an English speaking, pacific country, only two hours away from three main airports in the United States. It has opportunities for adventure like no other country. Belizeans have made 40% of the country a protected area, such as parks and natural reserves. It offers a unique blend of, tropical rainforest rich with wild life and exotic tropical flora and fauna, majestic mountains, mysterious Mayan temples and the unique opportunity to dive and fish in the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole.
- Geography
- Political
- Economy
- Social
- Phone Numbers
- Schools
- Immigration
- Housing
- More Information
Capital: Belmopan
Area: 8,867 Square miles (22,960 km²)
Population: 320,000 inhabitants.
Industry: Agriculture, Brewing, Clothing, Fishing, Footwear, Forestry, Soft Drink Bottling, Sugar Refining, Textiles
LOCATION
WEATHER
Belize has a tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons, although there are significant variations in weather patterns by region. Temperatures vary according to elevation, proximity to the coast, and the moderating effects of the northeast trade winds off the Caribbean. Temperatures are slightly higher inland, except for the southern highland plateaus, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge, where it is noticeably cooler year round.
GOVERNMENT
Belize is a parliamentary democracy, a Commonwealth realm, and therefore a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The structure of government is based on the British parliamentary system, and the legal system is modeled on the common law of England. The current head of state is Elizabeth II, Queen of Belize. Since the Queen primarily resides in the United Kingdom, she is represented in Belize by the Governor-General. However, the cabinet led by the Prime Minister of Belize, who is head of government and advisor to the Governor-General, exercises executive authority.
Belize is a parliamentary democracy, a Commonwealth realm, and therefore a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The structure of government is based on the British parliamentary system, and the legal system is modeled on the common law of England. The current head of state is Elizabeth II, Queen of Belize. Since the Queen primarily resides in the United Kingdom, she is represented in Belize by the Governor-General. However, the cabinet led by the Prime Minister of Belize, who is head of government and advisor to the Governor-General, exercises executive authority.
CURRENCY
The official currency is Belizean Dollar.
BANKS
Belize has five commercial banks, of which the largest and oldest is Belize Bank. The other four banks are Alliance Bank of Belize, Atlantic Bank, First Caribbean International Bank, and Scotiabank (Belize). Banking hours are shorter in Belize, typically only until 2 p.m. Most bank offices have modern conveniences such as ATM machines. A very important fact is that you should keep the bulk of your liquid assets out of Belize. Deposits in Belize banks are not protected by deposit insurance, as they are in the U.S. under the FDIC, and in many other countries. All of your deposits are at risk should the bank fail.
The official currency is Belizean Dollar.
BANKS
Belize has five commercial banks, of which the largest and oldest is Belize Bank. The other four banks are Alliance Bank of Belize, Atlantic Bank, First Caribbean International Bank, and Scotiabank (Belize). Banking hours are shorter in Belize, typically only until 2 p.m. Most bank offices have modern conveniences such as ATM machines. A very important fact is that you should keep the bulk of your liquid assets out of Belize. Deposits in Belize banks are not protected by deposit insurance, as they are in the U.S. under the FDIC, and in many other countries. All of your deposits are at risk should the bank fail.
LANGUAGES
English is the official language; however, most Belizeans speak Creole and Spanish.
RELIGION
Nearly 80% of the inhabitants are Christian, with 49.6% of Belizeans being Roman Catholics and 29% Protestants.
SHOPPING
While shopping in Belize is not exactly one of the main attractions, it can still be something to enjoy. The Belize shops, though not numerous, can be either upscale or basic. Souvenir shops are certainly found so you will have the chance to purchase some keepsakes from all the places you visit. Ambergris Caye is one of the better destinations for Belize shopping. There you will find crafts, paintings, jewelry, jade artifacts, etc.
RESTAURANTS
Belizean food has a distinctive mix of Latin American and Caribbean influences. Creole cuisine is the most common but plenty of other dishes are also available. Creole food is a delicious blend of fresh ingredients from the sea cooked with coconut – a favorite ingredient – and lively spices. The range of international cuisines increases every year, and you can find delicacies from as far as Lebanon and Thailand.
ENTERTAINMENT
Belize entertainment enables the visitors to explore the rich Belize culture. Nightclubs, restaurants, watching a film or enjoying a show in the theater serve as a wonderful means of entertainment. Belize entertainments in bars or clubs include live performances by bands. Some of the bars also have casinos.
English is the official language; however, most Belizeans speak Creole and Spanish.
RELIGION
Nearly 80% of the inhabitants are Christian, with 49.6% of Belizeans being Roman Catholics and 29% Protestants.
