Population: 412,387
Belize is home to the “Royal Rat” (a rodent named the Gibnut). Made famous after Queen Elizabeth was served one during a visit to the country. Considered a delicacy it is said to taste similar to rabbit.
Belize is home to the largest sinkhole in the world: The Blue Hole is Belize’s most recognized sight and in the top five dive sites in the world. It’s more than 400 feet deep and more than 1,000 feet wide.
The tallest building is a Maya pyramid: The Caana temple at the Maya site of Caracol, rises 136 feet high.
The official national anthem is “Land of the Free”:
O. Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery oppression’s rod,
By the might of truth and the grace of God,
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.Chorus:
Arise! ye sons of the Baymen’s clan,
Put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee –
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
Listen to the national anthem in Garifuna or the English version of the anthem.
O’er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow’s noon.