On September 24,2022 marks the 41st independence day for the central American nation of Belize.After the efforts of George Candler Price, the first prime minster of Belize, and the People’s United Party (PUP) Belize achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981. Belize became a colony to the United Kingdom since 1862, formerly known as British Honduras and changing its name to Belize on June 1973. Being the only country in Central America colonized by the British, the other states in Central America belonged to Spain, Belize is also the only country in Central America that uses English as its official language. Although Belize gained its independence from the United Kingdom there was a land dispute between both Spain and the United Kingdom, when the Spanish relinquished their colonies and gave independence to most countries in Central America Guatemala, being one of these countries claimed that it inherited Belize as well. This dispute was also one of the factors stopping Belize from initially gaining independence. There continues to be disputes with many people in Guatemala claiming that Belize belongs to them. Several Guatemalan presidents actually ran on the platform that they would acquire Belize even culminating in a referendum in Belize to take the case to the ICJ.
Belize is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with vast natural resources with the reason that the British wanted Belize was for the rare rare mahogany wood.Belize is endowed with a very high level of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity and the largest unbroken barrier reef in the western hemisphere. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), which is the second in length only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, stretches the full length of Belize’s coastline. Most of the country is covered in forest, about 61% of it and it is very well known for its several Cayes having several resorts on each island,Leonardo DiCaprio is planning on building an eco resort on one of the Keyes. Due to the high biodiversity of Belize there are also many animals all over Belize including Jaguars, the popular black howler monkey, whale sharks Tapirs(national animal of Belize , and even the Keel-Billed Toucan(national bird of Belize). One major natural tourist attraction to the country is the Great Blue Hole located near Amergris Caye. Which is a large underwater cavern/sinkhole creating the look of a large dark blue hole in the ocean.Then there is also the barrier reef being the largest in the northern hemisphere being an amazing place to dive, snorkel, sailing, and fishing.
Belize is also home to a vast and diverse population of several different groups of people. Including the original Mayan population, Creole population(descended from the slaves brought to Belize for woodcutting),Mestizo population(latinos from the nearby Central American countries who moved to Belize), East Indians, Asian, white, and Garifuna (people descended from the indigenous and African population who originally lived on St.Vincent and the Grenadiers islands but then moved to Belize). Then there is also the unique location of Belize being in both Central America and along the Caribbean sea we see the influence of both Latin America and Caribbean culture on the nation.It is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Central American Integration System(SICA), the only country to be a part of all three. Due to this and a combination of the diverse people in Belize there are also several languages spoken all over the country, the vast majority of people in Belize speak standard English, but a variety of dialects and other languages are often spoken at home. Although English is the official language and most people understand it in Belize one of the most popular dialects spoken all over the country is that of creole/kriol , 1/3 of the population speak it as their main language, like most patois languages it has its roots during the time when slaves would combine English with their West African dialects, not following all the grammar rules, this created a new dialect that is still spoken in Belize. Spanish is also spoken by most of the population, with a majority of the population knowing the language and combining it at times with English as well. German is spoken by the prominent Mennonite population in the country, as well as Arabic and other Asians languages, Mayan by the Mayan population, and Garifuna by the Garifuna people.
Belize is also known for its Mayan ruins.With one of its most famous being Xunantunich located in San Jose Succotz. The ancient Mayan city was a trading hub for most of the region with its strategic location allowed for the control of trade along this important river, and through the adjoining valley. It can now be visited in the center of a natural forest preserve.
National Symbols of Belize
- Bird: Keel Billed Toucan
- Animal: Tapir
- Flower: Black Orchid
- Tree: Mahogany
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