Economics/Regulations: 

Regulations are minimal, so starting and maintaining a business in Belize is relatively simple versus the United States, especially versus heavily regulated states such as California.  And quite frankly, start-up competition is somewhat scarce, because there seem to be relatively few savvy entrepreneurs.  However, those we encountered that were successful businessmen had a great mind and intuition for commerce, and their enterprises seemed strong, powerful and in full gear.  This was impressive to us, as it showed us that these young entrepreneurs used their experiences to garner great wisdom on their way into success, gaining valuable wisdom along the way.  It became apparent that these life skills were not taught to them in the schools but instead by their parents as well as by their own personal journies.    

Businesses pay a tax to the government of 1.50% of gross sales.  Generally, there are no special licenses involved.  Moreover, government in Belize is friendly to start up businesses, as the sales tax revenue of 10% is attractive and beneficial to it's economy.  In addition, red tape is light pink bordering on white, which is soothing to a California resident like me.  The primary businesses that enjoy the highest aggregate revenues are tourism, produce, and wood exports.  Belize also maintains valuable ports to support neighboring countries like Guatemala and especially Mexico.  Types of businesses that are attractive to Belize and its government are those that help build infrastructure.  For example, even though the country is sound technologically, they covet experts in information systems, wireless and other computer technologies.     And what a great place to have an export business!  It would typically employ Belizeans, strengthen confidence and morale and bring organic cash into the country.  In summary, I was excited at the potential (especially vs. the U.S.)  ability to start and succeed in business.  Take your American diligence, hard work, experience, and initiative to Belize, and you will do well.   

We asked various people from various walks of life about the cost of living in Belize.  Consistently, the answer was the same;  For a family of six, without a rent or mortgage payment, expect about $800-$1,000 per month Belize, which equates to about $400-$500 per month U.S. (2:1 ratio).  Everything is cheaper there, and these numbers were not bare bone cabbage and macaroni numbers – you could have steak sometimes, too.    

Political Climate: 

In its most recent elections, Belize sported two primary competing political parties.  At that time, a drastic change happened, because one political party was deemed "corrupt" by most of the public.  Thus, the newly elected party has promised to halt all government corruption, and the citizens appear to buy into this promise.   

Widely, the country likes Americans and appreciates the contributions of Americans to its economy.  American government also commits/gives/hands over a great deal of money via a check from the U.S. Treasury to the Belizean government.  While Belizeans seem to appreciate the American assistance, some of the citizens do not appreciate a few strings attached to this gift – such as strict adherence to Patriot Act identity issues with respect to banking (Belize's offshore banking system was attractive to some wealthy folks around the world).   My thoughts on some folks' lack of appreciation to strings attached to free money lead me to believe that some there have caught the “Entitlement Fever,” which is so prominent now in America.  Probably too much CNN, Hollywood and selfishness in general. 

Safety and Culture: 

While Belizeans were very friendly across the board, like any country, there is a degree of crime with which to take heed.  In 2008, there were 94 murders in a population of about 350,000.  There are also instances of robbery and such, but overall, it does not appear to be much different than the U.S.  Important to note:  There is no way to provide you with an exact gage in this area, as one week of personal experience cannot provide absolutes.  One sure thing is that Belizians do not like bad people, and they are active in stopping bad people from doing bad things.  This collective stance starts with citizens' general views, upgrades to the police and their earnest role in stopping crime and finishes with organized citizen groups that are proactive in ensuring a clean and safe environment.  And I am confident that this spirit will grow and prosper, as Belizeans take great pride in the continued quality and reputation of their country.  While some of this general demeanor is likely due to the influx of tourism dollars and willingness to continue to attract visitors, it is also obvious that these folks are just simply a very nice and charming crowd.  The unmistakable friendliness of Belizean citizens speaks volumes.    

To describe this feeling, picture yourself in your living room in a warm and light conversation among several friends and family where everyone is involved, chipping in with various antecdotes of humor and edification – that is what Belize feels like.  It is comfortable, easy going and relaxing to be around these warm and entertaining people.  They seem to consistently and benevolently treat you like a friend. 

Spiritual Aspects: 

Many Americans look at the spiritual aspects and conditions of a new place differently.  Knowing this, my take here is only from my perspective, but I think most people reading this also see this subject from this same context. 

Sharing our great gospel saving message sometimes seems to be a grind with Americans – we all know that it is still efficacious however, as heaven explodes in euphoria when one (1) soul is saved.  That, in and of itself, is a great reason to continue to present with passion the life changing gospel truth to our fellow citizens in the States.   

Having said that, sharing this message with Belizeans is so much more liberating and satisfying!  They actually seem glad that someone is kind enough to tell them about the Saviour!  Across the board, they were open, receptive, and engaging when hearing about Jesus.  Even though someone may not consider himself/herself a church going believer, they would still engage in hearing about saving faith and prayer - and in a somewhat vulnerable manner to boot!  It almost seemed like today's American anti-God, liberal, mean spirited institutionalizing dogma was absent from Belizeans – and I hope that not too many of these self righteous, ungodly, intolerant, arrogant types infiltrate Belize and change them!  Furthermore, I would argue that Belizeans would outwardly reject that type of thinking/action and aggressively send it back to its origin.     

From the knowledge gained, about 50% of the population is Catholic, 27% Protestant and the rest either Agnostic or miscellaneous.   The Mennonites have a somewhat strong and respected presence in Belize (considered part of the 27% Protestant mix), because they are good business people and bring a lot of revenue to the country.  There are varying groups of Mennonites – one group up North and the other in the Cayo District, which is in the central part of the country.   The Cayo group is the progressive business minded sector.  As in the U.S., they stand out in attire, but the Belizeans kindly respect them and let them function on their own terms. 

While on a journey to a large Waterfall landmark, we pulled over to ask directions and encountered a very nice and friendly church leader and his family.  As we aimlessly approached the property, close to the right side of the road, we noticed a rectangular vinyl awning (about 20 X 60 feet) with a lot of chairs and a pulpit underneath.  Back about 60 feet from this outdoor church meeting spot was a barn-looking structure with an open top half of a dutch door.  As we followed the circular dirt driveway to the window, a couple of us approached to retrieve directions from a young Mayan lady when an older man came smiling up to the window.  As it turns out, he was one of the leaders of a group that met on his property two to three times per week to teach about and worship God.   

We had been praying about gaining a better feel for the spiritual state/aspects of Belize.  But this being the last afternoon before catching a plane the next morning back home, and four directionless men wandering about in the wilderness looking for a 1,600 foot drinking fountain near the small town of San Antonio, we began to lose hope with regard to capturing a solid spiritual picture of Belize.   

Thanks be to all of the faithful folks back home who were praying for us!, because that hour-or-so conversation with that nice man answered a lot of questions for us.  In short, Belize is open to the gospel message (a missionary's dream), churches are mostly unified and not so denominational, and the rat race is absent, allowing believers to edify and commune with one another thus building a strong church.  We were all very impressed with the condition of the Church in Belize.