Belize (pronounced /bəˈliːz/) is a country in Central America and is the only Central American country where English is an official language. Belize has a diverse society, composed of many languages and cultures. The Belizean territory was once part of the Mayan and Spanish empires before becoming a British colony and for more than a century until 1973, the colonial territory was known as British Honduras. The country became an independent nation in 1981.

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. Average temperatures in the coastal regions range from 24 °C in January to 27 °C in July. Temperatures are slightly higher inland, except for the southern highland plateaus, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge, where it is noticeably cooler year round. Overall, the seasons are marked more by differences in humidity and rainfall than in temperature.

With mangrove swamps rimming much of the mainland coast, the best beaches in Belize can be found in the cayes, with Ambergris having the best. Though they tend to be narrow, the beaches are beautiful and provide ready access to Caribbean waters. Beautiful Laughing Bird Caye is a mini-atoll; a small reef protects the white-sand beach from the surf and effectively turns the water here into a giant natural swimming pool. Placencia Peninsula is the mainland's best beach.

Living The Island Life - Island Living in Belize  - A Guide for Expats, Retirees, Investors and Travelers To Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Belize’s Other Islands - The Islands of Belize. If you’re dreaming of life by the Caribbean Sea, take a look at Belize and its 400 islands. Even if you have a bazillion frequent flyer miles, you’ll be impressed by the islands of Belize. The water is impossibly green and turquoise, and just a few hundred feet off the sandy beach the waves break on the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy some of the best diving in the world. Go fishing or catch spiny lobster for your dinner. Relax over drinks (rum is around $25 a gallon) and a good meal with friendly locals and interesting expats -- and they all speak English! Go home to your cozy seaside house with the trade winds rustling through the coco palms, or just bunk down in an island hotel for $15 a night or less. - Island Living in Belize by Lan Sluder is a 240-page report on what you need to know about Ambergris Caye (Belize’s #1 destination for travelers and expats), up-and-coming Caye Caulker, and Belize’s other islands. How to get there. Where to stay. How to stretch your dollars and save money. How to find the best deals in beachfront and sea view real estate. How to retire under Belize’s “QRP” program or get permanent residency. This eBook covers all of these practical details, and much, much more.