– The red, white and blue Belize Flag is a symbol of the unity of our nation. Prior to Independence the People's United Party (PUP) proposed a blue flag with the Coat of Arms in a white circle. Because of the close association of the flag with the PUP, public opinion was divided as to its suitability to act as a unifying symbol.

• Belize (formerly British Honduras), is a country in Central America. Belize has a diverse society, composed of many cultures and speaking many languages. Although Kriol and Spanish are spoken among the population, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

The Keel Billed Toucan is Belize's national bird .

Its normally black with yellow around its head and storage with a very colorful beak. It is noted for its great, canoe-shaped bill and its brightly colored green, blue, red and orange feathers. Toucans are found in open areas of the country with large trees.

• The Black Orchid (Encyclical Cochleatum) is the National Flower of Belize. This orchid grows on trees in damp areas, and flowers nearly all year round. Its clustered bulb like stems vary in size up to six inches long and carry two or three leaves.The black orchid flower has greenish-yellow petals and sepals with purple blotches near the base. The "lip" (one petal of special construction, which is the flower's showiest) is shaped like a valve of a clam shell (hence the name Encyclical Cochleatum) and is deep purple-brown, almost black, with conspicuous radiating purple veins.

• What is the unit of currency in Belize? The Belize Dollar. One U.S. dollar equals two Belize dollars. For several decades now the Belize Dollar has been tied to the U.S. dollar at an official rate of two Belize Dollars to one US dollar. However, increased borrowing by government has led to growing pressure on this official exchange peg. A lively parallel market usually gives BZ$2.05 for U.S.1.00 Dollar. US dollars are gladly accepted throughout Belize. Thus visitors with US dollars do not need to worry about changing their money into Belize dollars - it doesn't make much sense.

• Green & Black's has been buying organic cocoa from the TCGA farmer's co-operative in Belize since 1994 and paying a fair guaranteed price – above the world cocoa price. In 2003, we extended our activities with cocoa farmers and started our Belize Program to provide even more support. We decided to invest £225,000 over three years with the TCGA and this money was kindly matched by a grant from the British government (DFID). This investment in cocoa farming communities was used to help improve management and farming practices, rehabilitate hurricane damaged crops, plant more cocoa trees, and train farmers in better growing methods. Today, Green & Black's continues to provide technical advice and support the farmers in Belize.

• Religious freedom is guaranteed in Belize. Nearly 80% of the

inhabitants are

Christian, with 49.6% of Belizeans being Roman Catholics and 29% Protestants.

[31]. Foreign Catholics frequently visit the country for special gospel revivals. The

Greek Orthodox Church has a presence in Santa Elena.[32]

Jehovah's Witnesses have experienced a significant increase in membership in recent years. According to the Witnesses, around 3% of the population attended at least one religious meeting in 2007.

[33]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims 3,300 members in the country

[34]Other non-Christian minorities include:

Hinduism, followed by most Indian immigrants, and Islam, common

among Middle Eastern immigrants and has gained a following among

some Kriols.[edit]

• The overall climate of Belize can be described as sub-tropical. The humidity while high, is seldom oppressive for long and is most noticeable along the coast. The mean annual humidity is 83%, but many days the humidity is masked by the cooling sea breezes. The Belize coastal area is exposed to southeast tradewinds averaging 10-13 knots and attain an uncanny consistency during the month of July.Temperatures in Belize range from 50°F to 95°F with an annual mean of 79°F. November to January are traditionally the coolest months with a 75°F average and May to September are the warmest at about a 81°F average. Location is a big factor for temperature as Cayo to the west can be several degrees colder then along the coast and during November at night, temperatures can fall to a beautiful 46°F in Cayo. In the mountains, the coldest days and nights might seem relatively very cold and blankets will definitely be needed at night. However, the mean annual temperatures on in the mountains is a perfectly comfortable 72°F.