Belize is a small Central American country located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America, just north of the equator. Its exact coordinates are 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian on the Yucatán Peninsula. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location in relation to the equator | 17°15′ north of the equator |
Location in relation to the Prime Meridian | 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian |
Continent | Central America |
Region | Caribbean coast of northern Central America |
Peninsula | Yucatán Peninsula |
Bordering countries | Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras |
Bordering seas | Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean |
Total area | 22,966 square kilometres (8,867 sq. mi) |
Land area | 21,400 square kilometres (8,300 sq. mi) |
Population | 397,483 (2022 census) |
Highest point | Doyle's Delight (1,124 m) |
What You'll Learn
Belize is located north of the equator
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. It is a small Central American nation, nestled on the northeastern coast of the continent, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.
Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north-northwest, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is the only Central American country without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. The Hondo and Sarstoon rivers define much of the country's northern and southern borders, respectively.
Belize is a small country, with a land area of 22,800 to 22,966 square kilometres (8,860 to 8,867 square miles) and a population of around 355,000 to 397,483 people (as of 2022). The country's landscape is diverse, ranging from flat wetlands and coastal plains in the north to the Maya Mountains in the south. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, flanks much of the country's coastline.
Belize's location north of 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 also experiences hurricanes, mostly during the late Atlantic hurricane season from September to December, and coastal flooding, especially in the south.
Belize's position in Central America, close to Mexico and Guatemala, has influenced its culture and history. It shares an ancient Mayan past and common ethnic backgrounds with its neighbouring countries. The country's proximity to the Caribbean Sea has also infused it with a Caribbean flamboyance evident in its architecture, cuisine, and laid-back ambience.
Four Seasons Belize Opening in 2024
You may want to see also
It is situated on the Caribbean coast of Central America
Belize is situated on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize is located at 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian.
Belize has a long coastline along the Caribbean Sea, with hundreds of islands, coral reefs, cays, and atolls. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, runs along the coast for approximately 320 kilometres (200 miles) and is a popular attraction for divers, sailors, and fishing enthusiasts. The country's landscape includes flat wetlands, coastal plains, and mountainous regions such as the Maya Mountains.
Belize is a small country, covering an area of 22,966 square kilometres (8,867 square miles) and has a population of approximately 397,483 people (as of the 2022 census). It is easily accessible from the United States and Canada, with a flight time of just a few hours. The country's northern and southern borders are defined by the Hondo and Sarstoon rivers, respectively, while its western border with Guatemala follows no natural features and runs as an imaginary line.
Belize's culture is influenced by its Caribbean and Central American neighbours, with a mix of Creole, Mayan, Garifuna, and Latino traditions. English is the official language, making Belize the only Central American country with English as its first language. The country's diverse geography, rich history, and cultural attractions make it a popular destination for ecotourism.
Belize Sugar: Export Destinations
You may want to see also
Belize is southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
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. The country shares a land and sea border on the north with the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, placing it southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Belize is also bordered by Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
The Yucatán Peninsula is a large peninsula in southeast Mexico, extending northeast and separating the Gulf of Mexico to the north and west from the Caribbean Sea to the east. The peninsula is approximately 181,000 km2 (70,000 sq mi) in area and is composed almost entirely of porous limestone. It is the site of the ancient Maya civilisation and features many archaeological sites, including Chichen Itza, Coba, Tulum, and Uxmal.
Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is located at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula and shares cultural and historical ties with its neighbouring countries. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from flat wetlands and coastal plains in the north to the Maya Mountains in the south. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-longest in the world, flanks much of its 386-kilometre (240-mile) coastline.
The country's land area extends about 280 kilometres (170 miles) north-south and 100 kilometres (62 miles) east-west, with a total land boundary length of 516 kilometres (321 miles). The Hondo and Sarstoon rivers define much of the country's northern and southern borders, respectively, while the western border with Guatemala follows an imaginary line through lowland forest and highland mountainous plateau.
Belize is a premier ecotourism destination, known for its diverse natural attractions. These include the Great Blue Hole, one of the world's most famous scuba diving sites; the Belize Barrier Reef; three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere; over 200 islands; and the world's only Jaguar Preserve. The country also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several distinct ethnic groups contributing to its unique "Belizean identity."
Orange Walk: Belize's Northern Gem
You may want to see also
The country shares land and sea borders with Mexico and Guatemala
Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is 17 degrees 15 minutes north of the equator and 88 degrees 45 minutes west of the Prime Meridian.
To the west, Belize shares a land border with Guatemala's department of El Peten. There is no natural border between the two countries. Instead, a colonial official drew an almost straight line of about 266 km (165 mi) long to separate the two countries. This line, known as the adjacency line, runs from north to south through lowland forest and a highland mountainous plateau. The border has been disputed by Guatemala, which claims that the territory of Belize is under its sovereignty. The dispute dates back to the late 1600s and has continued despite various treaties and negotiations between the two countries.
To the south, Belize shares a sea border with Guatemala's department of Izabal. From Central America, Belize is a one-day drive from Guatemala City or a half-hour boat ride from the Izabal Department. Commuter flights also connect Belize to Flores City in Guatemala.
Placencia to Dangriga: Transport Options
You may want to see also
It is a two-hour flight from Miami or Dallas-Fort Worth
Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is 17 degrees 15 minutes north of the equator and 88 degrees 45 minutes west of the Prime Meridian.
Belize is easily accessible from major US cities. It is a two-hour flight from Miami or Dallas-Fort Worth. This convenient travel time has made Belize a popular destination for tourists seeking a quick getaway to a tropical paradise.
The flight distance between Dallas-Fort Worth and Belize City is approximately 1,191 miles (1,917 km). There are around seven flights per week between these two cities, with one airline offering non-stop flights: American Airlines. The fastest direct flight on this route takes around two hours and fifty-five minutes.
Similarly, flights from Miami to Belize City cover a distance of about 772 miles (1242 km) and usually take around two hours and twenty minutes. There are two direct flights on this route every day.
With its proximity to the equator, lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and convenient accessibility from the US, Belize has become an attractive tourist destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.
Belize's Head of State: A Parliamentary Democracy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Belize is located 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Belize is just a few hours by air from the US and Canada.
Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.