Belize

Belize is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Belize borders Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the south. It covers an area of ​​22,970 square kilometers (8,867 square miles) and has a population of 419,199 (2020). Its mainland is approximately 290 km (180 miles) long and 110 km (68 miles) wide. It has the lowest population and population density in Central America. With an annual population growth rate of 1.87% (2018 estimate), the country is the second most high in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Its capital is Belmopan and its biggest city is Belize City.

The Maya civilization spread to the Belize region between 1500 BC and 300 AD and prospered until around 1200. Contact with Europe began in 1492, when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. The expedition to Europe was initiated by British settlers in 1638. This period was also characterized by both Spain and Britain claiming land until they defeated the Spaniards in the Battle of St. George's Cauldron (1798). In 1840 it became a British colony known as British Honduras, and in 1862 it became a crown colony. He became independent from England on September 21, 1981.

Belize has a diverse society of many cultures and languages ​​that reflect its rich history. Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect, while it is the only Central American country where English is the official language. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language, followed by Mayan, German dialects and Garifuna. Due to the diverse linguistic background of the population, more than half of the population is multilingual. It is known for its September celebrations, the vast Barrier Reef coral reefs, and Punta music.

The abundance of terrestrial and marine species and ecosystem diversity in Belize make it an important location in the globally important Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. It is considered a Central American and Caribbean country with strong ties to both the United States and the Caribbean. It is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Latin American and Caribbean Communities (CELAC), and the Central American Integration System (SICA), the only country that holds full membership in all three regional organizations. Belize is the only country in the mainland of Central America that is the Commonwealth Realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch and the head of state represented by the Governor (now Flora Zaram). Belize is considered a tax haven.