Belize's Vertical Extent: Miles Of Diversity

Belize is a small Central American nation located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. From north to south, the country extends about 280 kilometres (170 miles) and about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from east to west. The country's greatest length from north to south is 280 kilometres (170 miles).

Belize's landscape

Belize is a small Central American country with a remarkably varied geography. The country is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It has a total size of 22,966 km2 (8,867 sq mi), of which 22,806 km2 (8,805 sq mi) is land and 160 km2 (62 sq mi) is water. Belize's landscape can be divided into two main regions: the northern lowlands and the southern highlands.

The northern lowlands, including the coastal areas, are generally flat with a swampy coastal plain dominated by mangrove swamps. This region is where much of the nation's sugarcane, citrus fruits, and cattle are produced. The terrain gradually changes from mangrove swamp to tropical pine savanna and hardwood forest as you move inland. The northern interior is also home to thousands of acres of rainforest, numerous rivers, and waterfalls. The country's largest lake, the New River Lagoon, is located in this region.

In contrast, the southern region of Belize is more mountainous and is crossed by numerous rivers. The most striking feature of this region is the Maya Mountains, which rise to heights of about 1,100 meters. The highest point in Belize, Doyle's Delight, reaches 1,124 meters (3,688 feet) and is located in the Cockscomb Range, a spur of the Maya Mountains in western Belize. These mountains are covered in heavily forested highlands with shallow, erodible soils of low fertility, and are very sparsely inhabited.

Belize also boasts over 200 islands or cayes, with Ambergris Caye being the largest and most populated. The country has approximately 185 miles of coastline and is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The reef runs along the length of the country's coast, spanning about 180 miles.

Overall, Belize's landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from flat coastal plains to mountainous regions, with a rich variety of ecosystems and an abundance of natural attractions.

Population and demographics

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with a population of just over 300,000. It is the second smallest country in Central America and has the lowest population density in the region. The population is made up of a diverse mix of ethnicities, including Creole, Mestizos, Garifuna, Maya, and refugees from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Belize is also home to a small but significant population of East Indians, Chinese, and Middle Eastern people.

The country's population is evenly distributed between rural and urban areas, with about one-fourth of the population living in Belize City, the former capital and principal port. Belize has a relatively young population, with a median age of around 20-21 years. The population growth rate is estimated at 1.87% per year, making it one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

Belize has a low literacy rate compared to other countries in the Western Hemisphere, with an estimated literacy rate of 79.7% as of 2010. The country's educational policy aims to improve access to education and promote technical and vocational training.

Belize has a diverse religious landscape, with approximately 80% of the population identifying as Christian. Roman Catholicism is the largest religious group, followed by various Protestant denominations. A small but significant number of people follow other religions, including indigenous Maya and Garifuna religions, Hinduism, and Islam.

Belize has a multilingual society, with over half of the population being multilingual. English is the official language and is used in government and education. However, Belizean Creole, Spanish, and various Mayan languages are also widely spoken.

History

Belize is a small Central American nation, located at 17°15' north of the equator and 88°45' west of the Prime Meridian on the Yucatán Peninsula. It has a total area of 22,966 km2 (8,867 sq mi), of which 22,806 km2 (8,805 sq mi) is land and 160 km2 (62 sq mi) is water. The country's greatest length from north to south is 280 kilometres and its greatest width is 109 kilometres.

The history of Belize can be traced back to the ancient Maya civilization, which flourished in the region for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. The Maya people built impressive cities and developed advanced knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture. However, by the time Europeans began exploring the region in the 1500s, the Maya civilization had already declined and many cities were abandoned.

The first recorded European settlement in Belize was established in 1638 by shipwrecked British sailors, who were later joined by disbanded British soldiers and sailors after the capture of Jamaica from Spain in 1655. The settlement was primarily engaged in logwood cutting, which was a valuable industry at the time. However, the early years of the settlement were marked by frequent attacks from neighbouring Spanish colonies, who claimed sovereignty over the region.

In the late 1700s, the British and Spanish were once again at war, and the settlers in Belize prepared for a potential attack. In 1798, the Spanish fleet arrived with 32 ships, 500 sailors, and 2,000 troops. The settlers, with the support of British naval forces, successfully defended their colony in what became known as the Battle of St. George's Caye. This victory is celebrated annually on September 10th as a national holiday.

