Belize facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Belize Bileez (Belizean Creole) Belice (Spanish) B'eleze (K'iche' Mayan) Belice (Yucatec Mayan)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Sub umbra floreo  (Latin) "Under the shade I flourish"
Anthem: "Land of the Free" Royal anthem: "God Save the King"
Location of Belize (dark green) in the Americas Belize and its neighbours
Capital	Belmopan 17°15′N 88°46′W / 17.250°N 88.767°W / 17.250; -88.767
Largest city	Belize City 17°29′N 88°11′W / 17.483°N 88.183°W / 17.483; -88.183
Official languages	English
Vernacular language	Belizean Creole
Regional and minority languages	Spanish Mayan German Garifuna Chinese
Religion (2022)	61.9% Christianity 31.8% no religion 6.3% other
Demonym(s)	Belizean
Government	Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Monarch	Charles III
• Governor-General	Froyla Tzalam
• Prime Minister	Johnny Briceño
Legislature	National Assembly
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	House of Representatives
Independence  from the United Kingdom
• Self-governance	January 1964
• Independence	21 September 1981
Area
• Total	22,966 km2 (8,867 sq mi) (147th)
• Water (%)	0.8
Population
• 2022 census	397,483
• Density	17.31/km2 (44.8/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2025 estimate
• Total	$6.414 billion (180th)
• Per capita	$15,363 (123rd)
GDP (nominal)	2025 estimate
• Total	$3.488 billion (179th)
• Per capita	$8,355 (98th)
Gini (2013)	53.1 high
HDI (2022)	0.700 high · 118th
Currency	Belize dollar ($) (BZD)
Time zone	UTC−06:00 (CST)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy (AD)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+501
ISO 3166 code	BZ
Internet TLD	.bz

Belize is a country in Central America. It borders Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. It covers an area of about 22,966 square kilometers (8,867 sq mi). As of 2022, its population was 397,483 people. The country's mainland is about 290 kilometers (180 mi) long and 110 kilometers (68 mi) wide. Its capital is Belmopan, and its largest city is Belize City.

Belize is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It has over 5,000 types of plants. Hundreds of animal species live there, including armadillos, snakes, and monkeys.

Belize: A Country in Central America

What's in a Name?

The name "Belize" was first written down in 1677. A priest named Fray José Delgado wrote about a river called "Rio Balis." This name might come from the Mayan word belix, which means "muddy-watered." Another idea is that it comes from "bel Itza," meaning "the road to Itza."

Belize's Location and Landscape

Belize is located in the middle of the Americas. It connects North and South America. It is part of Central America but also has strong ties to the Caribbean region.

• Neighbors: Mexico is to the north. Guatemala is to the west and south. The Caribbean Sea is to the east. Belize also shares a water border with Honduras.
• Size: Belize is about 22,970 square kilometers (8,867 sq mi). It is a bit larger than countries like El Salvador.
• Landscape: The northern part of Belize is mostly flat and sometimes swampy. It has many forests. The southern part has low mountains called the Maya Mountains. The highest point is Doyle's Delight, which is 1,124 meters (3,688 ft) tall.
• Coastline: Belize has a long coastline along the Caribbean Sea. It stretches about 386 kilometers (240 mi). Just off the coast is the amazing Belize Barrier Reef.
• Rivers: Important rivers like the Hondo River and the Sarstoon River help form some of the country's borders.

The Amazing Belize Barrier Reef

Belize Barrier Reef; aerial view looking north

The Great Blue Hole, a natural wonder

One of Belize's most famous natural features is its Barrier Reef. It is about 300 kilometers (190 mi) long. It is part of a larger reef system that goes from Mexico to Honduras. It is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world!

The reef is home to many different plants and animals. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. It has:

• 70 types of hard coral
• 36 types of soft coral
• 500 species of fish
• Hundreds of invertebrate species (animals without backbones)

Scientists believe there are many more species living there that have not been discovered yet!

The reef is a huge attraction for tourists who love diving and snorkeling. It is also very important for the fishing industry.

Because it is so special, UNESCO (a part of the United Nations) named it a World Heritage Site in 1996. Belize has also taken steps to protect the reef. For example, it has banned certain types of fishing nearby.

Belize's Climate

Scarlet macaws are native to Central and northern South America.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Belize has a tropical climate. This means it is generally warm all year round.

