Belize is a Caribbean country on the northeastern coastline of Central America. It borders Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the eastern, and also Guatemala to the west as well as southern. It has a location of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 sq mi) as well as a populace of 419,199 (2020 ). Its landmass is about 290 kilometres (180 mi) long as well as 110 kilometres (68 mi) wide. It has the most affordable population as well as population density in Central America. Its population growth price of 1.87% annually (2018 price quote) is the second-highest in the region and among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Its funding is Belmopan, as well as its biggest city is Belize City.

The Maya civilization spread right into the location of Belize in between 1500 BC as well as AD 300 and also prospered until concerning 1200. European get in touch with began in 1492 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. European expedition was begun by English inhabitants in 1638. Spain and also Britain both laid claim to the land until Britain beat the Spanish in the Battle of St. George’s Caye (1798 ). In 1840 it ended up being a British colony called British Honduras, as well as a Crown colony in 1862. It attained its independence from the UK on 21 September 1981.

Belize has a varied society that is composed of numerous cultures and also languages that reflect its rich background. It is the only Central American nation where English is the main language, while Belizean Creole is one of the most commonly spoken language. Spanish is the second most generally spoken language, complied with by Mayan languages, German languages, and also Garifuna. Over half the populace is multilingual, because of the diverse etymological histories of the population. It is known for its September Celebrations, its comprehensive barrier reef coral reefs, and also punta songs.

Belize’s wealth of terrestrial and also marine species and its diversity of ecological communities give it an essential place in the worldwide considerable Mesoamerican Biological Hallway. It is taken into consideration a Central American as well as Caribbean nation with solid connections to both the American as well as Caribbean regions. It belongs to the Caribbean Area (CARICOM), the Community of Latin American as well as Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Central American Integration System (SICA), the only nation to hold complete subscription in all three local companies. It is the only landmass Central American nation which is a Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch and also president, represented by a Guv General (presently, Dame Froyla Tzalam). It is considered a tax haven.