Belizean: Central America's Hidden Gem

Belize is a country in Central America, on the northeastern coast. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize is the only Central American country with English as its official language.

Belize is a small country, with a population of around 400,000 people. It is ethnically diverse, with a large proportion of immigrants. The country has a rich history, having been inhabited by the Maya people for thousands of years before becoming a British colony in the 19th century. Belize gained independence in 1981 and has since become a stable and democratic nation.

Belize is known for its diverse culture and natural wonders, including lush jungles, ancient Maya sites, and the world's second-largest barrier reef. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking eco-tourism and outdoor adventures.

Belize's location in relation to the equator and prime meridian

Belize is a small Central American country located on the Yucatán Peninsula. It is found at 17°15′ north of the equator and 88°45′ west of the Prime Meridian. This places it on the Caribbean coast of Central America, just southwest of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Belize is the only Central American country without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. It borders the Caribbean Sea to the east, with 386km of coastline. It is also bordered by Mexico to the north-northwest and Guatemala to the south-southwest. The Hondo and Sarstoon rivers define much of the country's northern and southern borders, respectively.

The country's coordinates also place it close to other Central American countries such as Honduras. In fact, Belize was formerly known as British Honduras, as both countries share access to the Bay of Honduras.

Belize's neighbouring countries

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. Belize also shares maritime borders 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 neighbouring country to the north, Mexico, is bordered by the US to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, the Gulf of Mexico to the east, and the countries of Guatemala, Belize, and Canada to the southeast. Mexico has 31 states and one federal entity, with its capital being Mexico City.

To the west and south of Belize lies Guatemala, which is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the east, El Salvador to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, with Guatemala City serving as its capital.

Honduras, which shares a maritime border with Belize, is bordered by Guatemala to the west, Nicaragua to the south, and El Salvador to the southwest. It has coastal borders with the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Gulf of Fonseca to the south. Honduras is divided into 18 departments, and its capital is Tegucigalpa.

Belize's size and population

Belize is a small country located 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. The country has a total land area of around 22,900 square kilometres (approximately 8,800 square miles) and a population of over 410,000 as of 2023. This makes Belize the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America, with a population density of around 18 people per square kilometre (45-47 people per square mile). The population is growing at a rate of around 1.6% to 2.5% per year and is expected to reach nearly 700,000 by 2100.

Belize's population is ethnically diverse, with many different cultures and languages present in the country. The largest group is the Mestizos, who make up around 50% of the population and are of mixed Mayan and Spanish descent. Other significant groups include the Creoles (around 25%), the Maya (around 11%), and the Garifuna (around 6%). Smaller groups include East Indians, Mennonites, whites, Asians, and others. Belize is unique in Central America for having English as its official language, although Spanish, Creole, Maya dialects, and other languages are also commonly spoken.

The capital of Belize is Belmopan, with a population of around 16,500, while the largest city is Belize City, with a population of around 57,000 to 67,000. Belize City is the principal port, commercial centre, and former capital of the country. Around 25% to 30% of the population lives in Belize City, and over half of the population is rural. The population is relatively young, with a median age of around 26 years, and the country has a high life expectancy of over 70 years.

Belize's landscape and natural features

Belize, a small Central American nation, showcases a diverse range of landscapes and natural features despite its modest size. Located on the Caribbean coast of northeastern Central America, it boasts a variety of ecosystems, from coastal mangroves and wetlands to tropical rainforests. The country can be divided into four main geographic regions, each with its unique characteristics.

The first region is characterised by the Low-lying Maya Mountains in the south, stretching across a narrow coastal plain. These mountains, formed from granite and Paleozoic sediments, rise to heights of about 1,100 meters, with the highest point being Doyle's Delight (1,124 meters) in the Cockscomb Range. The heavily forested highlands in this region are sparsely inhabited and feature shallow, highly erodible soils of low fertility.

The second region comprises the northern lowlands, which include the northern limestone lowlands and swamps. This area is dominated by flat, swampy coastal plains with many lagoons and mangrove swamps. Eighteen major rivers and numerous perennial streams drain these low-lying areas. The northern lowlands also feature tropical pine savannas and hardwood forests, with highly diverse flora.

The third region is the offshore cayes and atolls, which dot the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is the second-longest in the world, stretching approximately 300 kilometres (190 miles) along the coastline. This remarkable natural formation, along with the small cayes, creates a visually captivating marine landscape that supports a diverse array of aquatic life.

The fourth region is the interior of Belize, which includes the central and western parts of the country. This area is characterised by lush jungles, rolling hills, and expansive savannas. It is home to wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, such as the Community Baboon Sanctuary and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The western region, in particular, boasts the vast expanses of tropical rainforests and national parks, including the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Belize's landscape also includes agricultural areas, with farmers cultivating wheat, maize, rice, fruit, coffee, nuts, and flowering shrubs in the country's fertile plains. Additionally, the country has a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. The average temperature in the coastal regions ranges from 24 °C in January to 27 °C in July, with slightly higher temperatures inland.

Belize's history and independence

Belize, a country on the northeastern coast of Central America, has a long and complex history that dates back thousands of years. Here is an overview of Belize's history and journey towards independence:

Maya Civilization (1500 BC - AD 300/1200)

The Maya civilization flourished in the region of Belize between 1500 BC and AD 300 or 1200. During this period, the Maya established advanced settlements and a densely populated society. Several Maya ruin sites, such as Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich, showcase the sophistication of their civilization.

European Contact and Colonization (16th Century - 1862)

European contact with Belize began in the 16th century with Spanish conquistadors and missionaries. However, the first recorded European incursions were made by British settlers in 1638, who were attracted by the availability of logwood. This marked the beginning of colonial rivalry between Spain and Britain over control of the region. The Spanish never established permanent settlements and repeatedly attacked British settlers whenever there was conflict between the two empires.

British Honduras Colony (1862 - 1981)

In 1862, Belize officially became a British colony known as British Honduras, with the territory being renamed Belize in 1973. The British introduced slavery to the region, importing thousands of slaves from Africa to work in the logwood and mahogany industries. This period also saw the arrival of the Garifuna, a mix of Carib Indians and Africans, who settled on the southern coast.

Self-Government and Independence Movement (1930s - 1981)

The Great Depression and a devastating hurricane in 1931 severely impacted Belize's economy and society. This sparked labor agitation and the emergence of trade unions, leading to the formation of the People's United Party (PUP) in 1950, which advocated for constitutional reforms and self-government. Belize achieved internal self-government in 1964 under Premier George Price, but the path towards independence was hindered by Guatemalan territorial claims.

Independence (1981)

Despite ongoing negotiations and opposition from the United Democratic Party (UDP), Belize gained full independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981, with George Price as the first prime minister. However, the territorial dispute with Guatemala remained unresolved, and British troops were stationed in Belize to deter potential incursions.

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