Belize: A Developing Country's Journey And Status

Belize is a small, upper-middle-income country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is the only English-speaking country in the region, with a population of about 359,000 and a per capita income of $4,906 as of 2016. Belize has a diverse society, with a variety of cultures and languages. It is considered a Central American and Caribbean nation with strong ties to both the American and Caribbean regions. While it is often thought of as a Caribbean country due to its historical similarities with English-speaking Caribbean nations, its culture is more typical of Central American countries. Belize has a rich ecological diversity, with the largest coral reef in the Americas and an extensive mangrove ecosystem. It has a stable and democratic political system and is a member of the Commonwealth.

Belize's path to independence

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, was the last British colony on the American mainland. Its path to independence was marked by a unique international campaign led by Premier and eventual Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. George Price, against the irredentist claims of its neighbour to the west, Guatemala.

The region was initially settled by the Maya civilisation over 2,000 years ago, but it wasn't until the 17th century that European powers began to exert their influence in the area. The Spanish laid claim to the region first, but their control was limited, and they focused more on other parts of Central America. In the late 17th century, British loggers, known as Baymen, established settlements along the Belize River, eventually leading to a British presence in the region. The Spanish and British often clashed over control of the territory, but through a series of treaties, Belize remained under British control.

The road to independence began to take shape in the mid-20th century when Belizeans started to express their desire for self-determination. The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of nationalist movements, most notably the People's United Party (PUP), led by George Price. The PUP's efforts led to constitutional reforms in 1964, granting Belize self-government. However, full independence remained elusive as neighbouring Guatemala continued to dispute Belize's territorial boundaries. Guatemala claimed a significant portion of Belizean territory, putting a major obstacle in the path to independence.

One of the most critical hurdles to Belizean independence was the territorial dispute with Guatemala. Guatemala never recognised Belize as an independent nation and instead viewed it as a "territory". This dispute created considerable tension and often stalled progress toward full sovereignty. International mediation efforts, particularly those by the United Kingdom and the United Nations, aimed to resolve the issue peacefully. In 1975, Belize received its first major boost toward independence when the United Nations recognised Belize as an independent nation with its territorial integrity intact.

After years of negotiations and international diplomacy, Belize finally achieved its long-awaited independence on 21 September 1981. The United Kingdom officially handed over control, and Belize became a fully sovereign nation. George Price, who had tirelessly campaigned for independence, became the country's first Prime Minister and remained a prominent figure in Belizean politics for decades. The peaceful transition to independence was a testament to the patience, determination, and diplomacy of Belizean leaders and the international community.

Belize's economy

Belize's economic performance is susceptible to external market changes, and the country relies heavily on foreign trade, particularly with the US. The country has a unique opportunity in the cultivation of newly discovered oil, which presents new prospects and challenges.

Belize's diverse ecology and natural capital, including its extensive coral reef and mangrove ecosystem, play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from adverse climate events. The country also benefits from its pristine tropical forests, which help limit soil erosion, runoffs, and flooding.

The Belize dollar is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of 2:1. The minimum wage in Belize is US$2.50 (BZ$5.00) per hour as of 2023.

In summary, Belize's economy is focused on agriculture, tourism, and services, with exports and foreign investment playing a significant role. The country faces challenges due to its small market and high costs, but its unique ecological resources and proximity to major markets offer potential for growth.

Belize's demographics

Belize is the most sparsely populated country in Central America, with a population of around 400,000-440,000 people. It is a diverse nation, with most Belizeans being of multiracial descent. The population is made up of a mix of Mestizos (52.9%), Creoles (24.9%-25.9%), Maya (10.6%-11.3%), Garifuna (6.1%), East Indians (3.9%), Mennonites (3.6%), White/European (1.2%), Asian (1%), and other groups (1.2%).

Belize has three official land border crossings: one into Mexico in the north, and two into Guatemala in the west and south of the country. Belize City, the former capital and principal port, is home to about a quarter of the population. The country's population is largely rural, with slightly higher population density in the north and east.

Belize has a high level of multilingualism, with English being the official language, and Spanish, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna also widely spoken. Literacy rates are around 80%, and the population is largely Christian (around 80%), with a small number of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.

Belize has a parliamentary democracy, with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, represented by a governor-general. The current prime minister is Johnny Briceño, who leads the People's United Party.

Belize has a small, developing economy, with tourism being the largest source of foreign currency. The country faces challenges such as high crime rates, unemployment, and involvement in the drug trade.

Belize's ecology

Belize is a country with a rich ecological landscape, boasting diverse ecosystems and an abundance of terrestrial and marine plants and animals. Here is an overview of Belize's ecology:

Terrestrial Ecology:

Belize is home to a variety of terrestrial ecosystems, including rainforests, savannas, scrublands, and wetlands. The country's landscape includes flat, swampy coastal plains in the north and the Maya Mountains in the south, providing a range of habitats for numerous species. The Maya Mountains, in particular, are a focal point for ecological research and conservation.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1990, is a nature reserve in south-central Belize. Covering an area of approximately 400 square kilometres, the reserve protects the forests, fauna, and watersheds of the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains. It is known as a premier site for jaguar preservation and was founded as the first wilderness sanctuary for this big cat species.

Belize is also home to the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S.), which focuses on avian, small mammal, and herpetological monitoring, as well as habitat restoration projects. Their work contributes to the country's efforts in ecological conservation and community education.

Marine Ecology:

Belize is renowned for its marine ecosystems, boasting the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. This reef system provides a habitat for a diverse range of marine life, including hard and soft coral species and hundreds of invertebrate species. The Belize Barrier Reef was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and is a significant tourist attraction, popular for scuba diving and snorkelling.

In addition to the reef, Belize also has important mangrove ecosystems and is home to three of the four true atolls in the Americas. The country's marine environments offer opportunities for research and conservation, with organisations like Ecology Project International involving local youth in reef ecology studies and conservation efforts.

Biodiversity:

Belize is located between North and South America, providing a crossroads for a wide range of plant and animal species. The country has over 5,000 species of plants and hundreds of animal species, including armadillos, snakes, and monkeys.

Belize is a leader in protecting biodiversity and natural resources. Approximately 37% of its land territory and 13.6% of its territorial waters are under official protection. This gives Belize one of the most extensive systems of terrestrial protected areas in the Americas.

Environmental Challenges:

While Belize has taken significant steps to preserve its natural environment, it faces several ecological challenges. Deforestation is one such issue, with an estimated annual loss of 0.6% of forest cover. Additionally, the Belize Barrier Reef is under threat from oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing. Climate change and global warming also pose risks, with coral bleaching being a significant concern.

Despite these challenges, Belize remains committed to environmental preservation and is actively involved in initiatives to protect its diverse ecosystems.

Belize's political system

Belize is a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy. The country's head of state is King Charles III, who is represented in Belize by a governor-general, Froyla Tzalam. The prime minister, currently Johnny Briceño, is the head of government. The prime minister advises the governor-general on the executive duties of the government.

Belize has a bicameral National Assembly, consisting of a House of Representatives with 31 members and a 13-member Senate. The senators are appointed by the governor-general, with six on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and the remaining three on the advice of various organisations and NGOs. The members of the House of Representatives are elected by the people of Belize.

The party system is dominated by the centre-left People's United Party and the centre-right United Democratic Party. There are also smaller parties that participate in elections, but these have not won any significant number of seats.

Belize's legal system is based on English common law, and the judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Belize's first capital was Belize City, but after it was almost entirely destroyed by a hurricane in 1961, a new capital, Belmopan, was built about 50 miles west.

Frequently asked questions