Belize is a very diverse country, which means there is not just one main language, there are many. However, most people understand English, even if they do not speak it fluently. The other main languages are Spanish and Belize Kriol. Spanish has become more common over time, especially since Belize’s neighbors, Mexico and Guatemala, speak it as their primary language.
Belizean Kriol is a language spoken here that is similar to English. Many years ago, Belize was a colony of the British Empire, which led to the spread and teaching of the English language among the people living here. Kriol developed from a blend of English and other regional dialects. For example, “What’s going on?” in Kriol would be “Wuh deh goh ahn.” Smaller populations also speak different Mayan languages, such as Q’eqchi’ and Mopan.
The currency used here is called the Belize Dollar (BZD). Recently, the currency has gone through an interesting change. In August, the government introduced brand-new bills. The old bills featured the face of Queen Elizabeth II, while the new ones highlight Belizean national figures such as George Price and Philip Goldson, along with wildlife and important icons from around the country.
The exchange rate between Belize Dollars (BZD) and United States Dollars (USD) is two to one.
