Belize: Above Or Below The Equator?

Belize is a small Central American nation located north of the equator. More specifically, it is situated on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The country is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. With a total area of 22,966 square kilometres (8,867 square miles), Belize is approximately twice the size of Jamaica and comparable in size to Massachusetts. The country's northern and southern borders are defined by the Hondo and Sarstoon rivers, respectively, while its western border with Guatemala is an imaginary line known as the adjacency line.

Belize is located 17°15′ north of the equator

Belize is the only Central American country without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. Its landscape is diverse, with flat wetlands and coastal plains in the north, and the Maya Mountains in the south. The country has a total area of 22,966 square kilometres (8,867 square miles), with a population of approximately 397,483 as of 2022.

Belize's unique location has influenced its culture and history. It shares an ancient Mayan past and common ethnic backgrounds with its Central American neighbours. The Caribbean Sea also contributes to the country's culture, with a colourful Caribbean flamboyance evident in its architecture, cuisine, and laid-back ambiance.

Belize's position near the equator gives it a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from January to May. The country is known for its natural wonders, including the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the Western Hemisphere, and the Great Blue Hole, one of the natural wonders of the world.

The country's small size and proximity to other Central American countries make it easily accessible by land or sea. It is a one-day drive from Guatemala and Honduras and close to Mexico, making it a convenient destination for those exploring Central America.

The country is in Central America

Belize is a small Central American nation located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It is situated 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian on the Yucatán Peninsula. Central America is the isthmus that connects North America with South America.

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north-northwest and Guatemala to the south-southwest. It shares a land and sea border on the north with the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, a land border on the west with the Guatemalan department of El Petén, and a sea border on the south with the Guatemalan department of Izabal. It is about two hours by air from Miami or Dallas-Fort Worth. From Central America, Belize is a one-day drive from Guatemala City, or a half-hour boat ride from the Izabal Department in Guatemala.

Belize is the only Central American country without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. To the east of Belize is the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The second-longest barrier reef in the world flanks much of the 386 kilometres of predominantly marshy coastline. The country's landscape is diverse, with flat wetlands and coastal plains in the north, and the Maya Mountains in the south.

Belize has a small population of approximately 397,483 people (as of 2022). It is the only Central American country with English as its official language.

Belize is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea

Belize is a small Central American country located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. With a population of around 400,000 people, Belize is the least populous country in Central America. It has a diverse society, with many different cultures and languages coexisting. English is the official language, but Spanish, Belizean Creole, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna are also commonly spoken.

Belize has a rich history, with the Maya civilisation flourishing in the region until around 1200. European contact began in the early 16th century when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. The area became a site of conflict between Spain and Britain, with Britain ultimately defeating Spain in the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798. Belize became a British colony in 1840 and gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.

The country is known for its diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, and its abundance of terrestrial and marine plants and animals. It has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from January to May. The highest point in Belize is Doyle's Delight, reaching 1,124 metres (3,688 feet) above sea level. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-longest in the world, flanks much of the country's coastline.

Belize's border with Guatemala has been a source of tension, with Guatemala claiming sovereignty over a significant portion of Belizean territory. This dispute is currently being addressed through diplomatic channels and international organisations.

Belize's landscape varies from flat, swampy coastal plains in the north to the Maya Mountains in the south. The country has a total land boundary length of 516 kilometres (321 miles), with the Hondo and Sarstoon rivers defining much of its northern and southern boundaries. The border with Guatemala is an almost straight line, approximately 266 kilometres (165 miles) long. The western border with Guatemala runs through lowland forest and highland plateau, with no natural features to define it.

Belize's proximity to its neighbouring countries makes it a convenient destination for travellers wishing to explore Central America. It is easily accessible by air, with flights connecting it to nearby cities in Mexico and Guatemala. The country's small size also makes it possible to drive from Guatemala City to Belize in a day or take a short boat ride from Guatemala's Izabal Department to reach Belize.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world

Belize is a small Central American country located north of the equator. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna, as well as its natural wonders, including the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest in the world.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs that stretch along the country's coastline. It is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which extends from Cancún on the Yucatán Peninsula down to Honduras. This reef system is the second-largest in the world, only surpassed by the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

The Belize Barrier Reef is approximately 300 kilometres (190 miles) long and is located about 300 metres (980 feet) offshore in the north and 40 kilometres (25 miles) in the south. It is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, attracting almost half of the country's 260,000 visitors. The reef is also vital to Belize's fishing industry, providing a major source of seafood, particularly lobster and conch.

The reef boasts a diverse range of plants and animals, including 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, and hundreds of invertebrate species. Despite its beauty and ecological significance, the Belize Barrier Reef faces various threats, including oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing. Other challenges include hurricanes and the increasing ocean temperatures due to global warming, which have led to coral bleaching and damage.

To protect this natural treasure, a large portion of the reef is conserved under the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which encompasses seven marine reserves, 450 cayes, and three atolls. This reserve system was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 due to its ecological importance and vulnerability. Belize has also taken steps to ban bottom trawling and offshore oil drilling within a certain distance of the reef to mitigate its impact.

The country has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November

Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America, 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian on the Yucatán Peninsula. The country has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November, and a dry season from January to May.

The rainy season in Belize is also known as the low tourist season, and it usually runs from June to December. However, travel is still possible until August, as the rain mostly falls in the afternoon. The rain during this season tends to be brief, lasting only an hour or two in the afternoon or evening, unless there is a tropical storm or a hurricane. The hurricane season typically runs from September to December, with September and October being the most active months.

The dry season in Belize is considered the high tourism season. During this time, the country experiences prolonged periods of warm sunshine, especially in the north and central regions, making it ideal for exploring jungles and ruins, as well as enjoying beach activities. The dry season also offers the perfect weather for adventure activities and aquatic sports.

The average temperature in Belize during the rainy season ranges from 79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 30 degrees Celsius). In comparison, the average temperature during the dry season is slightly cooler, ranging from 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 27 degrees Celsius).

The rainy season in Belize offers several benefits for travellers. Firstly, it is a great time to avoid crowds and experience the country with fewer tourists. The rain also makes the landscapes more vibrant and colourful, enhancing the natural beauty of the country. Additionally, travellers can take advantage of lower prices and discounted deals during this period.

Overall, Belize's tropical climate and distinct seasons offer a range of experiences for visitors, from sunny beach days to exploring lush rainforests and enjoying the vibrant landscapes during the rainy season.

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