Belize's Eastern Border: A Natural Boundary With The Caribbean Sea

Belize is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country is situated on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It has 386km of coastline along the Caribbean Sea, which is lined with a coral reef and about 450 islets and islands known as cayes. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest of its type in the world.

Belize borders the Caribbean Sea to the east

Belize is a small Central American country with a coastline on the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is located on the northeastern coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Belize borders the Caribbean Sea, which gives it a distinct Caribbean flair that permeates its architecture, cuisine, and ambience.

The country has a long coastline along the Caribbean Sea, boasting one of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest of its kind globally, flanks much of its 386 kilometres of predominantly marshy coastline. This reef system is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a vast array of marine life, including hundreds of species of coral and invertebrates.

Belize's eastern coast also features hundreds of islands, locally known as "cayes," which offer pristine natural beauty and attract tourists from around the world. The country's eastern seaboard is characterised by numerous marshy lagoons, contributing to its diverse ecosystems.

Belize's proximity to the Caribbean Sea has significantly influenced its culture and environment, making it a unique and captivating destination in Central America.

In addition to its natural wonders, Belize's eastern border has also played a role in shaping the country's history and connections with neighbouring nations. With a land area of approximately 22,966 square kilometres, Belize is slightly larger than El Salvador or Massachusetts in the US. The country's population was estimated to be around 397,483 in 2022, making it the least densely populated country in Central America.

The country has 386km of coastline

Belize is a small Central American country with a coastline of 386km (240 miles) along the Caribbean Sea. The coastline is characterised by flat, swampy coastal plains and lagoons, with mangrove forests and savanna. The Belize Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, lies just offshore, forming the second-largest reef system in the world.

The coastline stretches from north to south, with the northern section consisting of flat, swampy coastal plains and wetlands, heavily forested in places. The country's most productive agricultural lands are found here, used for sugarcane and citrus fruit cultivation.

The coastline is dotted with small towns and communities, some of which offer attractive beaches and a developed tourism infrastructure. Belize City, the country's largest city, is a popular gateway to the country's islands, including Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Moving south from Belize City, the town of Dangriga serves as the launch point for water taxis to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve.

Further south, the small beach town of Hopkins offers a glimpse into the local Garífuna culture, with opportunities for snorkelling and exploring the nearby Maya Mountains. The Placencia Peninsula, one of the country's most popular mainland beach destinations, offers a range of experiences, from isolated and quiet beaches to lively beachfront accommodations and nightlife in Placencia Village.

The southern coastline of Belize is home to the small Garífuna fishing village of Punta Gorda, which serves as a gateway to the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. This region showcases the country's diverse natural and cultural attractions, including the southern Mayan ruins.

Belize's coastline is not only a draw for tourists but also plays a significant role in the country's geography and climate. The Belize Barrier Reef, with its diverse marine life and protective role for the coastline, is a vital part of the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. The country's network of rivers, creeks, and lagoons has also played a key historical role, with the Belize River serving as a vital transportation route and commerce artery until the 20th century.

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

Belize is a small country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, with a population of around 397,483 as of 2022. To the east of Belize lies the Caribbean Sea, which is home to the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. This reef is a popular tourist destination, attracting divers and snorkelers who want to explore its diverse marine life.

The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which stretches from Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula down to Honduras. Within Belize's borders, the reef spans roughly 300 kilometres (190 miles), starting about 300 metres (980 feet) offshore in the north and extending up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) offshore in the south. The reef is home to a vast array of marine life, including 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, and hundreds of invertebrate species. It also provides an essential habitat for endangered species such as marine turtles, manatees, and the American marine crocodile.

The Belize Barrier Reef is not just a natural wonder but also a vital part of Belize's economy. It is a major source of seafood, particularly lobster and conch, and it draws tourists from all over the world. The Belizean government has taken steps to protect this fragile ecosystem, banning bottom trawling and offshore oil drilling within a certain distance of the reef. Despite these efforts, the reef remains vulnerable to threats such as oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, and climate change.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a testament to the country's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Its vibrant ecosystem has earned it the recognition of being the second-largest barrier reef in the world, attracting divers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The country shares maritime borders with Honduras

Belize is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country also shares maritime borders with Honduras.

Belize is a small Central American country with a population of just 361,000 (as of 2015), making it the most sparsely populated nation in Central America. However, it is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnic groups. The country has land borders with Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west.

Belize's maritime borders with Honduras are a result of both countries sharing access to the Bay of Honduras. A two-hour boat ride from Punta Gorda in southern Belize will take you to Puerto Cortez in Honduras. In addition, commuter flights connect Belize to several destinations in Honduras, including San Pedro Sula and Roatan.

Belize's proximity to Honduras and other Central American countries has influenced its culture and demographics. The country is home to several ethnic groups, including Creoles, Mestizos, Garifuna, Maya, East Indians, Chinese, Arabs, and Europeans. The official language is English, but other commonly spoken languages include Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, and Maya.

Belize has a rich history and was formerly known as British Honduras until 1973, gaining independence within the Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. The country has a diverse landscape, featuring the Maya Mountains, northern lowlands, and a coastal zone with wetlands and lagoons. The Belize Barrier Reef, one of the world's longest barrier reefs, is also located off the coast of Belize.

The Belize-Guatemala border dispute remains unresolved

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. It also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast.

In the late 1600s and throughout the 1700s, Britain and Spain signed several treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that the territory of modern-day Belize was under Spanish sovereignty, though British settlers could use the land in specific areas and for specific purposes. When the Spanish Empire fell, Guatemala said that it had inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory. Since independence, Guatemala has claimed, in whole or in part, the territory of Belize.

In 1859, Britain and Guatemala signed the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty, which defined the borders of Belize from the Rio Hondo to Sarstoon. The treaty also included an article about building a mutually beneficial road, though it was never built. Guatemala blamed Britain for this and said that the treaty was void.

In 1946, Guatemala officially tried to declare the treaty null and void. Britain suggested going to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve their differences, but Guatemala rejected this. After years of failed negotiations, Guatemala finally agreed to submit their claim to the ICJ in 2018. Belize held its referendum in May 2019, and 55.4% of voters opted to send the matter to the ICJ.

Both countries submitted requests to the ICJ, and the next step is oral arguments from each country's legal teams. The ICJ is not expected to rule until 2025 at the earliest.

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