by admin | October 17th, 2008
Belize, the former British Honduras, is the only country in Central America where the official language is English.
The Mayan civilization flourished in this area until about 1200 AD and there are still many archeological sites that reflect their advanced civilization.
Although Columbus was there in 1502, it was shipwrecked British sailors who first established a viable settlement in the area in 1658. The English continued building settlements throughout the area and in 1840 became the “Colony of British Honduras”. Belize gained its independence from Great Britain in 1981.
Belize has not been a major cruise destination for long, and major storms in recent years have caused widespread devastation that detracts from some of its natural beauty. However, like all tourist areas, it is coming back and is regularly visited by cruise ships.
