Often known as the “Hidden Jewel” of the Caribbean and Central America, Belize is a top travel destination for anybody seeking adventure, crystal-clear seas and the chance to explore the ruined capital of the Ancient Maya Empire. Belize is a multifaceted nation for sure. However, it also has plenty of fascinating sides and secrets that many visitors and tourists don’t get to see. Here’s a selection of a few of the hidden sides of the Hidden Jewel, which make it one of the unique countries on Earth.
Jaguar Conservation is a Priority in Belize
Nature lovers already flock to Belize for its unspoiled jungles and beautiful barrier reef (which is also the largest in the Northern Hemisphere), but not many people outside of the country know that it currently is the only country in the world to have created a jaguar sanctuary dedicated to preserving this great species. There are half a dozen big cats that are indigenous to the region, including jaguars and pumas, and the conservation efforts of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve ensure their continued survival in their native country.
Belize and the UK Share the Same Queen
Belize has been a British colony for over 200 years, which means that the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is also the Queen of Belize. Consequently, English is the official language here — the only country in Central America where this is true. However, the country remains multilingual. English, Creole and Spanish are the most commonly spoken languages, but you’ll also hear a mixture of Mayan, Garifuna and even German used in conversation on the streets of Belize.
Belize is the Homeland of Many International Athletes
When it comes to international sporting prowess, Belize isn’t a country that you often hear associated with it. However, Belize is proud to be the home country of many international athletes and sportspeople, as over 25 male and female track and field athletes have represented Belize in Summer Olympic Games, and Belizean football and basketball players have played on top teams all over the world.
Belize is even home to a national team of professional poker players, with one member famously making it to the finals of an elite international poker tournament. Badih “Bob” Bounahra is the most successful Belizean professional poker player, and in 2011, he played at the final table of the Main Event of the World Series of Poker — arguably the world’s most iconic professional tournament.
The Great Blue Hole is the World’s Largest Sinkhole
Even though the Great Blue Hole is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, few visitors to the marine wonder know that it is, in fact, the world’s largest natural sinkhole. Measuring 300 meters across and 125 meters deep, the hole was first brought to the world’s attention in 1971 by the French explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau and is now a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cousteau’s grandson, Fabien Cousteau, formed part of the team that recently led a groundbreaking exploration to the depths of the hole where they found previously undiscovered stalactites and even some unidentifiable tracks at the bottom. We’re not surprised to learn that there’s still more to discover under the sea given that parts of the hole formed over 150,000 years ago.
