Location: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico

Area: Slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Largest City: Belize City, 70,000

Border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Coastline: 386 km

Climate: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Caribbean Sea – 0 m. Highest point: Doyle’s Delight 1,160 m

Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Geography challenges: frequent, devastating hurricanes (August to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)

Geography note: Belize is the only country in Central America without a coastline on the Pacific Ocean

• Belize has the lowest population density in Central America and one of the lowest in the world. But it has the highest growth rate in the western hemisphere.
• Belize has wonderful rainforests, trees, fruit, and flowers.
• Wildlife includes jaguars, howler monkeys, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, birds, toucans, storks, and sea life.
• 20 Miles offshore, and near many of the cayes, lies the second longest barrier reef in the world and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Diving and snorkeling opportunities are plentiful out on the reef.
• The average rainfall is 50 inches in the north to over 150 inches in southern Belize.
• Rain falls almost every day, except during the dry season from February to May.
• More than half the population resides in the seven largest towns. These include: Belize City, Belmopan, Orange Walk, Corozal, Dangriga, San Ignacio, and San Pedro.
• Belize City is the center for the fishing industry, for shipping, lumber, coconuts, sugar, and lobsters.
• Belize struggles to raise enough food to feed its population. It depends heavily upon imported food and goods.
• Belize is the most expensive country to live in or visit in Central America.
• Agricultural exports, mostly sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas, provide over half the nation’s foreign exchange.
• Belize has increased their tourism in the cruise industry in the past 10 years. It is not uncommon to see a cruise ship or two docked a short boat ride from Belize City.
• Belize is the most ethnically and culturally diverse nation in Central America.
• Creoles, Mayan Indians, Garifunas, Mestizos, Mennonites, and Chinese dot the landscape.
• Belize is predominantly a Christian society. Religious freedom is guaranteed. Roman Catholicism is accepted by almost half the country and Protestantism by about one quarter.
• Mennonite Communities populate Belize and they live in their own sheltered communities. Jehovah’s Witness and LDS have gained a following in recent years.
• Belize faces social problems due to the crumbling of family life and lack of male leadership in the homes and churches.
• Belize’s population is very young, with over half the people less than 18 years old.
• To support their families, many Belizeans have had to leave the country to find work. There are now more Belizeans living in the United States than in Belize. They call this “the great brain drain.”

Ethnic groups:
mestizo 52.9%, Creole 25.9%, Maya 11.3%, Garifuna 6.1%, East Indian 3.9%, Mennonite 3.6%, white 1.2%, Asian 1% Languages: English 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole 44.6%, Maya 10.5%, German 3.2%, Garifuna 2.9%

Religions:
Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.6%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%), Jehovah’s Witness 1.7%, other 10.5% (includes Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Morman, Muslim, Rastafarian)

Population:
347,369 (July 2015 est.) GDP – per capita (PPP): $8,200 (2014 est.)

Unemployment rate:
12.9% (2014 est.)

Population below poverty line:
41% (2013 est.)

Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1854. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Guatemala and Belize plan to hold a simultaneous referendum to determine if this dispute will go before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, though they have not yet set a date. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country’s heavy foreign debt burden, and high unemployment.

Parliamentary Democracy

Capital: Belmopan

Time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind EST during Standard Time) 2 hours behind EST during the summer months

Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo

Independence Day: September 21, 1981 (from the UK)

Legal system: English common law

Suffrage: 18 years of age

Executive branch: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of government: Prime Minister: Dean Barrow (since 2008)

Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from the General Assembly elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister

Legislative branch: Bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 seats; members appointed by the governor general – 6 on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; to serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (31 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)

Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner in this small economy, followed by exports of marine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and garments. The sizable trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden continue to be major concerns

GDP – per capita: $8,400 (2012 est.). Country comparison to the world: 125

Unemployment rate: 13.1% (2009). Country comparison to the world: 138

Population below poverty line: 43% (2010 est.)

