Search results
Belize is a Central American country with Caribbean influences, bordering Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea. It has a rich history of Maya civilization, colonialism, independence and biodiversity, and is the only Central American country with English as the official language.
- Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of Belize or national seal of Belize was...
- Belize City
Belize City is the largest city in Belize.It was once the...
- Hispanic Belizean
Hispanic and Latin American Belizeans are Belizeans of full...
- Belizean Creole
Belizean Creole was developed as a lingua franca for those...
- Froyla Tzalam
Dame Froyla meeting Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New...
- Demographics of Belize
Demographics of the population of Belize include population...
- Belmopan
Belmopan (/ ˌ b ɛ l m oʊ ˈ p ɑː n /) is the capital city of...
- Belize District
San Pedro Town, which is situated on the island of Ambergris...
- Belizean–Guatemalan Territorial Dispute
Disputed territory between Belize and Guatemala The...
- Belize Defence Force
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is the military of Belize,...
- Coat of Arms
- Overview
- Land
- Relief
- Drainage and soils
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Belize, country located on the northeast coast of Central America. Belize, which was known as British Honduras until 1973, was the last British colony on the American mainland. Its prolonged path to independence was marked by a unique international campaign (even while it was still a British colony) against the irredentist claims of its neighbour Guatemala. Belize achieved independence on September 21, 1981, but it has retained its historical link with the United Kingdom through membership in the Commonwealth.
Belize is often thought of as a Caribbean country in Central America because it has a history similar to that of English-speaking Caribbean nations. Indeed, Belize’s institutions and official language reflect its history as a British colony. However, its culture is more typical of that of other Central American countries. Belize’s small population is ethnically diverse and includes a large proportion of immigrants. Since the 1970s, migration has shifted Belize’s ethnic composition from a predominantly Creole (mixed African and British descent) population to one in which mestizos (in Belize, people of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry) make up half of the total inhabitants. Belize has one of the most stable and democratic political systems in Central America. After its original capital, Belize City, was ravaged by a hurricane in 1961, a new capital, Belmopan, was built inland, about 50 miles (80 km) west of Belize City, which remains the country’s commercial and cultural centre as well as its most populous city.
Situated south of the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize is a land of mountains, swamps, and tropical jungle. It is bounded by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country has a 174-mile (280-km) coastline.
Britannica Quiz
The southern half of the country is dominated by the rugged Maya Mountains, a plateau of igneous rock cut by erosion into hills and valleys that stretch in a southwesterly to northeasterly direction. The Cockscomb Range, a spur of the Maya Mountains, runs toward the sea and rises to Doyle’s Delight. The northern half of the country consists of lime...
The lowlands are drained by the navigable Belize River (on which stands Belize City), the New River, and the Hondo River (which forms the northern frontier with Mexico). Both the New and the Hondo rivers drain into Chetumal Bay to the north. South of Belize City the coastal plain is crossed by short river valleys. Along the coast is the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, which is fringed by dozens of small islands called cays. The reef reserve system was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Belize’s most fertile soils are the limestone soils found in the northern half of the country and in the coastal plain and river valleys in the south.
Students save 67%! Learn more about our special academic rate today.
Learn about Belize, the last British colony on the American mainland, and its diverse ethnic and cultural heritage. Explore its physical features, political system, capital, population, and more.
Learn about the ancient Maya civilization, the Spanish and British colonial periods, and the independence of Belize from this comprehensive article. Explore the culture, geography, and politics of Belize through its history.
Learn about Belize, a Central American country with a Caribbean coast and a former British colony. Find out about its geography, culture, history, economy, and more.
Learn about the diverse and rich culture of Belize, a Central American country with English as its national language. Explore its history, people, food, religion, art, music, sports and more.
Learn about the location, size, borders, climate, and natural features of Belize, a Central American nation on the Yucatán Peninsula. Explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the western hemisphere, and the Maya Mountains, the highest point of the country.
People also ask
Where is Belize located?
What is the history of Belize?
Why is Belize considered a Caribbean country in Central America?
How much land does Belize have?
Learn about Belize, a Central American country with a Caribbean culture and history. Explore its geography, politics, economy, society, and more through articles, images, and related portals.
