Paula, OK2YL and Vlad, OK2WX will be active as V31YL and V31WX from Belize, 9 - 22 March 2026.
They will operate on HF Bands.
Recent DX Spots V31YL
Recent DX Spots V31WX
QSL via I8KHC, LOTW.
Belize
Belize is a Caribbean country sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala. It is slightly larger than the Ivanovo region, but has a population three times smaller: just over 300,000 people. In every sense, it is a typical Central American country with some local flavor.
Belize. Author - John Vohs
What Belize lives on
The Caribbean cannot be called a rich region of the world, and Belize is no exception in this regard. The country is very poor, which is evident not only from statistical indicators (less than $5,000 GDP per capita), but also from the state of its infrastructure and cities. There are almost no paved roads, so during the rainy season, most of the country is inaccessible.
The main sector of the economy is agriculture, which accounts for two-thirds of exports. Belize supplies bananas, citrus fruits, sugar, and timber to the world market. Imports are typical for developing countries: equipment, electronics, medicines, food, and beverages. Another major source of income is tourism. Every year, hundreds of thousands of travelers visit Belize for a cheap vacation.
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It is worth noting that Belize is one of the world's offshore zones, and one of the most unregulated — the authorities do not require any reporting or tax payments at all. The cosmopolitan nature of Belize is also evident in the fact that US dollars can be used to pay for purchases throughout almost the entire country. However, this is more of a necessary measure, given the importance of tourism for the budget.
In recent years, Chinese capital has been actively entering the country. Almost all shops and restaurants are already owned by Chinese investors. This is due to the political stability of Belize — in the sense that nothing has changed in the country for decades. The country is governed by a parliament headed by the prime minister under the formal authority of the British crown.
V31YL. Belize. Logo.
What Belize lives on
The Caribbean cannot be called a rich region of the world, and Belize is no exception in this regard. The country is very poor, which is evident not only from statistical indicators (less than $5,000 GDP per capita), but also from the state of its infrastructure and cities. There are almost no paved roads, so during the rainy season, most of the country is inaccessible.
The main sector of the economy is agriculture, which accounts for two-thirds of exports. Belize supplies bananas, citrus fruits, sugar, and timber to the world market. Imports are typical for developing countries: equipment, electronics, medicines, food, and beverages. Another major source of income is tourism. Every year, hundreds of thousands of travelers visit Belize for a cheap vacation.
It is worth noting that Belize is one of the world's offshore zones, and one of the most unregulated — the authorities do not require any reporting or tax payments at all. The cosmopolitan nature of Belize is also evident in the fact that US dollars can be used to pay for purchases throughout almost the entire country. However, this is more of a necessary measure, given the importance of tourism for the budget.
In recent years, Chinese capital has been actively entering the country. Almost all shops and restaurants are already owned by Chinese investors. This is due to the political stability of Belize — in the sense that nothing has changed in the country for decades. The country is governed by a parliament headed by the prime minister under the formal authority of the British crown.
V31WX. Belize Logo.
What's interesting in Belize
Tourists come here to sunbathe, swim in the warm sea, and admire the stunning nature. It is cherished and nurtured here — more than a third of the country's territory is occupied by national parks and nature reserves. There is almost no industry in Belize, so nature is largely pristine and unspoiled. A great variety of animals, birds, and plants attracts biologists from all over the world.
Another treasure of Belize is its historical heritage in the form of a large number of Mayan monuments. Stone pyramids and other buildings are open to visitors, and what's more, you can freely climb them and explore them from all sides. But under no circumstances should you take anything from there with you, as you could be fined or even imprisoned for doing so. Incidentally, the Maya Indians still live in Belize today, making up almost 10% of the population.
The cities are of little interest to travelers. They are built in a typical colonial style: dense development of wooden houses. The only interesting thing to note is that newer houses are built on stilts due to frequent flooding. It is also common to see signs warning that this area will be flooded during a hurricane.
As is often the case in poor countries, the population is very religious, with various sects, cults, and non-traditional movements being popular here. Religious symbols, propaganda slogans, and drawings can often be seen on the streets.
An underestimated value
Belize has been very unlucky historically: no attempt was even made to develop it as a full-fledged colony. Even the exploration of the country's territory was started by pirates — they built settlements and bases for raids on the coast. Therefore, by the time it gained independence, the country had an underdeveloped infrastructure and economy.
When planning a trip to Belize, it is important to get vaccinated, as the tropical climate is ideal for infections. It is also important to remember that it is best not to travel around the city without a guide, and at night it is not worth leaving the hotel grounds at all. If you follow these simple rules, you can have a wonderful vacation in Belize, relaxing both body and soul, and for very little money.
