Belize (be-LEEZ), Spanish Belice (be-LEE-say), republic (8,867 sq mi/22,965 sq km; 1991 estimated population 184,340; 2004 estimated population 272,945), Central America, on the Caribbean Sea; (cap.) Belmopan. Bounded on N by Mexico, S and W by Guatemala, and E by the Caribbean. The main port, Belize City, which was the capital until 1970.
Geography
The country is divided into six districts: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, and Toledo. The land is generally low, with mangrove swamps and cays along the coast, but in the S rises to Victoria Peak (3,3674 ft/1,120 m). The climate is tropical. Although most of the area is heavily forested, yielding mahogany, cedar, and logwood, there are regions of fertile savannas and barren pine ridges.
Economy
Only a small fraction of the land is cultivated. In addition to woods, the chief products are sugar, clothing, bananas, citrus fruits, and fish.
Population
The majority of people are of African, Maya, or Spanish-American descent. English is the official language, but Spanish is widely spoken, as are Gari’funa (black Carib) and Mayan languages.
History
Once part of the Mayan civilization, the region was probably traversed by Cortés on his way to Honduras, but the Spanish made no attempt at colonization. British buccaneers, who used the cays to prey on Spanish shipping, founded Belize (early 17th century). British settlers from Jamaica began the exploitation of timber. Spain contested British possession several times until defeated at the last battle of Saint Georges Cay (1798). From 1862 to 1884 the colony, known as British Honduras, was administered by the governor of Jamaica. Since 1821, Guatemala has claimed the territory as part of its inheritance from Spain. Upon gaining independence in 1821, Mexico also made a claim on Belize, but the country renounced it in an 1893 treaty. As Belize progressed toward independence, the tension between Britain and Guatemala over the issue increased. In 1964 the colony gained complete internal self-government, in 1971 the name Belize was adopted, and in 1981 Belize achieved independence, a development that prompted Guatemala to threaten war. Relations improved, however, and in September 1991 Guatemala officially recognized Belize’s independence and sovereignty.
Government
Queen Elizabeth II is chief of state, represented by Governor General Sir Colville Young, Sr. The head of government is Prime Minister Said Wilbert Musa.
