Once you experience the unique blend of Central America and Caribbean cultures, the laidback lifestyle, low cost of living, and welcoming people, you’ll have a hard time saying no to Belize.
The unmeddlesome government and financial jurisdictions may also provide the ideal opportunity for investment.
With a land mass of 8,867 square miles, Belize is roughly the same size as Massachusetts. It spans approximately 180 miles from north to south and 70 miles from east to west. The northern half of the country is more flatlands whereas the southern half is a low mountain range. The Maya Mountains, as they are known, reach a little over 3,500 feet above sea level at their highest.
Just offshore from the mainland, Belize has the second-largest barrier reef in the world, including the famous underwater atoll known as the Great Blue Hole.
Belize is divided into six districts: Belize District, Cayo District, Corozal District, Orange Walk District, Stann Creek District, and Toledo District.
This little country is a true melting pot of races, cultures, and socioeconomic classes. A total population of only 397,000, and yet Belize is extremely diverse. Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, and Maya are the largest subsets of peoples and, as if these weren’t overflowing with cultural richness, add in Germans, Chinese, East Indians, North Americans, British, and South Africans. Instead of clashing, all things blend together to take on a new identity—Belizean.
Belizeans are extremely welcoming people. They will want to get to know you; they will want to be your friend. For the vast majority this is simply genuine and without ulterior motives.
Belizeans enjoy life. The people are honest and hardworking and take pride in everything. They are proud of their country, community, family, and home, but it is a humble pride. Life is simple and good.
You’ll know you have begun converting to Belizean life when your habits and approach to life begin to change. Maybe you’ll take a nap during the hottest part of the day. Or maybe you’ll discover the joy of preparing a meal including fish you’ve caught and fresh-picked fruit.
But Belize also draws people in for practical reasons. English is the official language, so there’s no need to struggle with a language barrier. Locals speak English as well as Spanish and Kriol at home. Its currency, the Belizean dollar, is fixed to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 2:1 (BZ$2 = US$1).
It also uses common law, has a stable government, and is part of both the British Commonwealth and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Its visa options are some of the most user-friendly in the world, including its retiree-specific visa that comes with special perks and incentives (like the ability to import your household effects without paying duty fees).
Just a handful of decades ago, only scuba divers, sport anglers, and independent free spirits were attracted to Belize. Back then, Belize was pretty rough around the edges. Nowadays, Belize is a haven for everyone from software millionaires to humble farmers, retirees to world-famous movie directors, volunteers to eco-adventurers.
The common denominator among these people from diverse walks of life is the desire for a simpler, freer, more private way of life.
Until next time,
