- Population:
- 417,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Belize's history includes the ancient Maya civilization, which flourished for centuries before European contact. The British settled in the area in the 17th century, leading to conflicts with Spain. It became the British colony of British Honduras in 1862 and gained self-governance in 1964. Full independence was achieved in 1981, though territorial disputes with Guatemala persisted. Today, Belize is known for its biodiversity, tourism industry, and English-speaking heritage within Central America.
Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Covering an area of approximately 22,966 square kilometers, it is the least populated country in Central America, with an estimated population of around 397,483 as of 2022. The capital city is Belmopan, while the largest city is Belize City. The official language is English, making Belize the only Central American country with English as its official language. Belize operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch as head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. The country's economy is primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and services. Belize is known for its rich biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems, including the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The country is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
