Belize is the youngest nation in the Western Hemisphere, having been granted independence from Britain in 1981. With a population of just 270,000, Belize is a sparsely populated country with no great cities. Tourism is currently the fastest growing segment of the economy, and the country offers a wide range of attractions for visitors, from sun 'n' fun beach vacations to active adventures and ecotourism explorations. This section will help you get acquainted with the history, people, and natural environment of this small yet very diverse and exciting Central American nation.

Belize proves the cliché that big things come in small packages. This tiny Central American country has the longest continuous barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere; the largest known classic Mayan city, Caracol; and the highest concentration per square mile of the largest New World cat, the jaguar. It also has one of the most extensive and easily accessible cave systems for amateur and experienced spelunkers alike, as well as a nearly endless supply of some of the world's best snorkeling and scuba-diving opportunities. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose to stay in an intimate and luxurious villa or an isolated nature lodge in the heart of the Mundo Maya, or a tent on your own desert island. Or you can sample all three. The best part about all these world-class places and experiences is that Belize's compact size makes it easy to sample a wide range of them in a short period of time.