Military branches: Belize Defense

Force (BDF): Army, BDF Air Wing Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; law allows for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1

Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language.

The benefits of Belize being English speaking are many. Mostly though, being able to communicate with the people, build relationships, and quickly be immersed into Belizean culture is an incredible advantage to effective missions. English is the only language taught in schools and all the kids, youth and many adults are fluent in English.

Spanish, however, is prevalent and is being more widely used every year. It is not uncommon for groups to be placed in predominately Spanish speaking communities or churches. At the very least everyone on a trip to Belize will come across many people whose primary language is Spanish. A Spanish intro or refresher course would be a welcome addition to the planning process when visiting Belize.

Thirst Missions will have Spanish translators on every team in case translation is necessary.

Belize has Spanish speaking neighbors in Mexico to the north and northwest and Guatemala to the west and southwest. All schools teach class in English, but many people, especially those who live near the borders of Mexico and Guatemala, speak Spanish as their native language. Many Belizean adults are bilingual and as a result, many church services can often have a mix of English and Spanish incorporated into the service.

Kriol is widely spoken throughout Belize as well. About 75% of Belizeans speak this unwritten form of English in which words are chopped and shortened, and a meaning all of its own is derived. We encourage you to try to pick up a few Kriol phrases while you are in Belize.

The diversity of Belize’s languages and dialects, with English being the predominant language make Belize an amazing culture to experience.

1. What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?

Our private trips can accommodate groups as small as 10 people and as large as 50+.

2. What are the mission trip prices?

Our trip details are available on our registration page.

3. Tell me more about church partnerships in Belize

Each group attending one of our mission trips is partnered with a local Belizean Church. We believe that the local church is God’s Biblical design and we want to encourage the local churches. We also partner with local churches so they can follow-up on ministry that has been started during your mission trip. We gather the information on the trip you desire.

4. Is Belize safe?

Yes! We have never had a safety incident with one of our team members.

Please see our Safety section for more information on the safety of our trips.

5. What denominations do you work with?

We work every year with a wide variety of denominations in the United States and partner groups up with churches whom they are comfortable working in Belize.

Please see our Statement of Faith for more details.

6. What is your average trip length?

Our trips are a minimum of six days/five nights, but you are able to add additional days to your trip for an added cost. Travel days are included in the total number of trip days.

7. What medication/shots are needed?

We ask that each person visit their own doctor or travel nurse to see what is needed to stay up to date. We have a list of recommended medications for those traveling to Belize in our trip handbook, but nothing is required by Thirst Missions. Generally Belize is a very safe and healthy country to visit.

8. What travel documents are required to enter Belize?

Each person needs a valid passport, but no entry visa is required for citizens of the USA or Canada. Anyone under 18 years of age needs to have a notarized permission form signed by both parents to leave the USA or Canada and be permitted into Belize.

9. Is airfare included in the trip cost?

10. Can I make contact with loved ones back home while on my trip?

Only the group leader is typically allowed to call back home. The ministry and relationships built when putting our personal devices down is eye-opening. Our philosophy is no news is good news. We encourage each group leader to to post trip updates and send pictures back home on behalf of each group.

In addition we post pictures from every trip on our Facebook page at facebook.com/thirstmissions. In the case of emergencies we have open and direct lines of immediate communication on every trip.

11. I have special dietary needs, can these needs be met?

There is a section on the Individual Registration form each person fills out prior to the trip in which these needs can be listed. We read these over thoroughly and pass them along to our cooks. The food on our trips is plentiful and amazing!

We do our very best to accommodate all diets and diet restrictions, but please realize we are in a different culture without all the options we have back home. Feel free to bring supplemental food options with you if this will ease the anxiety of not knowing if there will be food which fit your tastes or diet.

12. What is the difference between Hotel/Guest House and Floor stay options?

Hotel: 3-4 people/room, a/c, bathrooms in every room, close to ministry site.

