Belize is only English-speaking country in Central America, however many Belizeans speak Belize Creole, an English-based language that contains colourful terms that are usually translatable to English. Belize is a mixture of British and Scots Europeans, combined with native Mayans, Caribbean slaves, and Mestizos which form a harmonious blending. The culture of Belize has been largely influenced by its time as a British Crown Colony. It was the last colony in the Americas retained by Britain, gaining independence in 1981.

About Belize | Belize History | Belize Culture

Southern Belize is still home to some Mayan villages and temples, nestled in the Mayan Mountain that are named for them. One of themore prominent ethnic groups are the Creoles, with approximately 30% of the population. Creoles are descendants of the intermingling of the early British settlers with African slaves. About 40% of the population is Mestizo descended from mixed blood Mexicans and Yucatec Mayans who fled from the Yucatan during the Caste Wars. Another 6% of Belize's population are the Garifuna, who have their own language and culture. The Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi are three Amerindian groups which also make up Belize's population. Belize also is home to several Mennonite communities.

Religious institutions are a pervasive presence in Belize, especially in the school system, which the Roman Catholic Church and the state manage together. Religion was strongly associated with ethnicity and region. Catholicism unified most Mestizos, Maya, and Garifuna. Most Creoles were either Anglican or Methodist, but a significant number converted to Roman Catholicism, mainly because of proselytization in Roman Catholic schools.

The cuisine of Belize represents a mixture from all of the cultures that form the country. One can have the typically spicy food of the Mexican or Caribbean cultures, or more familiar foods from the British Colony influence, but it is important to remember that there is no McDonald's. No Burger Kings. No KFCs. No Wendys. No Pizza Huts. No chain restaurants at all. All fast food is found at locally owned and run restaurants.

The Government of Belize providing alternate cultural images to the Belizean public from Central America & the Caribbean through the establishment of an annual Film Festival. The National Institute for Culture and History is preserving Belize's ancient and historical era, monuments and artifacts and interpreting Belize's documented, photographic, and oral history. Colorful artworks vary from wildlife and jungle scenes to typical village scenes which portray the lifestyle of various ethnic groups present in Belize, including the Garifuna, the Creole, and ancient Maya