Europeans, East Indians, Arabs, Chinese, and every conceivable mixture in between can be found within the borders of this tiny but impossibly beautiful nation. The marine life off the coast of Belize is one of the richest in the world. Belize boasts the hemisphere's largest barrier reef and three of the Caribbean's five natural atolls. Our waters attract expert divers as it is considered to be one of the world's finest diving destinations. Due a low population and high regard for conservation, these precious reefs remain in near pristine condition.
Archaeological research suggests that Belize was a central precinct of Mayan civilization.
There are a dozen major excavated sites, and hundreds of minor sites are scattered up and down the country and cayes. Advances in Mayan archaeology have stimulated interest and enthusiasm which results in more and more tourists visiting these sites. The forests, savannahs and wetlands of Belize attract bird watchers, naturalists, and adventure travelers from all over the world. The Belize Zoo show-cases an exotic collection of the nation's wildlife in a unique natural setting. Jaguars and other wild cats, tapirs, monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, parrots, toucans, and dozens of other species can be seen in habitats similar to those they are accustomed to.