Belize's Bordering Neighbors

Belize is bordered by two countries: Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The Caribbean Sea also borders Belize to the east. The Belize–Mexico border runs for about 155 miles along the course of the Hondo River, acting as a divide between Belize and the Mexican states of Campeche and Quintana Roo. The Belize–Guatemala border runs for about 165 miles in an almost straight line, described in the 1859 Wyke–Aycinena Treaty. While the two neighbouring countries have had their challenges and problems in the past, signs indicate a better future.

Mexico borders Belize to the north

The exploration of the border was challenging in the past due to the remoteness of the location, especially on the Mexican side. This allowed the British to occupy most of the border region when Belize was known as British Honduras. The Belize–Mexico border is one of two land borders that Belize shares with its neighbouring countries.

Belize is a country located on the northeast 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. The country has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language.

Belize has a rich variety of wildlife and ecosystems, including extensive coral reefs. The country's landscape is diverse, featuring mountains, swamps, and tropical jungles. The northern part of Belize consists mostly of flat, swampy coastal plains, while the south contains the low mountain range of the Maya Mountains. The country's population is ethnically diverse and includes a large proportion of immigrants.

Guatemala borders Belize to the west and south

Despite the clear demarcation of the border in the treaty, Guatemala and Belize have a long-running border dispute that is yet to be resolved. Since 1821, Guatemala has laid claim to Belize. This claim goes back to the time when Spain claimed all the territories of the New World west of the line drawn by the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas. While Britain and other powers did not recognize the treaty, the British went ahead and settled in Belize. Later, in 1670, the Godolphin Treaty between Spain and England allowed the latter to occupy territories in the Western Hemisphere, including Belize. However, Spain maintained its claim on Belize based on a vague point in the treaty.

In the 1820s, when the Spanish Empire collapsed, independent republics such as Mexico and Guatemala were established. Guatemala, being part of the former Spanish Empire, believes that the previous claim on Belize still stands. The UK, however, never accepted these claims, leading to the ongoing conflict. Today, the dispute is only between Guatemala and Belize, as Mexico withdrew its claim in 1893 after reaching an agreement with Britain.

Belize is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east

The Caribbean coast of Belize boasts a long coastline dotted with hundreds of islands, lagoons, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. This reef is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling and attracts almost half of Belize's visitors. The reef is also vital to the fishing industry and provides a habitat for a diverse range of marine life, including hundreds of species of coral and invertebrates.

Belize's close proximity to the Caribbean Sea has influenced various aspects of the country's culture, including its architecture, cuisine, and language. The country's Creole language and dialect, a blend of English and African languages, is widely spoken and considered a distinctive part of everyday conversations for Belizeans.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Caribbean Sea also holds historical significance for Belize. European contact with Belize began in the early 16th century when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. English settlers followed in the 17th century, marking the start of European exploration and colonisation.

The Caribbean Sea has played a crucial role in shaping Belize's history, culture, and economy. Today, it continues to be a significant natural attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique marine environment.

Belize shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast

Belize is a country on the Caribbean coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. It also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast. The Hondo River marks Belize's border with Mexico in the north, while the Sarstoon River defines most of its southern border with Guatemala. Belize's coastline borders the Caribbean Sea to the east.

Belize was known as British Honduras until 1973 and became independent within the Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. It is the only Central American country with English as its official language.

Belize's landscape is diverse, with the low mountain range of the Maya Mountains in the south and the northern lowlands drained by 18 major rivers and streams. The Belize River is navigable up to the Guatemalan border and served as the main artery of commerce and communication between the interior and the coast until the 20th century.

Belize is a melting pot of cultures and ethnic groups, including Creoles, Mestizos, Garifuna, Maya, East Indians, Chinese, Arabs, and Europeans. The country has a population of approximately 465,000 people and is known for its September Celebrations, which commemorate the defence of Belizean territory from Spanish empire claims.

Belize is a popular tourist destination, boasting the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the famous 'Blue Hole', and the only jaguar preserve in the world. It also has a diverse range of wildlife, with over 5,000 species of plants and hundreds of species of animals.

Guatemala has a territorial dispute with Belize

Guatemala has a long-running territorial dispute with Belize. Guatemala has laid claim to Belize since 1821, arguing that a 1494 treaty between Portugal and Spain gave Spain the right to all territories in the New World west of a certain line. However, Britain and other powers did not recognise this treaty, and Britain settled in Belize.

A later treaty in 1670 between Spain and England allowed England to occupy territories in the Western Hemisphere, including Belize. However, Spain maintained its claim on the territory. In the 1820s, the Spanish Empire collapsed, leading to the formation of independent republics such as Guatemala, which believes that the Spanish Empire's claim on Belize still stands.

The border dispute has occasionally turned violent. For example, in 2000, a Guatemalan was killed by a Belizean patrol in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. In 2005, the two countries signed an agreement committing to peace. In 2015, Belize allowed Guatemala to take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In 2018, 95.88% of Guatemalan voters approved of taking the issue to the ICJ. A similar referendum was held in Belize in 2019, with 55.4% of voters opting to send the matter to the ICJ. Both countries have now submitted requests to the ICJ, and the next step is for each country's legal teams to present oral arguments.

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