My first trip to Belize was in 1993. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the country and the people. Despite dozens of subsequent visits in my work with PathLight International, I’ve still struggled to identify the national character of Belize. There are so many influences on the country, and thus many pressure points that create contradictions.

For instance, it is influenced by both Mayan and English cultures. By both Caribbean and Central American geography. By both Creoles and Mennonites. By both the gorgeous barrier reef and the spectacular rainforest. By pirates of old who raided Spanish galleons, and pirates of today who smuggle drugs and people. By a Colonial past and a trans-global future. By modern tourism, agriculture, and technology, but also ancient healing methods and rainforest lore. And by a mix of languages, faiths, skin tones, nationalities, foods, music, sports, and visions for the future.

But reading Understanding Belize by Alan Twigg helps sort through some of those competing influences. This is a comprehensive book, published in 2006, that explores all aspects of the national identity. Twigg doesn’t attempt to sum it up, but the breadth of the book gives the reader enough information to come to grips with the unique nation.

That’s not to say the book is a thick tome of information — it is only 230 pages with plenty of maps, drawings and photographs. Thus the book is approachable and digestible for the average reader. There are times when a topic abruptly ends or shifts, making it feel choppy at times. But then … that’s Belize.

There are plenty of things unsaid. And much has happened in the last five years since the book was published. But if you want to get even a modest grip on Belize, this is a great book to start with.

Highly recommended to anybody going to Belize or interested in the country.