Introduction To Belize

Belize, a tiny Central American country nestled between Guatemala and Mexico, boasts a rich blend of cultures, history, and wildlife. Once occupied by the ancient Mayans, Belize was later colonized by the British and gained independence in 1981. The country now boasts a diverse population, including the descendants of the Mayans, Afro-Caribbeans, Mestizos, and Garifunas, contributing to its diverse cultural offerings. The country's geography ranges from sandy beaches along the Caribbean coastline to dense, tropical jungles nestled in the heartland. Belize is also known for its spectacular barrier reef, which runs along the coast and offers a world-class diving experience. Visitors can explore ancient Mayan ruins, hike in the lush jungles, float along rivers, or simply relax on the beach. With its mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty, Belize offers something for everyone.

Belize, a tiny Central American country nestled between Guatemala and Mexico, boasts a rich blend of cultures, history, and wildlife. Once occupied by the ancient Mayans, Belize was later colonized by the British and gained independence in 1981. The country now boasts a diverse population, including the descendants of the Mayans, Afro-Caribbeans, Mestizos, and Garifunas, contributing to its diverse cultural offerings. The country's geography ranges from sandy beaches along the Caribbean coastline to dense, tropical jungles nestled in the heartland. Belize is also known for its spectacular barrier reef, which runs along the coast and offers a world-class diving experience. Visitors can explore ancient Mayan ruins, hike in the lush jungles, float along rivers, or simply relax on the beach. With its mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty, Belize offers something for everyone.

This work is about Belize from a historical and contemporary perspective. Once known as British Honduras, Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America. And it's only one of two such countries in Latin America. The other one is Guyana in South America which was also once ruled by Britain. The author looks at the different racial and ethno-cultural groups which collectively constitute Belize, a country founded by British settlers and African slaves more than 300 years ago. The work is a general introduction to Belize. It's also about life in Belize and how the different groups interact with each other in this multicultural society. He examines Belize's multicultural character and identity and how members of different groups interact at different levels of national life - as individuals, as an integral part of an ethnic or cultural group, and as an integral part of the nation. How important is group identity? Is Belize a melting pot? Has it ever tried to be one if it's not one already? Are ethnic relations good or bad? How do immigrants fit in? Are there "true" Belizeans? Who is a native Belizean and who is not? How have competing claims to native status affected ethnic and racial relations? How many ethnic and racial groups are in Belize? Are there ethnic enclaves in Belize? Is Belize also an Afro-Caribbean nation although it's in Central America? Is it more black than Spanish? What is the dominant culture in Belize and why? Those are some of the subjects addressed in the book. Members of the general public including those going to Belize may find this work to be useful. It may also help some students learn a few things about the country.

William Setzekorn weaves the folklore, facts, history, culture, economics and geography of Belize into an exciting mini-encyclopedia. His portrait of this proud new nation is painted with humor, gentleness, fact and empathy presenting a credible picture of modern day Belize. Reading with the ease and excitement of a novel it is more than a history book, a travelog or an encyclopedia giving the reader a feeling of kinship with the struggles and joy of this tiny new nation. A mixture of Africans, Mestizos, East Indians, Europeans, Syrians, Lebanese, Mayans, and Chinese; Belize has grown into a heterogenous mosaic of a strong and brave country which is no bigger than Cambridge, Massachusetts. Studying the influences of British domination and Spanish intimidation up to the recent movements for self-government and independence, Setzekorn presents to the reader an accounting of Belizean social and political vicissitudes -- a long and tortuous, yet coherent, struggle for national and cultural identity. Book jacket.

The Rough Guide to Belize is the most comprehensive guide available. From snorkeling the inky depths of the coral-encrusted Great Blue Hole to hiking in the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve, the inspiring full-colour section introduces all of the regions highlights. You'll find detailed accounts on all of Belize's major Mayan sites, plus Tikal in Guatemala, along with contextual boxes on the culture of the Mayans. This fully updated 4th edition includes in-depth coverage of all the top attractions from Belize City to the national parks and reserves, including Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Read opinionated reviews of all the best places to eat, drink, stay, and party at all price levels as well as practical accounts of Belize diverse outdoor activities from surfing and rafting to trekking and eco-tourism. The guide also takes a detailed look at the region's history, cuisine, environment and diverse culture and comes complete with maps and plans for the entire country. The Rough Guide to Belize is like having a local friend plan your trip.

Readers learn about the countries, people, economy, geography, and history ofthe countries in Cental America in this series. Full color.

Presents a photographic introduction to the land, history, government, economy, people, and culture of the Central American country Belize.