Belize's Country Profile: A Tropical Paradise With A Rich Cultural Heritage

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 was formerly known as British Honduras and was the United Kingdom's last colony on the American mainland. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language. Belize has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages, including Spanish, Mayan, German, and Garifuna. The country is known for its natural attractions, including its wildlife, Mayan ruins, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world.

Belize is a country in Central America

Belize was known as British Honduras until 1973 and was the last British colony on the American mainland. It achieved independence on September 21, 1981, and has retained its connection to the United Kingdom as a member of the Commonwealth. Belize has a diverse society, with a small but ethnically diverse population. The country's institutions and official language, English, reflect its history as a British colony, while its culture is more typical of Central America.

Belize is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mountains, swamps, and tropical jungles, and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The country has a rich biodiversity, with over 5,000 species of plants and hundreds of species of animals. The Maya civilisation, which flourished in the region from 1500 BC to around 1200, also left its mark on Belize, with several ancient Maya sites scattered throughout the country.

Belize's landscape is diverse, ranging from flat, swampy coastal plains in the north to the low mountain range of the Maya Mountains in the south. The country is home to several rivers, including the Belize River, which flows through the country's commercial and cultural centre, Belize City. The former capital, Belize City, was devastated by a hurricane in 1961, leading to the construction of a new capital, Belmopan, located inland.

Belize's small economy is primarily based on agriculture, agro-based industries, and merchandising, with tourism and construction also contributing significantly. The country faces challenges such as violent crime and drug-related issues but remains a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions.

It was formerly known as British Honduras

Belize, located on the northeast coast of Central America, was formerly known as British Honduras. The name change occurred in June 1973, and full independence from the United Kingdom was achieved on 21 September 1981. Belize was the last British colony on the American mainland and had a prolonged path to independence.

British Honduras was a Crown colony on the east coast of Central America, south of Mexico, from 1783 to 1964. The colony emerged from the Treaty of Versailles (1783) between Britain and Spain, which gave the British rights to cut logwood between the Hondo and Belize rivers. In 1862, the Settlement of Belize in the Bay of Honduras was declared a British colony called British Honduras, and the Crown's representative was elevated to a lieutenant governor, subordinate to the governor of Jamaica.

The name British Honduras reflected the historical connection to the Bay of Honduras, which was documented by Christopher Columbus during his fourth voyage to the Western Hemisphere in 1504. The Baymen, a motley crew of buccaneers and sailors, based themselves in the Bay of Honduras and used Belize as a base to launch attacks on Spanish treasure ships.

In the 1840s, Britain formally claimed the territory of Belize, naming it British Honduras. The name change also reflected the growing influence of the British in the region, as they pushed deeper into the interior in search of mahogany and consolidated their settlement.

The path to independence for Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, was marked by a unique international campaign against the irredentist claims of its neighbour, Guatemala. This territorial dispute dates back to the 1859 treaty between Imperial Spain and Great Britain, in which Britain acceded to Spain's assertion of sovereignty. Despite this, British settlers continued to occupy the sparsely settled and ill-defined area. The dispute was further complicated by Guatemala's claim that the 1859 treaty included conditions that Britain failed to meet, such as the construction of a road from Guatemala to the Caribbean coast.

The stalemate in negotiations between the UK and Guatemala over the future status of Belize led Belizeans to seek the support of the international community in the 1970s. The Non-Aligned Movement proved crucial, and the United Nations passed a resolution in November 1980, demanding the independence of Belize with all its territory intact. Finally, on 21 September 1981, Belize gained full independence as a sovereign country, without reaching an agreement with Guatemala.

Belize is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea

Belize 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 range of landscapes, from flat, swampy coastal plains in the north to the rugged Maya Mountains in the south.

The border between Belize and Guatemala is defined in Article I of the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty of 1859, which states that the border begins at the mouth of the River Sarstoon and ends when it meets the Mexican frontier. This border has been disputed by Guatemala, which claims that the treaty is void as Britain failed to comply with economic assistance provisions. However, the situation was partially resolved in 1991 when Guatemala officially recognised Belize's independence.

Belize's border with Mexico is formed by the Hondo River, which also drains into the Chetumal Bay. Mexico and Belize share a land border crossing at Chetumal City.

Belize's coastline stretches for 386 kilometres (240 miles) and is flanked by the second-largest barrier reef in the world, providing a haven for divers, sailors and fishing enthusiasts. The country also boasts three of the Western Hemisphere's four coral atolls and the natural wonder, the Great Blue Hole.

