Adjacent to the very busy tourism country of Mexico, is Belize.   Belize is a Central American country that is more Caribbean in flavor but just as exquisite as its neighbors.   Belize was inhabited by pirates and Baymen and they were the first Europeans to settle the country. Until September 1981 when they achieved their independence, Belize was a British Crown colony.  Today, there is still a very strong link to the British government which gives the country stability.

            Belize boasts a rich mix of ethnicities including Creole, Maya, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese, Garifuna and Mennonite. Among its other cultural attractions, it has thousands of Maya archaeological temples and in 2001 UNESCO declared the Garifuna language, dance and music a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity", along with Honduras and Nicaragua. Belize is the only country in Central America without a pacific coastline and also the only one with English as its official language. According to the most recent vegetation surveys, about sixty percent (60%) of Belize's land mass is forested, with only about twenty percent (20%) of the country's land subject to human uses .

            Savannas, scrublands and wetlands constitute extensive parts of the nation's land cover. The country also possesses the largest cave system in Central America, as a result, Belize's biodiversity is rich, both marine and terrestrial, with a host of flora and fauna. About thirty-seven percent (37%) of Belize's land territory falls under some form of official protected status. As such conservation activities remain an important priority in government policy with the notable example of having the only jaguar reserve in the world among its protected areas. However, Belize is best known for its marine environment, in particular, for having the longest living barrier reef in the western hemisphere and the second longest contiguous reef in the world after Australia. Consequently, divers flock to Belize to enjoy its underwater attractions. Belize, as a consequence of its medley of cultural attractions, unique marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and conservation efforts, is fast becoming a hotspot for travelers seeking eco-tourism and adventure vacation experiences.

Belize boasts year-round 85 degree temperatures and an outdoor life style, but there are many things that make Belize an attractive place to live over its neighbors.  Some include:

•      Stable democracy

•       English speaking population,

•       Belizean dollar is tied directly to the US dollar,

•       World-class sport fishing, snorkeling and Scuba diving,

•       Low cost of living,

•      Good postal service

•       Multicultural society -- Maya, Caribbean, Hispanic and European,

•       Ecologically conscious country with national parks and preserves,

•      Tax incentives for non-residents under the new Retired Persons Incentive Act,

•      Peaceful wide open spaces,

•      Friendly people with a relaxed life style,

•       Proximity to the United States and Mexico, and

•      Non-citizens can own real estate

             Belize is now also a favorite destination for investors, retirees and vacationers who want to enjoy pristine beaches, warm tropical climate, and eco tourism.  There are many beautiful properties to be purchased in Belize.  One in particular is Las Terrazas, on Ambergris Caye,  which has a beautiful beach at your door, completely furnished units and affordable prices.

             All in all Belize is a wonderful place to invest, retire and live. There is personal security and financial security with the International banking system and a stable government.  We recommend that you come to Belize to see the beautiful resorts, birds, beaches, and all that paradise has to offer.

              For information call Joann at :    800-933-2708