Belize Island: A Tropical Paradise's Size

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 239 miles of coastline and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. The country has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, while Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect. Belize has roughly 386 km of coastline and many islands in the Caribbean Sea. Ambergris Caye, in the far northeast, is the largest island in the country. The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs that run for roughly 300 km, straddling the coast of Belize. The country has an area of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 sq mi) and a population of 397,483 (2022).

Belize is a country, not an island

Belize is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America, south of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, while Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna are also commonly spoken.

Belize has a land area of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 square miles) and a population of approximately 410,990 people, making it the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America. The country has a diverse geography, ranging from flat, swampy coastal plains in the north to the rugged Maya Mountains in the south. It boasts the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, stretching for approximately 322 kilometres (200 miles).

Belize has a rich history, with influences from the Maya civilisation, European colonisation, and waves of immigration. The country was known as British Honduras until 1973 and gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981. It is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state, represented by a governor-general.

Belize is home to numerous islands, or "cayes," such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Tobacco Caye, which are popular tourist destinations known for their pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and water-related activities. However, Belize is much more than just its islands, offering a unique blend of cultures, a diverse natural environment, and a vibrant society on the mainland as well.

It is part of Central America, not South America

Belize is a country located on the northeastern 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 is not part of South America.

Belize has a rich history and diverse culture, with strong ties to both Central America and the Caribbean. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, and it is also the only mainland Central American country that is a Commonwealth realm, with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state.

Belize has a unique geographical landscape, with mountains, swamps, and tropical jungles. It is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world and boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The country has a small but ethnically diverse population, with a variety of cultural influences from Indigenous, European, African, and Latin American groups.

Belize's path to independence was marked by a campaign against the territorial claims of its neighbour, Guatemala, and it officially gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981.

Belize is often considered a Caribbean country due to its historical and cultural similarities with English-speaking Caribbean nations. However, it is geographically and politically part of Central America, and its culture shares more similarities with other Central American countries.

Belize is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and Honduras to the southeast. The country's total land boundary length is 516 kilometres (321 miles).

The Belize–Guatemala border is an almost straight line 266 kilometres (165 miles) long, close to the 89th meridian west, which separates the west of Belize's territory from Guatemala. The border has been disputed by Guatemala, which claims that the treaty is void since Britain failed to comply with economic assistance provisions. The situation was partially resolved in 1991 when Guatemala officially recognised Belize's independence and diplomatic relations were established.

Belize's border with Mexico runs along the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The Hondo River delineates much of the country's northern boundary.

Belize shares a water boundary with Honduras, which is located to the southeast of Belize.

The country has a diverse society made up of many different cultures and languages

Belize is a small country with a population of around 332,000 people, but it is rich in cultural diversity. The country is home to many different ethnic groups, each with its own cultural and linguistic traditions. The major languages spoken in Belize include English, Spanish, and Kriol or Belizean Creole, with more than 40% of the population speaking each of these languages according to the 2010 census. English is the country's official language, and it is the dominant language of public education, government, and most media outlets.

Belize is made up of a diverse mix of cultures, including Chinese, Creole, East Indian, European, Garifuna, Lebanese, Maya, Mennonite, and Mestizo. The Garifuna people, also known as Garinagu, are descendants of Carib Indians and Africans, and they continue many of their ancestral customs, such as fishing in dugout dories, harvesting cassava, and basket weaving. The Garinagu settled in Belize in the 19th century after being displaced from their homes in the Caribbean by European colonial powers.

The Maya people are another significant cultural group in Belize, with a long history in the region dating back to around 1500 BC. The ancient Maya built massive stone pyramids and cities, developed a complex writing system using hieroglyphics, and excelled in mathematics and astronomy. Today, the modern Maya have formed three distinct groups in Belize: the Yucatec, the Mopan, and the Ketchi. The Yucatec Maya primarily speak Spanish, while the Mopan Maya originate from Guatemala, and the Ketchi are found in several villages in the Toledo District.

The Mestizo culture in Belize is a mix of Spanish and Maya heritage, with a population of around 50% of the country's population. It originated with the union of a shipwrecked Spanish sailor, Gonzalo Guerrero, and a local Maya ruler's daughter, Zazil Ha, in the 16th century. Mestizo culture blends Spanish and Maya customs, language, and Roman Catholic faith.

Belize is also home to communities of Chinese, Indian, and Mennonite descent, each with their own unique cultural traditions and languages. The Mennonites, for example, speak Plautdietsch or Low German, while also speaking English, Spanish, and Kriol. These diverse cultures contribute to the rich societal fabric of Belize, making it a fascinating and culturally vibrant country.

Belize is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

CARICOM's primary objectives are to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, ensure that the benefits of integration are equitably shared, and coordinate foreign policy. The organisation operates as a regional single market for many of its members and handles regional trade disputes. It also devises and implements special projects for the less-developed countries within its jurisdiction.

Belize is often thought of as a Caribbean country in Central America due to its similarities with English-speaking Caribbean nations. Indeed, Belize is the only Central American country where English is the official language. However, Belize's culture is more typical of other Central American countries. The country's institutions and official language reflect its history as a British colony. Belize's diverse population includes a large proportion of immigrants, with mestizos (people of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry) making up half of the total inhabitants.

Belize is classified as a developing country and is relatively small in terms of population and size. The country covers an area of 8,867 square miles or 22,700 square kilometres, with a population of approximately 412,387 people. It is known for its diverse geography, including mountains, swamps, and tropical jungle, as well as its rich natural heritage, such as the Belize Barrier Reef and numerous Maya temple sites.

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