Belize

1500s – Arrival of Spanish explorers in the region, who establish settlements in the area

1638 – First British settlement established at Belize City

1862 – British Honduras established as a British colony

1973 – British Honduras changes its name to Belize

1981 – Independence from the United Kingdom (Saturday, September 21, 1981)

1992 – UNESCO World Heritage status for Belize Barrier Reef (Wednesday, November 18, 1992)

2000 – The first national general election since Belize gained full independence

2019 – General election (Wednesday, November 6, 2019), which saw a change in leadership to the People’s United Party

2020 – COVID-19 pandemic: Belize implements measures to curb the spread, affecting tourism and the economy

Continent: North America (Central America)
Location: Eastern coast of Central America, bordering Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east
Capital: Belmopan
Language: English (official), Spanish, Creole
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Population: ~460,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6)

Borders: Mexico, Guatemala
Coastline: Caribbean Sea
Landscape: Coastal plains, mountains in the south, tropical forests
Major Rivers: Belize River, Sibun River, Mopan River
Notable Features: Great Blue Hole, Mayan ruins (Caracol, Xunantunich), barrier reef

Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (50%), Creole (25%), Maya (10%), Garifuna, Mennonite, East Indian
Religion: Roman Catholic (40%), Protestant (30%), other (30%)
Urban Population: ~55% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Belize is the least populous country in Central America, with a significant percentage of people of mixed heritage

Famous For: Ecotourism, Mayan heritage, Garifuna culture, and tropical wildlife
Cuisine: Rice and beans, fried chicken, tamales, fish, plantains, Belikin beer
Arts: Folk art, Garifuna drumming, Mayan pottery
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, cricket, volleyball

Economy Type: Upper-middle-income, developing economy
GDP: Approx. $2.0 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, agriculture (sugar, citrus, bananas), fishing, forestry
Key Exports: Sugar, bananas, citrus, shrimp, garments
Unemployment Rate: ~10.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Major economic activities are concentrated around tourism and agriculture, particularly in the Cayo District

Government Type: Parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Charles III (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister John Briceño (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (House of Representatives & Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 1981

Great Blue Hole: A large underwater sinkhole, a popular diving spot
Mayan Ruins: Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha
Barrier Reef: The second-largest in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ambergris Caye: A popular island destination for tourists
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1 (last updated: 2023)