Belize

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. Belize is part of the Caribbean region and belongs to the Caribbean Community and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

The Maya civilization lived in Belize long ago. Europeans first arrived when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. English settlers began exploring the area later. After conflicts, Britain took control, and Belize became a British colony. Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.

Belize is known for its rich plants and animals, including large coral reefs. It is the smallest and least crowded country in Central America. The capital is Belmopan, but the largest city is Belize City. English is the official language, but many people also speak Belizean Creole, Spanish, and Mayan languages.

Etymology

The name "Belize" was first written down in 1677 by a priest named Fray José Delgado. He talked about three rivers: the Sittee River, Sibun River, and Belize River. Some think "Belize" might mean "muddy water" in an old Mayan language, but we are not sure. Others think the name comes from a Mayan phrase meaning "the way to Itza."

In the 1800s, people in Belize made up a story that the name came from a Scottish sailor named Peter Wallace. But there is no proof he ever lived there. Many other ideas about the name's origin have been suggested.

History

Main article: History of Belize

Early history

The Maya civilization began at least 3,000 years ago in the lowlands of the Yucatán Peninsula and the highlands to the south, in areas that are now part of southeastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and western Honduras. Many parts of their culture still exist today. Before around 2500 BC, small groups of hunters and gatherers settled into small farming villages. They grew crops like corn, beans, squash, and chili peppers.

A wide range of languages and cultures developed within the Maya people. Between about 2500 BCE and 250 AD, the main features of Maya civilization took shape.

Maya civilization

Main article: Pre-Columbian Belize

The Maya civilization spread across what is now Belize around 1500 BC and thrived until about 900 AD. The history of the middle and southern areas mainly focuses on Caracol, a large city. North of the Maya Mountains, the most important city was Lamanai. In the late Classic Era of the Maya (600–1000 AD), many people lived in what is now Belize.

When Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, the land now called Belize had three main Maya areas:

• Chetumal province, around Corozal Bay
• Dzuluinicob province, between the lower New River and the Sibun River, west to Tipu
• a southern area ruled by the Manche Ch'ol Maya, between the Monkey River and the Sarstoon River.

Early colonial period (1506–1862)

Further information: History of Belize (1506–1862), English settlement of Belize, and Colony of Jamaica

Spanish explorers claimed the land for the Spanish Empire, but they could not settle it because of the local tribes defending their homes.

English pirates, called buccaneers, sometimes visited the coast of what is now Belize, looking for safe places to hide and to cut logwood trees. The first permanent British settlement was founded around 1716 in what became the Belize District. During the 1700s, British settlers used enslaved Africans to cut logwood trees. This provided a valuable substance used to make clothing dyes. The Spanish allowed the British to stay and cut logwood in exchange for helping stop piracy.

The British government did not officially call the settlement a colony, to avoid angering Spain. This meant the settlers could make their own laws and govern themselves. During this time, a few settlers controlled the local government, as well as most of the land and timber. The British did not send their first official leader to Belize until 1786.

Throughout the 1700s, Spain attacked Belize whenever there was war with Britain. The Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798 was the last of these fights, when a Spanish fleet tried to attack but was stopped by defenders. This battle is now celebrated as a national holiday in Belize.

As part of the British Empire (1862–1981)

Main article: British Honduras

In the early 1800s, the British tried to change the rules for the settlers. After many years of discussion, slavery was ended across the British Empire in 1833. Because enslaved Africans had special skills in cutting mahogany trees, their owners were paid money for each person who had been enslaved. However, this money did not go to the enslaved people themselves.

Ending slavery did not change the working conditions for many former enslaved Africans who stayed in their jobs. Laws made it hard for them to buy land, keeping them in jobs that paid very little. A small group of people controlled most of the land and business in the area, so most former enslaved Africans had no choice but to keep working in timber cutting.

In 1836, after Central America won independence from Spain, the British said they would govern the region. In 1862, the United Kingdom made it an official colony called British Honduras, under the control of Jamaica. Since 1854, the wealthiest people could elect a group to make laws, but after that, the British government chose who would serve.

As a colony, Belize began to attract British businesses. One big company, the Belize Estate and Produce Company, eventually owned half of all private land. The Great Depression of the 1930s badly hurt the colony's economy. A severe hurricane in 1931 made things worse. People were unhappy because the government's help was not enough. The economy got better during World War II, as many men joined the military or helped with the war effort.

After the war, the colony's economy did not grow much. When Britain changed the value of money in 1949, it made things harder for people, leading to the formation of the People's Committee, which asked for independence. The committee's successor, the People's United Party (PUP), wanted changes to the rules so that all adults could vote. The first election with universal suffrage was held in 1954, and the PUP won, starting a period of 30 years where they were the main party. Pro-independence leader George Cadle Price became the PUP's leader in 1956 and the main leader of the government in 1961, a role he kept in different titles until 1984.

