{"product_id":"9781550173253","title":"Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide","description":"Tiny, island-dotted Belize, perched on the Caribbean, south of Mexico and east of Guatemala, is a fascinating blend of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, English, East Indian, Mennonite, Lebanese and Chinese cultures. With its colonial background (English remains the official language) and a history of fending off its Latin neighbours, Belize has emerged as a relatively stable democracy that is as much Caribbean as it is Central American.\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eUnderstanding Belize\u003c\/i\u003e, Alan Twigg tells the story of the country, from its bizarre early days as a haven for pirates, through its colonial period as British Honduras, to its new status as an ecotourism mecca and a hotspot for Mayan archaeology. This lively history includes original photos, a comprehensive timeline and a feature on nation founder George Price, the longest serving democratically elected leader in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnderstanding Belize\u003c\/i\u003e is an eye-opening alternative to the glossy tourist brochures. Lobster-and-orchid-rich Belize looks great from a hammock on Ambergris Caye, the place that inspired Madonna's song \"La Isla Bonita,\" but don't go buying that seaside lot until you learn more about this beautiful--but problematic--paradise from the author of \u003ci\u003eCuba: A Concise History for Travellers.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harbour Publishing Company, Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47030522937584,"sku":"9781550173253","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781550173253_p0.jpg?v=1763750179","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781550173253","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}