After the Battle of St. George's Caye, British control over the settlement gradually increased, and in 1862, Belize was formally declared a British colony, known as British Honduras. The economy shifted from logwood to mahogany, and the colony became an important part of the trade network with the Confederate States during the American Civil War.

Despite gaining independence from Britain in 1981, Belize continued to face challenges, including economic problems and border disputes with neighbouring Guatemala. However, with foreign investment and a growing tourism industry, the country's economy has been slowly improving, leading to enhanced living conditions and a sense of hope for the future.

Flora and fauna

Belize is a biodiversity hotspot, with abundant rainfall, balmy temperatures, and vast swathes of pristine land. The country has set aside more than a third of its territory as protected natural parks, animal refuges, or wilderness sanctuaries.

Flora

Belize is home to more than 4,000 species of flowering plants, 700 species of trees, and other flora. Some of the most notable include:

• Mahogany: The national tree of Belize, featured on the country's flag.
• Orchids: With over 250 species, including the black orchid, the country's national flower.
• Fruit and nut trees: Such as custard apple, guava, mango, papaya, bananas, pineapple, cashew, coconut palm, and mamey.
• Medicinal plants: Used by indigenous people for thousands of years, and still studied by pharmaceutical companies today.
• Cacao: A small tree prevalent in the Toledo District, with fruit pods that are the source of chocolate and cocoa powder.
• Cohune palm: An important tree for the Maya, used for thatching roofs, making oil and soap, and as a food source.

Fauna

Belize boasts a rich variety of wildlife, thanks to its unique position between North and South America, and its diverse climates and habitats. The country has a low human population, providing an ideal home for thousands of species of animals. Some of the most notable include:

• Birds: With over 500 species of indigenous birds, including the keel-billed toucan (the national bird), scarlet macaws, parrots, hummingbirds, kingfishers, and egrets.
• Big cats: Including the jaguar, jaguarundi, margay, ocelot, and puma.
• Crocodiles: Two types of crocodilians roam the waters—the American crocodile and Morelet's crocodile.
• Monkeys: Such as the black howler monkey (known locally as a baboon) and the spider monkey.
• Manatees: These gentle, comedic vegetarians are often called sea cows and are said to be the basis of mermaid myths.
• Tapirs: Also known as mountain cows, these nocturnal, oversized rodents are Belize's national animal.
• Turtles: Three types of sea turtles—hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles—nest and live in Belize.
• Snakes: A wide variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes call Belize home, including the highly dangerous fer-de-lance pit viper.
• Lizards: Species include the green iguana, giant green iguana, black iguana, and the basilisk (known as the "Jesus Christ" lizard).

Climate

Belize has a tropical climate with a wet season from May/June to October/November and a dry season from November/February to April/May. The wet season is also hurricane season, and while Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it does experience severe tropical weather. The dry season is interrupted by a brief wet period known as the "little dry" in late July or August.

Belize's average annual temperature ranges from 23-27°C, with the coast generally exhibiting hotter temperatures than the interior. The average temperature in December is around 23°C, while in July, it is 29°C. Even in winter, temperatures rarely fall below 16°C, while in summer, they sit around 30°C. The average annual rainfall increases from around 1,270 mm in the north of the country to 4,445 mm in the south.

Belize's climate is heavily influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). El Niño produces warmer conditions from June to August, while La Niña produces wetter conditions associated with tropical Atlantic cyclones.

Belize has experienced a warming trend since 1960, with mean annual temperatures increasing by 0.45°C at an average rate of 0.10°C per decade. The frequency of hot days and nights has increased by 67 days per year, while the frequency of cold days and nights has decreased by 21 days per year over the same period. Mean annual rainfall has decreased at an average rate of 3.1 mm per month per decade since 1960, although this trend is not statistically significant.

Belize's diverse geography includes flat, swampy coastal plains in the north and low mountain ranges, such as the Maya Mountains, in the south. The country is home to thousands of acres of rainforest, mountains, mangroves, numerous rivers, waterfalls, and caves. It has the second-largest barrier reef in the world, which runs for about 180 miles along its coast.

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