Here’s 13 interesting things you probably didn’t know about Belize.

1. Belize is the only Central American country where English is the official language – in fact 80% of Belizeans  speak and understand a good amount of English. Although Spanish, Kriol, Garifuna and Mayan are all widely spoken as well, if you are not bilingual and worried about language barriers you should have few problems here.

2. Belize’s is home to Black Howler Monkeys, which are one of the top 10 loudest animals in the world.

3. Belize is the first and only country in the world to create a Jaguar nature preserve (officially known as the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve). The world owes great thanks to Alan Rabinowitz for his hard work and part in this great achievement and in conservation for all big wild cat species.

4. Approximately 900 Mayan ruins are scattered throughout the country.

5. 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. I searched for it during my visit but our guides never found any until our last day; during a ride back to the airport – pressed for time and money I had to pass it up.

6. Belize is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest in the world. It is a declared UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the best scuba diving on the planet.

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7. In place of traffic lights, their roads and highways have speed humps to control traffic and speed.

Read more: 13 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Belize

See also: 42 Interesting Facts About Belize