Belize is situated in the most envied part of Central America, north by Mexico, south and on the west by Guatemala and of course on the East by the Caribbean Sea. Belize is the only Central American country that is also considered to be a Caribbean Paradise in the Heart of Central America. Belize is approximately 174 miles long and approximately 68 miles wide. The approximate area of Belize totals 22,923 km. Sq. or 8,867 sq. miles.

There are 6 Political Districts:

1. Corozal District- Belize North. Major Town, Corozal Town.
2. Orange Walk District- Belize North with Major town, Orange Walk Town.
3. Belize District- Belize Central with Major City, Belize City.
4. Cayo District- Belize Central with Capital City of Belmopan, Santa Elena, San Ignacio, and Benque Viejo Del Carmen.
5. Stann Creek District- Belize South with major town Dangriga.
6. Toledo District- Belize South with major town of Punta Gorda.

Belize City is the Commercial Capital City of Belize. The International Airport and International Port of Entry is situated in Belize District.

Belmopan is the Political Capital of Belize.

Major Highways:

1. Northern Highway- Fully Paved: Links Belize to the Northern region of Belize and Mexico.
2. Western Highway- Fully Paved: Links Belize to the Western Boundary of Guatemala.
3. Hummingbird Highway- Fully Paved: Links northern and central Belize to Southern Belize.
4. Coastal Highway- Dirt Road- links northern and central Belize to Southern Belize.
5. Southern Highway- Semi Paved: Links northern, central Belize to southern most Districts.

Climate: Sub-Tropical (dry and wet season) with the annual rainfall in the north region being approximately 60 inches and in the southern region as high as 200 inches.

 Topography:

Indeed, Belize is God's Land, boasting of unbelievable terrains and climates from the north, central, south regions and islands. The North part of the country is mostly flat Savannahs plains with some hills on the northwest part of the country. In the north part, the coast line has low lying areas and combination of Mangrove coastline, rocky shelly white beach, and virgin jungle. There are rivers, swamps with mangrove eco-systems along shoreline of rivers, lagoons or sea. The area is fertile for farming and cattle ranching.

In the Central Part of Belize, in the Cayo District, there are rolling hills, rivers, creeks, fertile soil, lush jungle that have aided in the boom of eco-tourism in the area. The highest point in Belize is nestled in the Maya Mountains and the highest point is 3,699 feet above sea level- Victoria's Peak.

In the southern part of Belize, there are beautiful and incomparable golden beaches with myriad of Emerald Green warm Caribbean waters and of course the best island in the Belize. There are many areas in the south part that are low-lying mangroves along sea, rivers and lagoons. The distant views to the Maya Mountains are incredible beautiful in the evenings to enjoying a magnificent sunset in the Maya Mountains.

Official Language:
English is the Official Language of Belize but Spanish is spoken, Creole Dialect, indigenous languages such as the Garinagu (Garifuna is the Culture), Mayan Ketchi, Mopan Maya, etc…

Population Census for 2001: 257,400 inhabitants.

Cultures in Belize:
Belize is a nest of a variety of cultures living harmonically under one sun, one sky. There are the local Creole, Mayan, Garifuna, Central Americans, East Indians, Mennonite, Asian, North American and Europeans.

Type of Government:
Belize is a Democracy operating under the British parliamentary system. Belize is a member of British Commonwealth.

Foreigner purchasing land in Belize:
A non-Belizean person can purchase to own land in Belize, Freehold. There are no special permits for any foreigner to invest in real estate in Belize.

A Speculation Tax was implemented in 2002, which is a 5% of the undeveloped value of the land set by the Department of Natural Resources, and applies to property 300 acres and more. This Speculation Land Tax was passed to encourage large land holders to developed their property and not to sit on it to speculate. The property tax and Speculation Tax is due 1st of April of each year.

Property tax would generally consist between 1-1.5% of the value set by the Department of Natural Resources.

Property Exchange or Transfer:
Any form of transfer of property; whether sold, exchanged or given by way of a gift, there are closing costs related to these transactions. The charges are certain percentage per transaction.

Purchasing of Land by Belizean:

1. Belizean pay 5% of the Selling Consideration as a Stamp Duty or Transfer Tax to the Government of Belize.
2. Registration and fees are very minimal (approximately $30.00BZ).
3. Lawyer's Fee for Legal Services for Conveying property is approximately 1-3% of Selling consideration. Each individual is entitled to seek own personal Legal Council.
4. Approximate Total Closing Costs to a Belizean: 6-8% of the selling consideration.

Purchase of Land by Non-Belizean:

1. Non-Belizean pay 10% of the Selling Consideration as a Stamp Duty or Transfer Tax to the Government of Belize.
2. Registration and fees are very minimal (approximately $30.00BZ).
3. Lawyer's Fee for Legal Services for Conveying property is approximately 1-3% of Selling consideration. Each individual is entitled to seek own personal Legal Council.
   Approximate closing cost of a Non-Belizean: 11-13% of the selling consideration.

Retired Persons (Incentives) Program
(Source: BELTRAIDE)

Incentives
This program has been designed to attract foreign retirees (and dependents), with their capital, to become permanent visitors of Belize, as "Qualified Retired Persons" (QRP). As a peaceful, English-speaking nation, Belize has much to offer, including a lovely year-round climate, easy access to land for construction of retirement homes, a stable currency, abundant natural resources, and, last but not least, friendly people. The principal incentives the program offers QRPs are importation of household and personal effects, and an approved means of transport, such as a motor vehicle, boat, or light aircraft, free from import duties and taxes. The maximum exemption on household and personal effects is US$15,000 in tax/duty; the means of transport is permitted in addition to this. Q.R.P.s are also exempt from all taxes and levies on income generated outside of Belize, whether from work performed, or from investments.

General requirements
Applicants must be at least 45 years of age, and a citizen of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Belize. Belizeans qualify only if they are permanent residents of one of these other countries and enter Belize under this status. All individuals must certify that either: a) they are the recipient of a pension or annuity of a minimum of US$1000 (one thousand US dollars), per month; or b) if revenues are generated by investments, they have deposited a minimum of US$2000 (two thousand US dollars) per month or US$24,000 per year into an accredited financial institution in Belize. Because the program is designed to accept US Dollars only, all such deposits must be made in this currency. QRPs must sign a written agreement to deposit these funds regularly. An authentic Police Record from your last place of residency, and a Medical Certificate (including an AIDS test), must accompany your application. Applicants are also subject to a background check. If, at any time, a QRP wishes to leave the program and relinquish their status, all assets imported under the program must be liquidated in accordance with program guidelines.

Although it is not required, applicants may solicit the services of a local attorney or accountant in completing the application process.