Progress toward independence was slow because of a claim by Guatemala that Belize belonged to them. In 1964, Britain allowed British Honduras to govern itself under a new set of rules. On 1 June 1973, British Honduras changed its name to Belize.

Independent Belize (since 1981)

See also: Monarchy of Belize

Belize became independent on 21 September 1981. Guatemala did not recognize Belize because of an old disagreement over land. After independence, about 1,500 British soldiers stayed in Belize to prevent any possible attacks from Guatemala.

With George Cadle Price leading, the PUP won every election until 1984. In that election, the PUP lost to the United Democratic Party (UDP). UDP leader Manuel Esquivel became prime minister, and Price lost his seat in the House to someone from the UDP. The PUP under Price won again after elections in 1989. The next year, the United Kingdom said it would stop its military presence in Belize, and the RAF Harrier planes left that year after being there since 1980. British soldiers left in 1994, but the UK left behind a training unit to help the new Belize Defence Force.

The UDP won again in the 1993 national election, and Esquivel became prime minister a second time. Soon after, Esquivel said he would stop a deal made with Guatemala during Price's time. Tensions over the border continued into the early 2000s, though the two countries worked together in other areas.

In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the clearest water areas in the Western Hemisphere, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The PUP won big in the 1998 elections, and PUP leader Said Musa became prime minister. In the 2003 elections the PUP kept its majority, and Musa stayed as prime minister. He promised to improve life in the less developed southern part of Belize.

In 2005, Belize saw protests from people unhappy with the PUP government, including new taxes. On 8 February 2008, Dean Barrow became prime minister after his UDP won a landslide victory in elections. Barrow and the UDP won again in 2012 with fewer seats. Barrow led the UDP to win again in November 2015, increasing the party's seats from 17 to 19. He said this would be his last election as party leader, and they are now choosing his successor.

On 11 November 2020, the People's United Party (PUP), led by Johnny Briceño, defeated the United Democratic Party (UDP) for the first time since 2003, winning 26 of 31 seats to form the government. Briceño became prime minister on 12 November.

In 2023, Belize became the second Central American country to earn a certificate for ending malaria from the WHO.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Belize

Belize is on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It borders Quintana Roo to the north, Izabal to the south, and Petén to the west. The Caribbean Sea has the second-longest barrier reef along its 386 kilometres (240 mi) of coastline, which is mostly marshy. Belize is a little larger than El Salvador, Israel, New Jersey, or Wales. The land area is smaller because of many lagoons along the coasts. Belize is special because it has no Pacific coastline.

Belize is shaped a bit like a rhombus, stretching about 280 kilometres (174 mi) north-south and 100 kilometres (62 mi) east-west. Two rivers, the Hondo and the Sarstoon River, form much of the northern and southern borders. The northern part has flat, swampy coastal plains. The south has the low mountain range of the Maya Mountains. The highest point is Doyle's Delight at 1,124 m (3,688 ft).

Environment preservation and biodiversity

Main article: List of protected areas of Belize

Belize has rich wildlife because it lies between North and South America, with many different climates and habitats. With a low population and lots of undisturbed land, Belize supports over 5,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species, including armadillos, snakes, and monkeys.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in south-central Belize protects forests, animals, and watersheds across about 400 km² (150 sq mi) of the eastern Maya Mountains. Founded in 1990, it was the first sanctuary for the jaguar and is one of the best places for jaguar protection.

Vegetation and flora

Forest cover in Belize is about 56% of the land. Around 20% of the land is used for farming or settlements. Savanna, scrubland, and wetland make up the rest. Important mangrove ecosystems are also present. Four main plant areas exist: the Petén–Veracruz moist forests, Belizian pine forests, Belizean Coast mangroves, and Belizean Reef mangroves. Belize leads in protecting nature and resources. About 37% of its land is protected, one of the highest rates in the Americas. About 13.6% of Belize’s territorial waters, including the Belize Barrier Reef, is also protected. The reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Natural resources and energy

Belize has several important minerals, but none in large enough amounts for mining. These include dolomite, barite (source of barium), bauxite (source of aluminium), cassiterite (source of tin), and gold. In 1990, limestone was the main mineral used for building roads.

In 2006, newly discovered crude oil near Spanish Lookout brought new opportunities and challenges.

Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef runs along Belize’s coast. It is a 300-kilometre-long part of the 900-kilometre-long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, stretching from Cancún to Honduras. It is a top tourist spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. The reef was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 because of its fragility and its role in protecting wildlife.