Floor Stay: Sleep in a church, school or community center. No a/c. Stay in the community where you are serving, showers and running water restrooms usually available. Bring your own air mattress, pillow. This option is less expensive than the hotel option.

13. Can I upgrade my hotel to 2 people/room or private rooms?

Yes, as long as the hotel has space. There will be an additional charge for the extra rooms needed.

14. Is the $499 Registration Fee deducted from my final payment?

No, it’s used right away to offset a small portion of planning and preparing for your group’s trip. Please read through our generous payment policy and cancellation agreement.

15. How do I select the ministries we desire?

For Standard Mission Trips, your group leader will have access to a Trip Profile section on our website. From there, they can select ministry options, edit number of participants, access documents and forms needed for trip, and view payment schedule.

For Custom Mission Trips, each group leader will have a missions consultant from Thirst Missions assigned who will go through ministry opportunities in detail. All group leaders have scheduled conference calls to discuss the trip and are welcome to contact their trip consultants about any other questions that arise.

16. What about on-ground transportation?

On-the-ground transportation is included in the price of the mission trip.  Our Staff will pick you up from the airport after your arrival, transport you throughout the duration of your mission trip, and bring you back to the airport for departure from Belize City.

17. Are ministry materials provided?

Ministry materials are up to the teams to provide. Examples would be curriculum for VBS, sports equipment for sports outreach, and so on. Belizean churches will have some resources that the group can use on a case-by-case basis. Most ministries require little in the way of materials. You can ask your missions consultant about suggestions for materials and ministry plans.

18. Are construction funds included in the cost of the trip?

Construction Project Funds are not included in your mission trip cost.  Your mission consultant will give you some needed project options with costs if you are interested in doing larger projects with your team.  If it is a larger project you are welcome to donate extra funds to go towards needed supplies and materials that can be purchased prior to your arrival and onsite when you arrive.

19. What additional costs are there?

The only things you will need money for on the trip are souvenirs, offerings in church, extra snacks or desserts, and travel money for meals at the airports in North America and Belize. That’s it. Feel free to bring a credit card if you feel you will want to purchase more expensive souvenirs. Most tourist and souvenir shops accept credit cards. Incidentally, you can use American dollars everywhere in Belize. There will be little need to exchange money on your mission trip.

20. How do we pay for Recreation?

Payment and reservations for recreation on Mainland Belize and Caye Caulker are made on the final invoice and not paid for or reserved in Belize.

21. What can you tell us about the food provided?

The cuisine is usually one of the highlights for our participants. We strive to provide a wide variety of options that will nourish and sustain all participants. We try to provide a good mix of Belizean food and American food to appease all participants. Breakfast is usually served at the place where you are staying.

Some examples of breakfast food include eggs, toast, fruit, fry jacks, johnny cakes, pancakes, coffee, tea, juice and water. Lunch is usually provided by local women at the ministry site. Chicken, rice, coleslaw, beans, and juice is one example of a typical meal you can expect. Fish, pork, hamburgers, and sandwiches are all other lunch staples which may be served to you while on the mission trip.

Supper could include such things as burritos, pizza, Chinese food, chicken, seafood, spaghetti, beef, and pork. Don’t worry-we won’t eat all these foods at one meal! All your food and water are provided as part of your trip. If you wish to bring a few non-perishable snacks for yourself in your suitcase you are welcome to do that. Just remember to put them in zip lock bags to keep any critters away and to keep things fresh.

22. Can I stay in Contact with people I meet once I return home?

Yes! You can use Facebook and Instagram or email, call, or text just like you do with your friends back home. Staying in touch with new friends in Belize is such a blessing and benefit to going and serving.

23. What are some Outreach Ministry Ideas?

Volleyball, Movie Nights, Hot Dog Roast, Worship Celebration, Puppet Ministry…to name a few. Whatever you come up with, let’s do it!

Check out our blog for more outreach ideas.