Belize is in Central America, just south of Mexico and west of the Caribbean Sea. It is 8867 square miles and has a population of only 250,000 plus. The official language is English, but Creole, Garifuna, Maya and Spanish are widely spoken. This of course is an indication of Belize's rich ethnic and cultural mix.

Belize is a popular Eco-tourism, scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Equally popular are its ancient Mayan temples found in the tropical jungles. No one visits Belize without a longing to go back someday.

Say the word "Belize" and many people think of unbelievably clear blue water and diving along a protected reef rich with brilliant sea life. Amen! But there's so much more. Some call a visit to Belize a walk through The Garden of Eden with its twisting jungle trails overhung with exotic vines, orchids and bromeliads.

The air is alive with the calls of toucans and parrots, and there's always the chance to see myriad animals from the regal jaguar to the roaring howler monkey. Magnificent waterfalls cut through stone mountains with multitudes of caves all around the country.

Many visitors are eager to explore mysterious Mayan ruins whose deserted temples and ball courts whisper the names of rulers long past. Belize is the home to a polyglot of people who have maintained a variety of traditions and cultures for hundreds of years. So far this isolated country has not paved over nature's wonders. Generaly speaking, Belize is ecotourism in action. - Chicki Mallan.