Species

The Belize Barrier Reef hosts many plants and animals, making it one of the most diverse places on Earth:

• 70 hard coral species
• 36 soft coral species
• 500 fish species
• hundreds of invertebrate species

Conservation

Belize was the first country to fully stop a certain fishing method in December 2010. In December 2015, it banned oil drilling near the reef. In 2017, Belize made a permanent ban on all oil activities in its waters. Even with these protections, the reef faces threats from pollution, tourism, shipping, and fishing. Other dangers include storms, changes in climate, and rising ocean temperatures.

Climate

See also: Hurricanes in Belize

Belize has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. Coastal temperatures range from 24 °C (75.2 °F) in January to 27 °C (80.6 °F) in July. Rainfall varies widely, from 1,350 millimetres (53 in) in the north and west to over 4,500 millimetres (180 in) in the far south. The north and central areas have the shortest dry season, usually from January to April or May. The south has an even shorter dry season, typically just February to April.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes have been very important in Belizean history. In 1931, a hurricane destroyed many buildings in Belize City. In 1955, Hurricane Janet destroyed the northern town of Corozal. In 1961, Hurricane Hattie hit the central coast with strong winds and large waves. The damage to Belize City led to moving the capital inland to the planned city of Belmopan.

In 1978, Hurricane Greta caused damage along the southern coast. In 2000, Hurricane Keith caused deaths and damage. In 2001, Hurricane Iris struck Monkey River Town and destroyed most homes. In 2007, Hurricane Dean hit northern Belize. In 2010, Hurricane Richard caused damage mainly to crops and homes. The most recent hurricane to hit Belize was Hurricane Lisa in 2022. Extreme weather, like hurricanes and floods, has become more common because of climate change.

Climate change

Belize is very affected by climate change because of its low coastal areas, many ecosystems, and dependence on tourism and farming. The government aims to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and has plans for climate resilience and adaptation.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Belize and Government of Belize

Belize is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The government works like the system in Britain, and the laws follow the common law of England. The head of state is Charles III, who is the King of Belize. He lives in the United Kingdom and is represented in Belize by the governor-general. The prime minister leads the government with help from the cabinet. Cabinet members are from the main political party in parliament.

The National Assembly of Belize has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The 31 members of the House are elected and make laws. The governor-general appoints 12 members to the Senate, who review and approve those laws.

Legislative power is with both the government and the Parliament of Belize. People have rights like freedom of speech and religion. The courts are separate from the government.

Members of the courts are chosen by the government. Local judges handle smaller cases. The Supreme Court deals with serious cases, and the Court of Appeal reviews decisions.

Political culture

In 1935, people were allowed to vote, but only a small number could. In 1954, women got the right to vote.

Since 1974, two main parties have led Belize: the People's United Party and the United Democratic Party. Other smaller parties also take part in elections.

Administrative divisions

Belize is divided into six districts.

The districts are split into 31 constituencies. There are different types of local governments, like city councils, town councils, village councils and community councils. Belize City and Belmopan are the two cities.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Belize

Belize is part of many groups, such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organization of American States. It works closely with other countries in the region.

Belize joined the World Trade Organization in 1995 and works with groups like the CARIFORUM subgroup.

The British Army Garrison in Belize helps with training in jungle areas.

Belize works closely with the United States. The US helps Belize with money, especially for education and energy. The US also helps after natural disasters. The US Peace Corps has worked in Belize since 1952, helping with health and education.

In 2025, Belize signed an agreement with Barbados, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to allow people to move freely between their countries.

Military

Main article: Military of Belize

The Belize Defence Force is Belize's military. It includes the Coast Guard and works with the government.

Guatemalan territorial dispute

Guatemala has claimed sovereignty over part of Belize. This claim includes much of the country's land and many people. In 2018, Guatemala voted to take the issue to the International Court of Justice. Belize also agreed to this. The court will help solve this long-standing problem.

Indigenous land claims

Belize supports the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Courts have said that indigenous groups have rights to their land. However, Belize has not done much to help these communities with their land rights.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Belize

Belize has a small economy. It mostly relies on farming, making products from farms, and selling goods. Tourism and building are growing. The country makes industrial minerals, crude oil, and petroleum. Farming is very important. Sugar is the main crop and bananas provide many jobs. In 2007, Belize became the world's third largest exporter of papaya.

The government faces challenges in keeping the economy stable. Tourism and building helped the economy grow in 1999. Belize has expensive electricity and needs better infrastructure. The United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and CARICOM are important trading partners.

Belize has three main bank groups: Belize Bank, Heritage Bank, and Atlantic Bank. There are also many credit unions that started in the 1940s.

