Belize: Country Or City?

Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of about 70,000 residents, and is considered the country's commercial and cultural centre. The country has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages, including Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, and Chinese. Belize is the only Central American country where English is the official language, and it is known for its September Celebrations and punta music. With a rich history and culture, beautiful natural wonders, and a convenient location just a few hours by air from the United States and Canada, Belize is a popular tourist destination and a great place to explore.

Belize is a country in Central America

Belize has a rich history, with the Maya civilization flourishing in the area between 1500 BC and AD 300. European contact began when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras in 1502–04, and European exploration commenced with English settlers in 1638. Belize Town, now Belize City, was founded by English lumber harvesters in 1638. Belize became a British colony in 1840 and a Crown colony in 1862, achieving independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981.

Belize has a diverse society, with a variety of cultures and languages. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, while Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect. The country has a population of approximately 410,990 people and is known for its September Celebrations and punta music.

Belize boasts a diverse landscape, from mountainous regions to swamps and tropical jungles. The southern half of the country is dominated by the rugged Maya Mountains, while the northern half consists of limestone lowlands and swamps. The Belize River, the New River, and the Hondo River drain the lowlands, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, fringes the coast.

Belize is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state, represented by a governor-general. The country has a bicameral National Assembly, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. Belize's economy is primarily based on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction also contributing significantly.

Belize was a British colony

The area that is now Belize was first settled by the Maya, who flourished in the region from 1500 BCE until around 1200 CE. In the 17th century, English settlers began to arrive, and Spain and Britain both laid claim to the land. In 1798, Britain defeated Spain in the Battle of St. George's Caye, and the area became a British colony in 1840. It was renamed British Honduras in 1862 and became a Crown colony in 1871.

During the colonial period, the British exploited the area's natural resources, particularly logwood and mahogany, using enslaved Africans to cut the trees. The colony was also used as a base for suppressing piracy. In the early 19th century, the British sought to reform the settlers, threatening to suspend the Public Meeting unless it observed the government's instructions to eliminate slavery outright. Slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1833, and in British Honduras, owners were compensated at the highest rate in any British territory.

In the late 19th century, Belize began to attract British investors, and the colony became increasingly reliant on the mahogany trade. The Great Depression of the 1930s caused a near-collapse of the colony's economy, and the effects of widespread unemployment were worsened by a devastating hurricane in 1931. During World War II, economic conditions improved as many Belizean men entered the armed forces or contributed to the war effort.

After the war, the colony's economy stagnated, and Britain's decision to devalue the British Honduras dollar in 1949 led to the creation of the People's Committee, which demanded independence. The People's United Party (PUP) sought constitutional reforms to expand voting rights to all adults, and the first election under universal suffrage was held in 1954. Progress toward independence was hampered by a Guatemalan claim to sovereignty over Belizean territory. In 1964, Britain granted British Honduras self-government under a new constitution, and in 1973, the colony was officially renamed Belize. Belize finally achieved independence on September 21, 1981.

Belize's capital is Belmopan

Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. Belize is a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and is considered part of the Caribbean region. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language. Belize is a Commonwealth realm with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state.

Belmopan was constructed with British aid and is known for its tropical monsoon climate, modern infrastructure, and diverse population. The city is home to government offices, embassies, banks, schools, and a growing number of call centres. It is also a hub for ecotourism, with nearby national parks and protected areas. Belmopan's layout centres around the Ring Road, with government buildings and parkland within or around it. The National Assembly Building is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, reflecting Belize's cultural heritage.

Belmopan's population has been growing rapidly due to immigrants settling on its outskirts and Belizeans moving from the congested and crime-ridden Belize City. The city has a good road network, well-laid-out streets, and a building code requiring the use of concrete to reduce fires. Belmopan is also known for its vibrant nightlife, cultural events, and sports facilities, making it an attractive destination for retirees and tourists seeking a safe and quiet environment.

Belize is a member of the Commonwealth

Belize's prime minister, Dean Barrow, has emphasised the country's commitment to the Commonwealth, saying:

> With our unspoilt natural beauty, our kind and friendly people, our stable and deepening democracy, we believe Belize brings much to the table as a proud member of the Commonwealth of Nations. And with our unwavering quest for human development and economic advancement, our young nation also has much to learn and benefit from this great international brotherhood.

Belize has been competing in the Commonwealth Games since 1962, 20 years before it gained independence.

As a member of the Commonwealth, Belize has benefited from several Commonwealth-funded projects, including:

• Assistance to the Judiciary (2007/08) – technical assistance to help implement the new Supreme Court (Civil Procedures Rules) 2005 and reduce the backlog of civil cases in the Supreme Court.
• Investment/WTO Compatibility (2004 – ongoing) – advice and technical assistance to help Belize enhance its investment climate and competitiveness through closer integration in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
• Post Harvest Handling Consultancy and EMDP for Belize Papayas (2003/04) – an expert was provided to assist with post-harvest handling of papayas and to strengthen the export market development programme for Belize into the European Union.
• Consultant for Broadcasting Corporation of Belize (1997/8 – 2001/02) – a consultant was provided to assess the corporation's training and technical needs and to implement changes and train local staff.
• Development of Agriculture and Agro-industries (1997/8 – 1999/2000) – a project to examine and assess industries in this sector from the point of view of production methods and quality control and suggest a plan to improve their effectiveness.

Belize is a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages

The Garinagu are descendants of Carib Indians and Africans and continue many of their ancestral customs, such as fishing in dugout dories, harvesting cassava, and basket weaving. The Garinagu first landed in Belize on November 19, 1802, and settled in what is now known as Dangriga. Each year, November 19 is celebrated as Garifuna Settlement Day.

The Maya civilization spread into Belize between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourished until about 1200. The ancient Maya built massive stone pyramids and cities, developed an intricate writing system, and excelled in mathematics and astronomy. Today, evidence of this great ancient civilization is found throughout Belize in the form of ancient archaeological sites. Belizean descendants of the ancient Maya have formed three distinct groups: the Yucatec, the Mopan, and the Ketchi.

The Mestizo culture is a mix of Spanish and Mayan heritage. Mestizos make up about half of Belize's population and display a blend of Spanish and Mayan customs, from their food and language to their Roman Catholic faith.

The Creole culture in Belize is also very diverse. Belizean Creoles are primarily mixed-race descendants of West and Central Africans, English, Scottish, Miskito, Jamaicans, and other Caribbean people. The Belizean Creole language, also known as Kriol, is considered by some as a completely distinct language evolved from, but no longer a dialect of English.

Belize is also home to a small group of Chinese workers who were brought to the country in the 1800s. Many of the older generation of Chinese in Belize still practice forms of ancestral worship and Buddhism, while many of the younger generation have converted to Catholicism.

The vast majority of ethnic Mennonites in Belize speak Plautdietsch or Low German, while a small minority speaks Pennsylvania German. Most Mennonites also speak English, Spanish, and Kriol. Mennonite women typically wear bonnets and long dresses, while men usually wear dark pants and traditional suspenders.

Belize is a country on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. Belize has a population of about 410,990 people and is considered a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages.

Frequently asked questions