Belize

Belize lies in the heartland of the ancient Maya world. Cities such as Caracol, Lamanai and Altun Ha flourished here during the Classic period, supported by sophisticated farming, long-distance trade and monumental arch…

The Belize District was the first area of the country settled by Europeans. The early settlers built their estates along rivers and creeks, which served as their main transport routes. Many estates were named after thei…

Stann Creek in south-eastern Belize takes its name from the "stanns", safe havens used by early colonialists arriving from the Old World. Its capital, Dangriga, was formerly known as Stann Creek Town. Dangriga is close…

Toledo, the southernmost and least populated district of Belize, is defined by the many peoples who have made it their home. Mopan and Kekchi Maya, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite and Mestizo communities live h…

Corozal, Belize's northernmost district, has a history reaching far back into the pre-Columbian era. The Maya left their mark here: the ruins of Santa Rita, near Corozal Town, and Cerros on the coast are reminders that …

For more than a hundred years, logging dominated life in Orange Walk. Timber was floated down the New River into Corozal Bay, then on to Belize City and shipped abroad. Change came in the late 19th century, when refugee…

Cayo in western Belize is the country's largest district by area and home to its capital, Belmopan. The new capital was built inland after Hurricane Hattie devastated the coast in 1961, bringing the seat of government i…

A raised bed in the courtyard, a community garden or simply swapping cuttings and seeds: gardening connects generations. People without a garden of their own are often happy to share a bed. Do you have plants, tools or …

Snow and ice are a real challenge for older or unwell neighbours. If you're clearing your own path anyway, you can often do a few metres more. Sharing a bag of grit between several houses saves effort too. Who in Belize…

Moving for training or university is exciting, but it can feel a bit lonely at first. Sports groups, choirs, youth clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet people quickly. And sometimes just saying hi here is enough…

Sport doesn't have to mean pressure. Bouldering, skating, volleyball in the park or running with friends: the main thing is that you enjoy moving. Many clubs offer free taster sessions. What sport is popular in Belize D…

Spring brings blossom everywhere, summer calls you to the water, autumn leaves glow and winter gets cosy. Which season do you love most in Belize District, and what do you like to do then? Let us know!

Some words only make sense if you grew up here. Which local expression from Belize District do you love, and what does it mean? Post it in the comments, ideally with a short explanation for everyone who moved here!

Moving somewhere new often means not knowing anyone yet, and that's exactly when a neighbourhood can show how welcoming it is. Just arrived in Belize District? Tell us where you're from and what you're looking for. Ever…

A street party brings together people who otherwise just walk past each other. Check early with the council whether you need permission, share out tasks like tables, music and activities for kids, and everyone brings so…

A wobbly chair, a toaster that's given up, trousers with a hole: plenty can be saved with a little skill. At a repair meetup people bring their broken things and work out a fix together with handy neighbours. Can you re…

Strong, unique passwords and two-factor login protect your accounts better than anything else. Before you post, ask yourself if you'd still be fine with it in five years, and never share addresses or locations with stra…

Helping out, for example coaching kids' sports, at an animal shelter or at local events, brings new friendships and looks great on your CV. Often just a few hours a month are enough. Simply ask clubs and organisations i…

Every place can become a little nicer to live in, and locals often have the best ideas. What would you improve in Stann Creek District: more benches, better cycle paths, a meeting place for young and old? Share your sug…

Not every day is sunny, and with kids you need good ideas when it pours. Where do you go in Stann Creek District when it's wet outside: the library, the swimming pool, a board-game café, or puddle jumping after all? Sha…