Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and one of the poorest in the entire world. But it is also one of the most culturally-rich, and subsequently, one of the happiest. With a population consisting primarily of mestizos, or mixed-race people, the fact that a surprising number of people here can communicate in broken English (despite Spanish being, obviously, the vastly dominant language) is a testament to their diverse heritage.

What is particularly interesting about Nicaragua’s cultural mix is the physical divide: the country is less than 500 kilometers across, and yet East and West are vastly different here. The West, which includes the capital Managua and a majority of the population, was originally colonized by Spain. As such, it has maintained a similar heritage to most other Latin American countries, deeply influenced by Iberian culture.

The East, however, has a vastly different history. Once a British protectorate, it is more culturally similar to the islands of the Caribbean, many of which were once or are still today British-ruled. English is still widely spoken amongst these people, although continued immigration by Spanish speakers has tipped the scales in favor of that language. Still, the large population of mixed African colonists from the Caribbean, as well as the indigenous Garifuna (similar to Belize to the north), Miskito, Rama and Sumo people, have ensured that while small, the people from the East have kept Nicaragua’s cultural heritage diverse.

Like everyone, I had my preconceptions about Belize before I arrived, for better or worse. After just a few days here, I discovered these six pleasant surprises:

• The language:  Surprisingly, English is the official language of Belize. You are likely to hear Spanish, as well as local languages like Kreyol and Quechi, during your stay here, but you won’t need to know any of it to navigate your way around here.

• The diversity:  While some parts of Central America can feel relatively ethnically homogenous in comparison to parts of the United States, the cultural mix prevalent in Belize is evident immediately upon walking the streets here. Between the Garifuna (the native descendants of the Mayans), the Creoles and the Chinese communities here, you’re in for a mix of diverse cultural experiences.

• The friendliness:  Coming from the East Coast of the States, I’m always surprised when I experience a culture in which strangers greet each other. And that is definitely the common practice in Belize. You’re likely to hear several “good mornings”, “good afternoons” and “good evenings” during your time here, and you may even counter lots of locals eager to start up a good conversation with you.

• The barrier reef:  If you’re a swimmer or a diver, you’re in luck. Belize may be a small country, but it boasts the second-longest barrier reef in the world, which itself is home to seven World Heritage Sites and countless stunning cays. Some of these are inhabited and some aren’t, but each have some of the most exotic species of birds you will ever see.

Belize’s Long Caye (image credit: belizeadventure.com)

• Airport security (or lack thereof):  While Belize City’s International Airport is much like most international airports when it comes to security, it’s strictly-domestic Municipal Airport is a different story. With several flights to the cays that are not easily accessible by boat, there is no security here, and while on board you can literally tap the pilot on the shoulder (I’m not saying I recommend it). When you land, it looks as though you are landing in someone’s backyard and walking through a house more than it resembles an airport.

Caye Caulker Airport or someone’s backyard?

• Ease of transportation:  Contrary to much of Central America, you won’t find military checkpoints looking to extort you on the highways here. There aren’t too many of them, but all of them are safe, in surprisingly good condition, toll-free, and have enough quality signs to make sure you won’t get lost.