The Compact Country:

Belize is a small Central American nation with a total area of 22,966 km2 (8,867 sq mi). To put that in perspective, it's about twice the size of Estonia or slightly smaller than the US state of Massachusetts. Belize has a diverse landscape, featuring mountains, swamps, tropical jungles, and a coastline that stretches 386 km (240 mi) along the Caribbean Sea. With a population of around 400,000 people, it is the least populated nation in Central America and is known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty.

Belize's total size is 8,867 sq mi

Belize is a small Central American nation located on the Yucatán Peninsula. It has a total area of 8,867 square miles, of which 8,805 square miles is land and 62 square miles is water. To put that into perspective, Belize is about twice the size of Estonia or slightly smaller than the US state of Massachusetts.

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It has a coastline of 386 kilometres and a total land border length of 542 kilometres. The country is divided into six districts: Corozal and Orange Walk in the north, Belize in the east, Cayo in the west, Stann Creek in the southeast, and Toledo in the south.

Belize's landscape is diverse, ranging from mangrove swamps along the plain coastline to low mountains in the interior. The southern half of the country is dominated by the rugged Maya Mountains, which rise to heights of about 1,100 metres. The northern half consists of limestone lowlands and swamps less than 200 feet above sea level.

Belize has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from February to May. The country is known for its biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems, including many jungles and wildlife reserves. It is also home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world.

Belize has a population of approximately 400,000 people, making it the least populated nation in Central America. The country's residents are ethnically diverse, with a mix of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garinagu, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, and Chinese cultures.

8805 sq mi of land

Belize is a small Central American nation located on the Yucatán Peninsula. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west, with a total land border of 542km. To the east, it borders the Caribbean Sea, with a coastline of 386km. The country has a total area of 22,966 square kilometres (8,867 square miles), of which 8,805 square miles is land and 62 square miles is water.

Belize is known for its diverse ecosystems, including mangrove swamps along its coastline, and hills and low mountains in the south and interior. The country is home to the Maya Mountains, a range of rugged, eroded igneous rock that stretches across the southern half of the country. The northern half consists of limestone lowlands and swamps, with the Belize River, a historically important waterway, winding through the region.

Belize boasts the world's second-largest barrier reef, ancient Maya sites, and a rich cultural heritage. It has a population of approximately 400,000 people, making it the least populated nation in Central America. The country's capital is Belmopan, while its largest city is Belize City.

Belize has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. The country's average yearly temperature is 26.6 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), providing a comfortable and warm environment for visitors and locals alike.

62 sq mi of water

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 8,867 square miles, of which 62 square miles is water. This includes the many coral reefs, cays, and islands that form part of Belize's territory, such as Ambergris Caye, Lighthouse Reef, Glover's Reef, and the Turneffe Islands. These aquatic areas contribute to Belize's diverse and vibrant culture, attracting tourists and supporting local communities.

Belize's water territory is an essential part of its natural environment and ecosystem. The country's coastline stretches for 386 kilometres, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east. This coastal area is characterised by mangrove swamps and a swampy, flat coastline. The interlocking networks of rivers, creeks, and lagoons have played a significant historical role in the geography of Belize. The largest and most historically important river is the Belize River, which is navigable and served as a major artery for commerce and communication until the 20th century.

The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, is also part of Belize's water territory. Stretching for approximately 200 miles, it forms a vital part of the country's marine ecosystem and tourism industry. The reef is fringed by dozens of small islands, contributing to the country's diverse landscape and providing habitats for numerous species.

Belize's water territory also includes the country's largest lake, the New River Lagoon, covering approximately 5.2 square miles. This lagoon, along with other water bodies, supports the country's biodiversity and provides a habitat for various flora and fauna species, including the black orchid, mahogany tree, toucan, and tapirs.

The country's water resources have played a crucial role in its history, geography, and natural environment, shaping the lives and livelihoods of its residents.

386 km of coastline

Belize is a small Central American nation with a coastline of 386 kilometres or 230-240 miles. The country is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize's coastline is characterised by dense mangrove habitats and low-lying, narrow sandy shoreline. The coastline is flat and swampy, with many lagoons, especially in the northern and central parts of the country.

The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-longest in the world, forms part of Belize's coastline. The reef runs for approximately 322 kilometres (200 miles) and is fringed by dozens of small islands called cays. The reef is a popular destination for tourists and is home to a diverse range of marine life.

Belize's coastline also includes several notable islands, such as Ambergris Caye, Lighthouse Reef, Glover's Reef, and the Turneffe Islands. These islands are known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. They are popular destinations for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing.

The country's coastline plays a significant role in its economy, with many coastal areas relying on fishing and tourism as their primary sources of income. The coastal areas are also important for commerce and transportation, with the Belize River serving as a major artery for trade and communication until the twentieth century.

Belize is slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Belize is a small Central American nation located 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 has a total area of 22,966 square kilometres (8,867 square miles), of which 8,805 square miles is land and 62 square miles is water.

Comparatively, Belize is slightly smaller than the US state of Massachusetts. To put it into perspective, Belize is approximately twice the size of Estonia. It is also worth noting that Belize has the lowest population density in Central America, with only 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometre.

Belize is known for its diverse ecosystems, including a swampy coastal plain, mangrove swamps, hills, and low mountains. The country's largest river, the Belize River, is of historical significance and was the main artery of commerce and communication between the interior and the coast for many years.

Belize has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. The country experiences hurricanes, mostly during the late Atlantic hurricane season from September to December, and is also susceptible to coastal flooding, especially in the southern regions.

Belize is home to a variety of cultures and languages, including English, Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, and Maya. The country has a population of approximately 400,000 people, making it the least populated nation in Central America.

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