Country Name |
Belize |
Continent |
Central America |
Surface area |
22,965 km² |
Capital |
Belmopan |
Population |
282,600 |
Language |
English, Spanish |
Currency |
Belize Dollar |
Time zone |
-7hrs in relation to Italy |
Area code for Italy |
0039 |
Area code from Italy |
00501 |
Yellow fever vaccination is not required.
Hepatitis A is generally transmitted through contaminated food and water, or through close physical contact with an infected person, while hepatitis B is transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids and blood.
Infection typically occurs through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually through bites, scratches or licks near open wounds or membranes (mouth, nose, eyes). The most common vectors are dogs and bats, but cases of infection in other domestic animals have also been reported.
Caused by toxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, there is an endemic risk of contracting tetanus throughout the country.
Malaria, transmitted by mosquito bites, is widespread throughout the country. As a vaccine is not yet available, you are advised to take both behavioural, and following medical consultation, pharmacological preventive measures.
These diseases are spread by mosquito bites and there is no vaccine. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures by implementing behavioural prophylaxes.
Chikungunya and West Nile virus are to be found in certain areas of the Caribbean. Transmitted by insect bites and with no vaccine, it is important to take preventive measures with behavioural prophylaxes.
The following vaccinations are strongly recommended as these diseases can be contracted anywhere in the world. Experts advise that you protect yourself and other travellers by making sure you are up-to-date with all of the recommended vaccinations. This will allow you to travel safely, while minimising the risk of exposure to infection.
The country runs along the entire western side of the Yucatan Peninsula; it borders Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, facing the Caribbean Sea for nearly 400 km. Belize is a parliamentary monarchy part of the Commonwealth.
The territory can be divided into two parts: to the north it is flat mostly occupied by swamps, while the south is mountainous, though not excessively high (the highest peak is just over 1,100 metres). The coastline is low-lying, rich in lagoons and fringed with islands and reefs formed by the world's second-largest coral reef after Australia.
The climate is tropical, warm and humid in most of the country except for the summits of the highlands. Rainfall is abundant, allowing forests thrive and cover much of the land.