Belize
A Caribbean-Central American nation with Maya heritage, English as its official language, and a rich biodiversity.
Belize is a country on the north-eastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. It also shares a maritime boundary with Honduras to the southeast. Part of the Caribbean region, Belize is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth Caribbean, the historical British West Indies.
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Belmopan
- Region
- Central America
- Languages
- Belizean Creole
- English
- Spanish
- Currency
- Belize dollar
- Official language
- English
- Major ethnic groups
- Mestizo
- Creole
- Maya
- Garifuna
- Mennonite
Lore & Background
The Maya civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 BC and 300 AD and flourished until about 1200. European contact began in 1502–1504 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. European exploration was begun by English settlers in 1638. Spain and Britain both laid claim to the land until the British victory over the Spanish in the Battle of St. George's Caye (1798). It became a British colony in 1840, and a Crown colony in 1862. Belize achieved its independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981. It is the only mainland Central American country which is a Commonwealth realm, with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state, represented by a governor-general.
Reader's Guide
Belize has an area of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 sq mi) and a population of 397,483 (2022). Its mainland is about 290 kilometres (180 mi) long and 110 kilometres (68 mi) wide. It is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America. Its capital is Belmopan, and its largest city is Belize City. English is the official language, while Belizean Creole, Spanish, and the Mayan languages are widely spoken. Over half the population is multilingual.
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