Belize's Bordering Neighbors

Belize is a country 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 also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast.

Mexico borders Belize to the north and west

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, with the Hondo River marking the border between the two countries. The Belize-Mexico border runs for about 155 miles (249.4 km) along the course of the Hondo River, dividing Belize from the Mexican states of Campeche and Quintana Roo. The current border was agreed upon in 1893 and finalised in 1897, though the exploration of the border was challenging due to the remoteness of the region, especially on the Mexican side.

The British were able to occupy most of the border region when Belize was a British colony known as British Honduras. This occupation dates back to the 1820s, when Belize was known as British Honduras, and the Spanish Empire had collapsed, leading to the establishment of independent republics in Mexico and Guatemala. As part of the former Spanish Empire, Guatemala believes that the previous claim on Belize still stands, resulting in a long-running border dispute that has yet to be resolved.

Despite the challenges and disputes, the signs indicate a better future for relations between Belize and its neighbouring countries, Mexico and Guatemala.

Guatemala borders Belize to the south and west

The Belize-Guatemala border has been the subject of a long-running dispute, which also involves other Central American countries. Guatemala has claimed sovereignty over Belizean territory since 1821, when it became independent from the Spanish Empire. Spain had claimed all the territories of the New World west of the line drawn by the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas, and Britain and other powers did not recognise this treaty. A later treaty in 1670 allowed England to occupy territories in the Western Hemisphere, but Spain maintained its claim on Belize.

The dispute has occasionally turned violent, and in 2000, a Guatemalan was murdered by a Belizean patrol. However, in 2005, the two countries signed an agreement committing to maintain peace. In 2015, Belize allowed Guatemala to take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after a referendum in which 95.88% of Guatemalan voters approved. A similar referendum was held in Belize in 2019, and 55.4% of voters opted to send the matter to the ICJ.

Belize is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east

Belize's position on the Caribbean coast gives it a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The country experiences high temperatures year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) in January to 27°C (80.6°F) in July. The seasons are marked more by differences in humidity and rainfall than in temperature. Belize is also susceptible to hurricanes, which have caused significant damage to the country's infrastructure and claimed lives throughout its history.

Belize's eastern coastline is lined with approximately 450 islands, locally known as cayes, which are popular tourist destinations. The largest of these is Ambergris Caye, known for its beach resorts and vibrant nightlife. Its smaller sister island, Caye Caulker, offers a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

The Caribbean Sea is an important part of Belize's economy, particularly in terms of tourism and fishing. The country's marine environment, including its extensive coral reefs, attracts visitors from around the world, contributing significantly to the local economy. Additionally, the sea provides a source of livelihood for fishermen and supports the country's fishing industry.

Belize's close proximity to the Caribbean Sea also influences its culture and history. As a former British colony, Belize shares similarities with other English-speaking Caribbean countries, including a similar history of colonisation and emancipation. The country's culture reflects a blend of Caribbean and British influences, with a laid-back Caribbean style combined with British formalness.

Belize is close to Honduras, which it shares a water boundary with

Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It also shares a water boundary with Honduras to the southeast. Belize is a country on the northeastern coast of Central America. The Gulf of Honduras is a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea, indenting the coasts of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. The Belize Barrier Reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, forms the southern part of the reef system and includes a number of small islands, or cays, known collectively as the Pelican Cays.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs that run roughly 300 metres (980 feet) offshore in the north and 40 kilometres (25 miles) in the south within Belize's limits. It is the country's top tourist destination, attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors. The Belize Barrier Reef is also vital to the fishing industry and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

The Gulf of Honduras, which the reef forms part of, is marked by complex dynamics of coastal and open waters, as well as ocean currents, which have produced a diverse and unique ecosystem. The Gulf's northern coast, where Belize sits, consists primarily of sandy beach ridges, saline tidal swamps, and shelf lagoons. It is dotted with small estuaries, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, patch and barrier reefs, and mangrove and coral cays.

The Gulf's northern coast, which includes Belize, experiences persistent northeasterly trade winds that maintain a constant southerly downwelling. This, in turn, drives a counterclockwise eddy along the Gulf's mouth and along the southern coast, which includes Guatemala and Honduras. The Gulf's climate is tropical or subtropical, with temperatures averaging 82 °F (28 °C) throughout the year.

Belize is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including armadillos, snakes, and monkeys, as well as over 5,000 species of plants. The country's rugged geography, with its coastline and jungle, has made it attractive to drug smugglers, who use it as a gateway to Mexico.

Belize is part of Central America

Belize is a country in Central America, situated on the Caribbean coast. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, with a maritime border to the southeast with Honduras. Belize is the only Central American country with no coastline on the Pacific Ocean.

Belize is the least populated country in Central America, with a population of around 397,483 (2022). It has an area of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 sq mi). The capital city is Belmopan, while the largest city is Belize City.

Belize has a diverse society, with many different cultures and languages. The population includes people of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, Chinese, and European descent. English is the official language, but other languages spoken include Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, and Creole.

Belize has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature varies between 24 °C (75.2 °F) and 27 °C (80.6 °F) throughout the year, with slightly higher temperatures inland. The dry season typically lasts from February to May, while the wet season runs from June to December, with the most frequent rainfall occurring in June or July.

Belize has a rich history, with the Maya civilisation flourishing in the region between 1500 BC and AD 900. European contact began in the early 16th century when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. Belize became a British colony in 1840 and gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981.

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