Belize: Central American Country Or Not?

Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize was formerly known as British Honduras and was the last British colony on the American mainland, achieving independence in 1981. The country has a diverse population, with Mestizos (people of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry) constituting the largest ethnic group. Belize is known for its rich history, culture, and natural attractions, including Mayan ruins and one of the longest barrier reefs in the world.

Belize's history as a British colony

Belize, previously known as British Honduras, was a British colony from 1783 until it gained full independence in 1981.

The colony was established as a result of the Treaty of Versailles (1783) between Britain and Spain, which gave the British rights to cut logwood in the area between the Hondo and Belize rivers. The British consolidated their settlement and pushed deeper into the interior in search of mahogany in the late 18th century, encountering resistance from the Maya.

In 1862, the Settlement of Belize in the Bay of Honduras was declared a British colony called British Honduras, and the Crown's representative was made a lieutenant governor, subordinate to the governor of Jamaica.

In the 19th century, the British settlers, who called themselves Baymen, imported African slaves to cut logwood and mahogany. There were four slave revolts in Belize, and hundreds of slaves escaped, taking advantage of the terrain and freedom beyond the frontiers.

In 1838, slavery was abolished in British Honduras, but the former slaves remained tied to the logging operations through a system of wage advances and company stores that induced indebtedness and dependency.

In the 1860s and 1870s, the owners of sugar estates sponsored the immigration of several hundred Chinese and South Asian labourers. In the late 19th century, Mopán and Kekchí Maya fled from forced labour in Guatemala and settled in British Honduras, mainly in the southern region of the colony.

In 1871, British Honduras became a Crown colony, and the Legislative Assembly was abolished. It remained subordinate to Jamaica until 1884, when it acquired a separate colonial administration under an appointed governor.

In the 1930s, the economy of British Honduras was hit by the Great Depression, and in 1931, Belize City was largely destroyed by a hurricane. A series of strikes and demonstrations by labourers and the unemployed led to the formation of trade unions and demands for democratisation.

In 1949, the governor used his reserve powers to devalue the currency, leading to the formation of the People's Committee, which demanded constitutional changes. This committee evolved into the People's United Party (PUP) in 1950, which led the independence movement.

In 1954, constitutional reforms granted Belize limited autonomy and introduced universal adult suffrage. The first election under universal suffrage was held in 1954, and the PUP won decisively, beginning a three-decade period of political dominance.

In 1964, a new constitution granted British Honduras self-government, and in 1973, the country's name was officially changed from British Honduras to Belize.

Belize finally gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981, but Guatemala refused to recognise the new nation due to a longstanding territorial dispute. About 1,500 British troops remained in Belize to deter any possible Guatemalan incursions.

Belize's diverse population

Belize is a small but diverse nation with a population of around 400,000 people. The country is home to a variety of ethnic and cultural groups, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Belizean society. While the country is considered part of Central America, it also shares cultural similarities with the Caribbean, reflecting its history as a former British colony.

The Mestizo group, comprising people of mixed Spanish and Yucatec Maya descent, makes up about half of Belize's population. They are found throughout the country but predominantly reside in the northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk. The Mestizo culture blends Spanish and Yucatec Maya traditions, evident in their food, music, and social customs.

Another significant group in Belize is the Creole population, who are descendants of West and Central Africans, British and Scottish log cutters, and various other ethnic groups. While they were once the largest ethnic group, emigration to the US, UK, and other countries has reduced their numbers. Creoles have played an integral role in Belize's history and politics, advocating for equal rights and independence.

The Maya people, consisting of three main groups—the Yucatec, Mopan, and Q'eqchi'—have a long history in Belize, dating back to the second millennium BCE. They primarily reside in the southern regions of the country and make up about 10-11% of the population.

Belize is also home to the Garifuna people, who are of West/Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib ancestry. They make up around 4.5% of the population and are settled along the Caribbean coast, particularly in the towns of Seine Bight, Punta Gorda, and Punta Negra.

