An overview of Belize's history, culture, and language for volunteers going to Belize on a Brigade
Belize marked the continued expansion of Central American partnerships in 2024 and is our most recent partner country added to Global Brigades. We aim to collaborate with Latino, Garifuna, and Mayan communities, where there is an array of cultures and languages, such as English, Spanish, Creole, and local indigenous languages.
To learn more about Belize, please review the following videos and information below:
A Brief History of Belize
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Belize was home to the ancient Maya civilization and later inhabited by British pirates and buccaneers.
- Belize gained independence from Britain in 1981 and has since navigated challenges, which have solidified its democratic nationhood.
- Today, Belize is a popular tourist destination, as well as a country that is focused on eco-tourism, agriculture modernization, and economic diversification.
The Culture of Belize
- Belize is a coastal country in Central America with a diverse population and a subtropical climate.
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Belize's economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and aquaculture.
The Language of Belize
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Belize is a multilingual country. English is the official language, but Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect, followed by Spanish and Mayan languages.
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The video below covers basic vocabulary and phrases in Belizean Creole and Spanish, including common expressions and conversational language used in the country.