Belize's landscape encompasses mountains, swamps, tropical jungle, rivers, and lagoons. The country's highest point is Doyle's Delight, at 1,124 metres (3,688 feet) above sea level, located in the rugged Maya Mountains. The Belize River, New River, and Hondo River are the country's main waterways, draining into the Caribbean Sea.

Belize's geographical location, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, and its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, have shaped its history, culture, and natural wonders.

The country has a diverse population, including Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, and Mennonite people

Belize is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America. It has a diverse population, including Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, and Mennonite people.

The Mestizo people in Belize are primarily located in the country's two northernmost districts, Corozal and Orange Walk. They are the descendants of immigrants who fled neighbouring Mexico in the 19th century due to a race-based civil war known as the Caste War. While they initially retained their culture, including the Catholic faith and the Spanish language, they have since integrated into wider Belizean society, with many adopting other Christian denominations and becoming bilingual. Mestizo culture is a blend of Catholic and indigenous traditions, and their music and cuisine show strong Spanish influences.

Creoles in Belize are people of mixed African and British descent, primarily descended from British settlers and African slaves brought to the country in the 1700s and early 1800s. They were once the predominant demographic in Belize, comprising over 60% of the population, but their numbers have decreased due to migration and now stand at around 24%. Creole culture is heavily influenced by their African roots, with traditional foods, beliefs, and folklore.

The Maya are indigenous people with ancient roots in modern-day Belize and the surrounding region. They have a long history in Belize, dating back to around 2000 B.C., and their population once numbered in the millions. Today, they make up about 11% of Belize's population and live in villages near ancient Maya settlements. There are three main groups of Maya in Belize: the Yucatec, Kekchi, and Mopan Maya, each with distinct origins, languages, and traditions.

The Garifuna people in Belize are the descendants of a shipwrecked slave ship that intermarried with the Arawak Indians of St. Vincent in the Caribbean. They escaped persecution by fleeing to Roatan and then to other parts of Central America. Dangriga in southern Belize is considered the spiritual capital of the Garifuna people. Their culture is celebrated through song, dance, music, language, food, and dress, and they are known for their vibrant traditions and folklore.

The Mennonite community in Belize is diverse, with members from various ethnic backgrounds and levels of religious conservatism. They have their own schools, churches, and financial institutions within their communities. The majority are ethnic Mennonites, primarily Russian Mennonites who speak Plautdietsch, a Low German dialect. They contribute significantly to Belize's agriculture, carpentry, and engineering industries.

Belize has a range of ecosystems, from mountains and swamps to tropical jungles

Belize is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America, boasting a diverse range of ecosystems. From mountains and swamps to tropical jungles, Belize offers a variety of landscapes and natural wonders.

The country is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The southern region of Belize is home to the Maya Mountains, a rugged range that stretches across the country and contains the highest point, Doyle's Delight, at 3,724 feet above sea level. Northern Belize, on the other hand, is predominantly flat, with vast swamplands covering the landscape.

The Maya Mountains and the southern region of Belize showcase a diverse range of ecosystems. The mountains are a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering challenging trails and stunning views. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, located in south-central Belize, is renowned as one of the best jaguar preservation sites in the world. The sanctuary covers 150 square miles and features hikes ranging from easy strolls to challenging trails, such as the Rubber Tree Trail and the Ben's Bluff Trail.

The northern swamplands of Belize are a stark contrast to the mountainous south. These lowlands, lying less than 200 feet above sea level, are drained by several major rivers, including the Belize River, the New River, and the Hondo River. The wetlands are home to a variety of plant and animal life, including mangroves, shrubs, and grasses. The Pulltrouser Swamp, located along the New River, is an ancient Maya settlement that provides valuable insights into the relationship between the Maya and wetland environments.

Belize is also known for its tropical jungles and broadleaf forests. These forests, synonymous with the country, have played a significant role in the region's history and economy. The broadleaf forests consist of distinct layers, including the understory with shrubby plants, the canopy with interconnected trees, and the emergent layer with tall trees surpassing the canopy. Mahogany, Guanacaste, Ceiba, and Sapodilla trees dominate the emergent layer.

Belize has taken significant steps to protect its diverse ecosystems and biodiversity. The country has set aside 37% of its land for conservation, ensuring the preservation of its unique flora and fauna. The Belize Barrier Reef, located off the coast, is one such protected area and is recognised as one of the largest reefs in the world, stretching for 190 miles.

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