For outdoor adventurers, Belize is calling. Just two hours by air from the U.S., this land of biodiversity, exotic wildlife and pristine environment makes it one of the top places in the world to experience Mother Nature’s true beauty.

Belize takes its stewardship of the environment so seriously that it protects 60 percent of its forests, which is about 75 percent of all land in the country.

Belize is one of the least densely populated countries in the Western Hemisphere with spectacular beaches, boating, diving, swimming, snorkeling, mangroves, rain forests, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, Mayan ruins, an amazing diversity of flora and fauna and, most importantly, a place to spread out and enjoy the wonders of nature that surround you. It is a back-to-basics lifestyle that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.

A true paradise for naturalists and outdoor and diving enthusiasts, Belize is home to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and three of its coral atolls. It is renowned for the shallow reefs surrounding more than 250 cayes (small islands, pronounced keys) and 80 dive sites, including the famous Great Blue Hole in the barrier reef that is one-quarter mile wide and 480 feet deep.

The cayes and atolls provide sanctuary for 400 fish species, a variety of turtles and a portion of the 540 species of nesting birds found throughout Belize. The country’s clear coral waters are ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, sailing and kayaking. Naturalists exploring Belize will find over 4,000 flowering plants.

The country is divided into six distinctive districts, each characterized by their own natural wonders and cultures. Tropical Belize is a perfect marriage of the Caribbean lifestyle and the rich historical treasures, culture and biodiversity of Central America.

Importantly, English is the official language of the country, a remnant of its British colonial past.