Belize's Proximity To The Equator: How Close?

Belize is a small country located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. With a population of around 397,483 people (as of 2022), it is no wonder that many people ask: where is Belize? The country is situated 17 degrees 15 minutes north of the equator and 88 degrees 45 minutes west of the Prime Meridian. This puts Belize approximately 1,191.86 miles (or 1,918.12 kilometres) north of the equator, placing it in the northern hemisphere.

Belize is 1,191.86 miles north of the equator

Belize is a small country located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just north of the equator. In fact, it is situated 1,191.86 miles (1,918.12 kilometres) north of the equator, placing it firmly in the northern hemisphere. This makes it closer to the equator than Puerto Rico, Texas, Mexico, and even Cancun.

Belize is part of the isthmus that connects North and South America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Its northern and southern borders are defined by two rivers: the Hondo and the Sarstoon. The Hondo River separates Belize from Mexico, while the Sarstoon River marks the boundary with Guatemala. The western border with Guatemala, however, follows no natural features and runs north-south through lowland forest and highland mountainous plateau. This imaginary line, known as the adjacency line, has been a subject of territorial disputes between the two countries.

Belize is a small country geographically, covering an area of 8,867 square miles (22,966 square kilometres), which is about twice the size of Jamaica and slightly larger than El Salvador or Massachusetts. Its longest north-south distance is 170 miles, and its east-west distance is approximately 62 miles. Despite its compact size, Belize boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from flat wetlands and coastal plains in the north to the Maya Mountains in the south. The country is also home to hundreds of islands, coral atolls, and the world's second-largest barrier reef, making it a popular destination for divers, sailors, and fishing enthusiasts.

The country's location close to the equator gives it a warm climate, and its diverse geography, including mountains, rainforests, and coastlines, supports a rich variety of flora and fauna. Belize is also known for its cultural diversity, with a mix of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Chinese, and Mennonite ethnic groups, creating a unique "Belizean identity".

It's in the northern hemisphere

Belize is located in the Northern Hemisphere, specifically 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian. This puts the country on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America, just southwest of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Being in the Northern Hemisphere means that Belize is north of the line that divides the Earth into two equal parts from north to south. The Northern Hemisphere contains half of the Earth's landmass, including North America, most of Asia, and most of Europe.

The country's northern and southern borders are defined by two rivers: the Hondo and the Sarstoon, respectively. The Hondo River separates Belize from Mexico's Quintana Roo state to the north, while the Sarstoon River forms the border with Guatemala to the west and south.

Belize is a small country, with an area of 8,867 square miles (or 22,966 square kilometres), making it about twice the size of Jamaica and slightly larger than El Salvador or Massachusetts. Despite its small size, Belize boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from flat wetlands and coastal plains in the north to the Maya Mountains in the south.

The country's close proximity to the equator contributes to its warm climate, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and diverse flora and fauna.

It's 17°15′ north of the equator

Belize is located 17°15′ north of the equator, which is approximately 1,191.86 miles (1,918.12 kilometres) north of the equator. This places Belize in the northern hemisphere.

Belize is found on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America, on the Yucatán Peninsula. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

The country is approximately 170 miles (280 kilometres) from north to south and 62 miles (100 kilometres) from east to west. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest of its type in the world, runs along the coast for 240 miles. The country's northern and southern borders are defined by two main rivers: the Sarstoon and the Hondo.

Belize is a small country, with an area of 8,867 square miles (22,966 square kilometres). It is about twice the size of Jamaica and slightly larger than El Salvador or Massachusetts.

It's 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian

Belize is located 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian. This places it in the northern hemisphere, specifically on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It is situated on the Yucatán Peninsula, just southwest of Mexico and sharing land borders with Guatemala to the west and south. To the east of Belize is the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, with the second-longest barrier reef in the world stretching along its coastline.

Belize is a small country, with an area of 22,966 square kilometres (8,867 sq. mi), twice the size of Jamaica and slightly larger than El Salvador or Massachusetts. Its location close to the equator and the Caribbean Sea gives it a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The country's landscape varies from flat wetlands and coastal plains in the north to the mountain range of the Maya Mountains in the south.

Belize's proximity to the equator also contributes to its diverse flora and fauna. The country is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including nearly 600 species of birds. Its location in the Caribbean Sea also makes it a popular destination for divers, sailors, and fishing enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural attractions, Belize has a rich cultural heritage. The country is considered by its locals to be equal parts Caribbean and Central American, reflecting the influence of its neighbouring regions. English is the official language of Belize, but Spanish is also widely spoken, and other languages such as Garifuna, Creole, and Maya dialects are common in certain areas.

It's close to the equator but experiences little to no snow

Belize is a country located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is 17 degrees 15 minutes north of the equator and 88 degrees 45 minutes west of the Prime Meridian. This puts it in close proximity to the equator, but despite this, snow is not a common occurrence in the country.

Belize is classified as a subtropical country, and its weather is similar to what one might experience in central and southern Florida. The country does not have a traditional winter, and temperatures rarely dip low enough for snow, ice, or freezing temperatures. Instead, Belize experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the green season. The dry season, from December to May, is characterised by lower precipitation, abundant sunshine, and warm temperatures. The green season, from June to November, brings more rainfall, often in the form of early morning showers or quick downbursts in the afternoon.

The average year-round temperature in Belize is around 23°C (73°F), with the coolest months being November to January. Even during these months, the average temperature is a comfortable 18-21°C (64-70°F). The temperature range throughout the year is relatively narrow, varying by only about 4°C between the coolest and hottest parts of the year.

Belize's close proximity to the equator results in consistent warm temperatures and high humidity. The mean annual humidity is around 83-85%sea breezes can help to mitigate the humidity along the coast. The country's location also contributes to its diverse ecosystem, which includes marine and terrestrial species, rainforests, and jungles.

While snow is uncommon in Belize, the country is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking to escape the cold winters of higher latitudes and experience the warm Caribbean climate.

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