Other ethnic groups in Belize include East Indians, Mennonites, Caucasians, Arabs, and East Asians. Each of these groups has contributed to the cultural diversity of the nation, influencing various aspects of Belizean society, such as cuisine, music, and language.

Belize's economy and tourism

Belize's economy is a small, developing, free-market economy, based primarily on agriculture, tourism, and services. The country has a population of around 400,000–465,000 and a GDP of $2.5 billion, with a per capita GDP of $6049.

Belize's economy is highly susceptible to external market changes, and the country has a substantial trade deficit. The primary exports are citrus fruits, sugar, bananas, seafood, and clothing. The main import partners are the US, the UK, China, Mexico, Curaçao, Panama, and members of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom).

Belize's economy was historically based on forestry, with logwood and mahogany as the main exports. However, the focus has since shifted to agricultural exports, with sugarcane, citrus fruits, bananas, and more recently, oil, as the primary exports. Belize's arable land is limited, with only a small fraction of its land used for agriculture.

Tourism is a vital part of Belize's economy and is the most important source of foreign exchange. The country's diverse ecology, including the largest coral reef in the Americas, pristine tropical forests, and numerous Mayan ruins, make it an attractive tourist destination. The tourism industry has seen rapid growth since the 1990s, with tourist arrivals totalling 888,191 in 2011, contributing 12% to the country's GDP.

Belize's infrastructure is less developed compared to that of the US and the UK, and the country faces challenges such as high labour and energy costs, a small domestic market, and lack of investment in infrastructure. However, the country has a low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for retirees and expats.

Belize's geography and climate

Belize is a small Central American country located on the northeast coast of the continent. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize is the only Central American country without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean.

The country has a diverse geography, characterised by mountains, swamps, and tropical jungle. The southern half of Belize is dominated by the rugged Maya Mountains, which stretch in a southwesterly to northeasterly direction. The Cockscomb Range, a spur of the Maya Mountains, rises to Doyle's Delight, the country's highest point at 1,124 metres (3,688 feet). The northern half of the country, in contrast, consists of limestone lowlands and swamps that lie less than 200 feet (60 metres) above sea level.

The Belize River, the country's largest and most historically important river, winds through the northern lowlands and drains into the Caribbean Sea near Belize City, the country's largest city. Other significant rivers include the New River and the Hondo River, which form the northern frontier with Mexico and drain into Chetumal Bay.

Belize also lays claim to many offshore islands, coral reefs, and cays, including Ambergris Caye, Lighthouse Reef, Glover's Reef, and the Turneffe Islands. These features form the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-longest in the world.

Belize has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically lasts from May or June to November, while the dry season occurs from November or January to April or May. The mean annual temperature ranges from 23-27°C, with coastal regions being slightly warmer than the interior. The climate is heavily influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Belize is prone to hurricanes and lies in the direct path of most Atlantic storms.

The diverse geography and climate of Belize support a rich variety of wildlife and ecosystems. The country is home to mangrove swamps, tropical pine savannas, hardwood forests, and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, which connects ecosystems from southern Mexico to Panama. Belize has one of the most extensive systems of terrestrial protected areas in the Americas, with 37% of its land territory under official protection.

Belize's political system

Belize is a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with a multi-party system. The king of Belize, currently King Charles III, serves as the head of state, while the prime minister acts as the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Belize.

The Belize parliament is a bicameral body, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. The 31 members of the House of Representatives are elected by the people for a maximum term of five years. The Senate, on the other hand, comprises 12 members who are appointed by the governor-general. The governor-general is appointed by the king and, in turn, appoints the prime minister, who advises on the executive duties of the government.

The party system in Belize is dominated by two major parties: the centre-left People's United Party (PUP) and the centre-right United Democratic Party (UDP). There are also smaller parties that participate in governmental elections, but they have not won a significant number of seats.

Belize's constitution includes several safeguards for its citizens, such as freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association. The judiciary in Belize is independent of the executive and legislative branches, and jurisprudence is based on English common law.

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