Location Belize lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea Consejo Shores is located in Corozal District at the very northern part of Belize, 7 miles north of Corozal Town on Corozal Bay. Climate Belize weather is characterized by two seasons: rainy and dry. Most of the year’s rainfall occurs during the period June to November - the rainy season. Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the north to 160 inches in the south. Except for the southern regions, the rainfall is variable from year to year. The rainy season begins in the south in early May and progresses north, reaching the Corozal District in June or early July. The mean temperature varies from 81° F along the coast to 69° F in the hills. The coldest month is January while the highest temperatures are experienced during the month of May. Belize is not in the normal hurricane belt as is Florida, Louisiana, Texas and the Carolinas but is occasionally susceptible to hurricanes. Consejo Shores rainfall averages 49 inches per year, the  lowest rainfall in Belize. Normal daytime temperature is 75° F to 85° F, with the dry season normally being from December to June. Size Belize is approximately 8,866 square miles. Its mainland is about 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide. Belize also includes over 200 cayes (pronounced keys) which are islands ranging in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and 4 miles wide. Most cayes are located inside the 200 mile long Belize Barrier Reef. Consejo Shores consists of 350 acres with 7,000 feet of coastline. Population The population of Belize is approximately 300,000. There is a great deal of ethnic diversity including Hispanic, Creole (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian. The largest single group is Hispanic. English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish. Other languages include Creole, Mayan, Garifuna and German. Consejo Shores presently has over 70 homes. Most Residents are full-time, but others come to enjoy the pleasant Belize winters. A mix of Belizeans, North Americans and Europeans live in the community. Government Belize has been an independent nation since 1981. It is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations and of the Caricom Community. It is a parliamentary democracy with two major political parties, the Peoples United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP). The UDP currently holds power, lead by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Belize has a Constitution which includes a Bill of Rights. Consejo shores is in the District of Corozal. There are six districts in Belize. Each district elects representatives to the government. Getting To Belize Belize is about a 2-hour flight from Miami, Florida or Houston, Texas. Most Central American countries, including Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica, offer direct flights to Belize. Many people make the 36 - hour drive from the U.S. border through Mexico to Belize. Getting To Consejo Shores Consejo Shores is just seven miles north-east of Corozal Town on the Corozal - Consejo Road. At the “Consejo Shores” sign, turn right onto Jaguar Palms Drive then left onto Surfer’s Way. At Consejo Beach Trail turn right, then left at the Wavesongs sign. Follow the drive to the Consejo Shores office. Airlines Five International Airlines fly into the Philip Goldson Airport in Belize City. - American Airlines flies direct from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, and    Miami, Florida. - Continental Airlines flies direct from Houston, Texas. - Delta Airlines flies direct from Atlanta, Georgia. - U. S. Airways flies direct from Charlotte, North Carolina. - Grupa Taca flies direct from Houston, Texas and Miami,    Florida. The two main Belizean airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, offer in-country service. Both fly into the Corozal Airport. Private aircraft must enter Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Money Belizean currency is tied to the U.S. dollar at the rate of US$ 1.00 to Bz $ 2.00. Medical Care Belize - Belize City provides excellent medical services. Consejo Shores residents have access to medical care at the Government hospital in Corozal. There are several doctors practicing in Corozal, plus there are two private clinics, one of which is run by  American Doctors. In addition, Chetumal, Mexico, just across the border, also offers excellent medical facilities. Services Available For Consejo Shore Residents The price for most lots purchased from Consejo Shores Limited prior to 1993 did not include the cost of services. Since 1993, the price for most lots purchased from Consejo Shores Limited direct or as agent, includes the cost of construction of piped water and electrical lines to the lot limit, unless otherwise agreed. Utilities Electricity - Consejo Shores Limited supervises the electrical construction of lines in conjunction with Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). Electrical supply is administered by BEL. Water - The cost for piped water is a flat rate of BZ $ 30.00 per month or, unoccupied availability charge of BZ $ 10.00 per month. Consejo Shores Limited does not advise that the piped water supply is potable, due to the mineral contents. There is no compulsion to use the piped water system.. No power pumps are to be connected direct to the CSL water supply. Most homes also have rainwater cisterns. Additional Services Household Garbage - The Corozal waste management company serves Consejo Shores once a week. Butane Gas - Most water heaters and stoves operate using butane gas, which is delivered to Consejo Shores regularly by several companies. Telephone - Telephone service is reasonably priced with per minute charges applicable to both national and international calls. Cell phone service is also available. Internet - 56 KPBS Modem dial-up internet service is available through Belize Telecommunications Limited. Satellite internet service is also available through several companies. Satellite TV - Systems are available through several companies. Property Maintenance - It is mandatory that lots be kept cleaned in order to maintain the beauty and security of our community, protect our property values, and conform to Belize health standards. Individual owners who have houses on their lots are responsible for the property maintenance in conformity with the Protective Covenants. Lawn maintenance service can be obtained locally.