Fact Sheet About Belize: Discover essential facts about Belize – the only English-speaking country in Central America
Table of Contents
Introduction
This fact sheet presents key information about Belize, a small but culturally rich country located on the eastern coast of Central America. Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its official language, although Belizean Creole and Spanish are also widely spoken.
Fact Sheet About Belize
1. Geography of Belize
Belize is uniquely positioned as both a Central American and Caribbean nation, with cultural and political ties to Latin America and the Caribbean region.
- Borders:
- North: Mexico
- South and West: Guatemala
- East: Caribbean Sea
- Land Size:
- Approx. 290 km (180 miles) long
- Approx. 110 km (68 miles) wide
- Memberships:
- CARICOM (Caribbean Community)
- CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States)
- SICA (Central American Integration System)
- Environment:
Belize is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a globally important region for biodiversity, known for its rich marine life, rainforests, and diverse ecosystems.
2. Population
- Estimated population: 340,844 (as of 2014)
- Population density: The lowest in Central America
- Growth rate: Approximately 1.97% per year (as of 2013), among the highest in the Western Hemisphere
3. History of Belize
Belize has a multicultural society shaped by its long history:
- Formerly known as British Honduras (1862–1973)
- Became an independent Commonwealth realm in 1981
- Retained Queen Elizabeth II as ceremonial head of state
- Shares a colonial past with other Anglophone Caribbean nations
- Influences from Mayan, British, African, and Spanish heritage
4. Cultural Highlights and Attractions
Belize offers a vibrant mix of cultural and natural attractions:
- Festivals: The September Celebrations, including Independence Day and Battle of St. George’s Caye Day
- Music: Known for punta music, a lively Afro-Caribbean genre
- Natural Wonders:
- The Great Blue Hole, a famous diving site
- Coral reefs (part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world)
- Ancient Maya ruins, such as Xunantunich
- Diverse wildlife sanctuaries
Quick Facts Summary
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Capital | Belmopan |
| Currency | Belize Dollar (BZD) |
| Continent | North America |
| Population | 340,844 (2014) |
| Official Language | English |
| Other Spoken Languages | Belizean Creole, Spanish |
| Famous For | Coral reefs, Maya ruins, biodiversity, English-speaking status |
| Former Name | British Honduras |
| Independence Year | 1981 |
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth | A group of nations formerly part of the British Empire | Belize is part of the Commonwealth and retains symbolic ties to the UK. |
| Creole | A stable natural language developed from a mixture of different languages | Belizean Creole is widely spoken in everyday life. |
| Biodiversity | The variety of plant and animal life in a region | Belize is known for its high level of biodiversity. |
| Coral reef | A structure formed by coral organisms, found in warm, shallow waters | Belize has one of the largest coral reef systems in the world. |
| Punta | A traditional Afro-Caribbean music and dance style | Punta is a popular music genre in Belize. |
| Territory | An area of land under the jurisdiction of a government | Belize was formerly a British territory called British Honduras. |
| Realm | A kingdom or domain | Belize became an independent realm within the Commonwealth. |
| Diversity | Variety, especially of cultural or ethnic groups | Belize has great cultural and linguistic diversity. |
| Celebration | A festive event or ceremony | The September Celebrations are a major national event in Belize. |
| Integration | The process of unifying different parts or countries | Belize participates in regional integration through CARICOM and SICA. |
More on Belize on Wikipedia.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Answer with True or False:
- Belize is located in South America. (…)
- The official language of Belize is English. (…)
- Belize was previously known as British Guyana. (…)
- The Great Blue Hole is one of Belize’s top natural attractions. (…)
- Belize is a full member of both CARICOM and CELAC. (…)
- Belize has the highest population density in Central America. (…)
- Punta is a type of music traditionally associated with Belize. (…)
1 → False
2 → True
3 → False (It was called British Honduras)
4 → True
5 → True
6 → False (It has the lowest)
7 → True
2 → True
3 → False (It was called British Honduras)
4 → True
5 → True
6 → False (It has the lowest)
7 → True