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) plans to invest to add solar power and battery storage. The government wants most electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. BEL has made some improvements to the power grid. The World Bank is helping with this project.

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is the main phone and internet company. They offer phone, internet, and TV services.

Main article: Tourism in Belize

Belize is a popular place for visitors. It has beautiful natural sights, including the Belize Barrier Reef, many small islands, good fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, and jungle places to explore. The government sees tourism as very important. After COVID-19, Belize was the first Caribbean country to allow vaccinated travelers to visit without a test.

Demographics

According to the 2022 census, Belize's population is 397,483. The birth rate was 17.8 births per 1,000 people in 2022, and the death rate was 6.3 deaths per 1,000 people in 2022. Since 1980, more people from Hispanic or Mestizo backgrounds live in Belize than Creoles. This happened because many Creoles moved to the United States, and more people from Latin America moved to Belize.

Largest cities

See also: List of municipalities in Belize

Ethnic groups

Maya Belizeans

The Maya people have lived in the area that is now Belize since very ancient times. Today, three groups of Maya live in Belize: the Yucatec, the Mopan, and the Q'eqchi'. They speak their own languages and also Spanish, English, and Belizean Creole.

Afro-Belizeans

Afro-Belizeans include Creoles, Garifunas, and people with African roots. They make up about 30% of the population.

Belizean Creoles

Belizean Creoles are people with mixed backgrounds, including African, English, and Scottish ancestors. Many Creoles moved to the United States and the United Kingdom starting in the 1960s, and many people from Central America also moved to Belize.

Belizean Creole language

Belizean Creole, also called Kriol, is a language spoken by many Belizeans. It started during the time when enslaved Africans were brought to Belize. It is based on English but includes words from other languages.

Garinagu

Main article: Garifuna people

The Garinagu are people with mixed African, Arawak, and Island Carib roots. They settled in Belize in the early 1800s after living in other places. They have their own language and culture.

Hispanic Belizeans

See also: Mestizo

About half of Belize's population is of Hispanic or Mestizo background. This includes people with mixed Spanish and Maya roots, as well as people who moved from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. They have brought their own foods, music, and traditions to Belize.

White Belizeans

Whites make up around 5% of Belize's population. Some are from Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Lebanon, and other places. A smaller group are Mennonites from Germany who live in rural areas and follow their own religious ways.

East Indians

Main article: Indo-Belizeans

Indo-Belizeans, also known as East Indian Belizeans, are citizens of Belize of Indian ancestry. They make up a small part of the population and mostly live in rural areas. Many came to Belize after being brought there to work on sugar plantations.

East Asian and Arabs

Main article: Ethnic Chinese in Belize

In the 20th century, people from China, Syria, Lebanon, and other places moved to Belize. Some became important leaders in the country. Many of these families live in cities and work in businesses.

Emigration, immigration, and demographic shifts

Many Belizeans move to the United States for better opportunities. At the same time, people from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras move to Belize. This changes the country's population.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Belize

English is the official language of Belize. Many people also speak Belizean Creole, Spanish, and other languages. Over half the population can speak more than one language.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Belize

According to the 2010 census, most Belizeans are Catholics, but many are also Protestants. There are smaller groups of people who follow other religions or no religion at all.

Education

Main article: Education in Belize

Education is required for children between the ages of six and 14. Many students attend kindergartens, secondary schools, and universities. The government helps fund these schools.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Belize

Belize has programs to provide free health care to all people. This includes treating diseases and offering medical services at low cost.

Crime

Belize has some problems with crime, mostly related to groups involved in illegal activities. The country works to improve safety.

Social structure

Belize's society has differences in wealth and power, but these differences are not as large as in some other countries. Many people work to improve education and opportunities for everyone.

Women

In recent years, Belize has worked to improve opportunities for women. More women are joining the workforce, and there are efforts to give them better roles in government and society.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Belize

Belize has many interesting stories and traditions. Some famous tales include Lang Bobi Suzi, La Llorona, La Sucia, Tata Duende, Anansi, Xtabay, Sisimite and the cadejo.

Many important days are celebrated in Belize, such as Independence Day and St. George's Caye Day. September is a special month with many activities, including Carnival. The national flower is the black orchid, and the national tree is the mahogany tree.

Music in Belize is varied. Traditional styles like punta and brukdown are popular, along with modern genres such as reggae, dance hall, and soca.

Belizean food comes from many cultures, including Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, and Maya. Common meals include rice and beans, stewed chicken, tamales, and panades. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also important parts of the diet.

Sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, and cycling are enjoyed in Belize. The Cross Country Cycling Classic and the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge are popular yearly events. The Belize national basketball team has achieved some success in international competitions.