While English is the official language, the majority of Belizeans speak a patois of English, Spanish and Amerindian languages. I once read a book (http://www.amazon.com/Jaguar-Struggle-Establish-Worlds-Preserve/dp/1559638028/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240765389&sr=8-3) about an ecologist living in Belize to study jaguars, and the locals speak almost entirely in the present tense. However it would not take you long to figure out the local patois. According to the book, Belizeans who are of Mayan descent(they make up most of the population) grow corn in their yards for food as well part of tradition, and most don't go to work during the harvest season. Considering that Belize is located in Latin America there are also a lot of people from the neighboring countries living there as well I know a family who lives in Belize and according to them Belize is very laid back or backwards depending on which way you look at it. 8pm is the latest most places will still open. Belize has very few international franchises, there is one Tastee Patties, a Jamaican fast food franchise (Central America has a sizable Jamaican Diaspora) one KFC (it might have closed), and a local chain of fried chicken and french fry eateries owned by a local Chinese family. In regard to the same couple I mentioned, the wife suffered from a miscarriage during her first pregnancy and there was no hospital in the country capable of handling such a situation. Her husband had to drive her to Mexico for treatment. As is common to the region Belize is one the places stolen US cars end up. Most of Belize is still covered by wilderness, so if you are a nature lover this a place you would enjoy. In terms of the dangerous wildlife there is the aforementioned jaguar, puma/cougar, crocodiles (they tend to avoid as well as the fer-de-lance, the most venomous snake in Central and South America. There is also a really aggressive species of fire ant. I've heard stories of people finding wild animals like iguanas and tamanduas (tree anteater) in their houses especially if you live close to the forest. Also Belize in the hurricane zone. It is likely that Belize because Belize has such a slow-paced economy why they are not feeling the impact of the global recession. Of their 5 banks, 3 are local and two are Canadian. Not having a US bank in your country is a good thing right now. The people of Belize are not very materialistic and as such credit problems would not be affecting them either. Most people do at least some farming like growing corn, bean and vegetables in their backyards and some even raise small livestock in their yards. People also hunt in forest.

Before traveling abroad, I always check out these sites: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/belize https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ If you are a British citizen, check out the "Locate" service in the UK site above. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/latest-news/?view=News&id=3442845

research, research, research you're starting right by asking questions. visit belize, and ask yourself: are the housing, transportation, crime rate, things i can accept? can i get the foods i like, require? is the health care system adequate and cooperative with my retirement insurance plan? does the finance exchange rate historically compare favorably? (VERY important. not just now but has it compared well in the past?) good luck!

LoL!! Thats crazy!! Im about to move there. It needs people to live there for the economy to grow. It seems like a wonderful place. Our US money is worth twice as much there... Jobs are available everywhere. People do speak english...lots of brittish there. Out of all the countries we decided to go there!!

I do know people who went there and they are happy and say the people treat them really wonderful. Go down, try it for a vacation and talk to Americans that have moved there.

I am English and have had a house there for 8 years. I find it a bit too hot in the summer months. The people are lovely but not timekeepers. I can get all foods which I normally eat. The murder rate sounds bad but it is mostly personal, crime passionelle quite common. I have never felt fear but we are armed and have taken care not to get involved in any local arguments. I pay good rates for workers and get excellent service as a result. It is not a place for the 'uptight'. It is quite easy to rent a house and you could give it a trial. Good luck