SHOPPING
RESTAURANTS
Belizean food has a distinctive mix of Latin American and Caribbean influences. Creole cuisine is the most common but plenty of other dishes are also available. Creole food is a delicious blend of fresh ingredients from the sea cooked with coconut – a favorite ingredient – and lively spices. The range of international cuisines increases every year, and you can find delicacies from as far as Lebanon and Thailand.
ENTERTAINMENT
Belize entertainment enables the visitors to explore the rich Belize culture. Nightclubs, restaurants, watching a film or enjoying a show in the theater serve as a wonderful means of entertainment. Belize entertainments in bars or clubs include live performances by bands. Some of the bars also have casinos.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Police: 911
Fire department: 90
Police: 911
Fire department: 90
SCHOOLS
The educational system of Belize schools is based on the English form of education. Thus, schools in Belize follow three levels of educational system such as primary, tertiary and secondary.
two of our main schools in Belize:
St. John’s College, Belize City
www.sjc.edu.bz
Wesley Junior College
www.wjcbz.com
The educational system of Belize schools is based on the English form of education. Thus, schools in Belize follow three levels of educational system such as primary, tertiary and secondary.
two of our main schools in Belize:
St. John’s College, Belize City
www.sjc.edu.bz
Wesley Junior College
www.wjcbz.com
IMMIGRATION PROCESS
This process may take between 1 to 3 months after all documentation has been submitted, depending on each applicant´s specific qualifications. Work permits are usually given for 1 year and should be renewed for extensions. This may vary according to specific qualifications.
Documentation necessary to request Residency and Work Permit:
1. Full name
2. Passport number
3. Nationality
4. Profession
5. Position
6. Brief role description
7. Curriculum vitae
8. Full name of spouse and/or children (If applicable)
9. Passport No. of spouse and/or children (If applicable)
This process may take between 1 to 3 months after all documentation has been submitted, depending on each applicant´s specific qualifications. Work permits are usually given for 1 year and should be renewed for extensions. This may vary according to specific qualifications.
Documentation necessary to request Residency and Work Permit:
1. Full name
2. Passport number
3. Nationality
4. Profession
5. Position
6. Brief role description
7. Curriculum vitae
8. Full name of spouse and/or children (If applicable)
9. Passport No. of spouse and/or children (If applicable)
The documents that are always required for residency and work permit processes for Belize are:
· Valid Passport
· Police Clearance Report
· Visa (depending on country of origin)
· Full medical exam (HIV included)
· Language Test
· 3 personal recommendations
Time frames and additional documents vary according to:
· Nationality
· Type of visa requested
· Estimated time of residence
· Job position to be filled in hiring company
· Type of hiring company or organization
Important Immigration Links:
· American Consulate - www.belize.usembassy.gov
· American Chamber of Commerce - www.amchambelize.org
· Local Police - www.police.gov.bz
HOUSING
The monthly rent prices vary depending on the area and size of the house. The monthly rent for an apartment in Belize City ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per month.
The monthly rent prices vary depending on the area and size of the house. The monthly rent for an apartment in Belize City ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per month.
HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day: January 1st.
Baron Bliss Day: March 9th.
Easter: March/ April
Labor Day: May 1st.
Commonwealth Day: May 24th.
St. Georges Caye Day: September 10th.
Independence Day: September 21st.
Pan American Day: October 12th.
Garifuna Settlement Day: November 19th.
Christmas: December 25th.
Boxing Day: December 26th.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Voltage: L 110 volts in most of the country, a few locations have 220 volts.
Plugs: Standard, American.
Television systems: There are 3 local channels and cable service.
Transportation: Belize offers a wide range of transportation including air planes, buses, rental cars, taxi cabs, and boats/ferry
Telecomunications: Telephone, mobile services and Internet are easily found.
New Year’s Day: January 1st.
Baron Bliss Day: March 9th.
Easter: March/ April
Labor Day: May 1st.
Commonwealth Day: May 24th.
St. Georges Caye Day: September 10th.
Independence Day: September 21st.
Pan American Day: October 12th.
Garifuna Settlement Day: November 19th.
Christmas: December 25th.
Boxing Day: December 26th.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Voltage: L 110 volts in most of the country, a few locations have 220 volts.
Plugs: Standard, American.
Television systems: There are 3 local channels and cable service.
Transportation: Belize offers a wide range of transportation including air planes, buses, rental cars, taxi cabs, and boats/ferry
Telecomunications: Telephone, mobile services and Internet are easily found.