• Seasons: There are usually two main seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season brings more rain.
• Temperature: Temperatures stay pretty warm. They are usually between 24°C (75.2°F) and 27°C (80.6°F) in coastal areas. It can be a bit warmer inland, except in the mountains where it is cooler.
• Hurricanes: Like other places in the Caribbean, Belize can be affected by hurricanes. These powerful storms have sometimes caused damage. For example, after a big hurricane in 1961, the capital city was moved inland to Belmopan.

A Look at Belize's History

Extent of the Maya civilization

"Caana" at Caracol

"El Castillo" at Xunantunich

Belize has a long and interesting history. It goes back thousands of years.

The area that is now Belize was once part of the amazing Maya civilization. The Maya lived here from around 1500 BCE. Their culture was strong until about 1200 CE. You can still visit many ancient Maya sites in Belize today!

European explorers first sailed near the coast in the early 1500s. Later, in 1638, English settlers arrived. These early settlers, called "Baymen," cut down trees like logwood and mahogany. These trees were very valuable. Spain and Britain both wanted to control the land.

A famous event in Belizean history is the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798. In this battle, the Baymen fought off a Spanish attack. This battle is now a national holiday.

Britain eventually gained more control. In 1862, the area officially became a British colony. It was called British Honduras.

Over time, people in British Honduras wanted to govern themselves. Leaders like George Cadle Price were important in this movement. The country was renamed Belize in 1973.

Belize finally became an independent country from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981. This is a very important date celebrated every year!

For a long time, Guatemala has claimed that some of Belize's land belongs to them. This is a historical issue. Both countries are working to solve it peacefully. They agreed to send the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to help find a solution.

How Belize is Governed

National Assembly in Belmopan

Belize is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. This means it has a King or Queen as the head of state. However, the country is run by an elected government. This government is led by a Prime Minister.

The head of state is King Charles III, who lives in the UK. He is represented in Belize by a Governor-General.

Belize has a National Assembly. This assembly has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of the House are elected by the people. Members of the Senate are appointed. These groups make the laws for the country.

People in Belize vote to choose their representatives. Women gained the right to vote in 1954. The two main political parties are the People's United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Belize's Divisions and Cities

Belize is divided into six districts. These districts are further divided into 31 constituencies.

Local government in Belize includes:

• city councils (for cities like Belize City and Belmopan)
• town councils
• village councils
• community councils

These councils help manage local areas.

Largest Cities in Belize

Belize's Economy

The country's economy depends a lot on agriculture (farming), tourism, and construction.

Sugar is a major crop. Bananas and papaya are also important.

Belize has beautiful natural places like the Barrier Reef, beaches, and Maya ruins. Because of this, tourism is a very big part of the economy. Many people visit Belize to enjoy these sights and activities.

Belize is working to improve its energy systems. This includes using more renewable energy sources like solar power. The country's main telecommunications company, called Digi, provides phone, internet, and TV services.

People and Culture in Belize

Belize's Diverse Population

Belize is known for having a very diverse population. People from many different backgrounds live together there.

As of 2022, the population was about 397,483 people.

Ethnic Groups in Belize

Traditional Garifuna dancers in Dangriga, Belize

The main groups include:

• Mestizos: These are people of mixed Maya and Spanish descent. Many of them came from Mexico.
• Creoles: These people often have ancestors who were a mix of West and Central Africans and British settlers.
• Garinagu: Also known as Garifuna, these people have mixed African, Arawak, and Island Carib ancestry. They have a unique culture and language.
• Maya: These are descendants of the ancient Maya. They still live in Belize today.
• Mennonites: These are groups of people, often of German descent. They live in farming communities and follow their religious traditions.
• East Indians: These are people of Indian ancestry.
• East Asians and Arabs: These are people from places like China, Syria, and Lebanon.

Languages Spoken in Belize

While English is the official language, many other languages are spoken. English is used in government and schools. Belizean Creole is very common and used in everyday life. Spanish is also widely spoken, especially near Mexico and Guatemala. Mayan languages (like Q'eqchi', Mopan, and Yucatec Maya) and Garifuna are also spoken. Many Belizeans speak more than one language!

Music and Sports in Belize

Popular music styles include punta and brukdown. These have Caribbean roots. Latin music is also becoming popular.

Football (soccer), basketball, volleyball, and cycling are popular sports. There are also famous events like the Cross Country Cycling Classic. Another is the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge canoe race.

Belizean Holidays

Belize celebrates traditional holidays. It also has unique ones like Garifuna Settlement Day. The September Celebrations include Independence Day and St. George's Caye Day.

Belizean Cuisine

Rice and beans (with coconut milk), stewed chicken and potato salad.

Belizean food is similar to both Mexican/Central American and Jamaican/Anglo-Caribbean food.

Breakfast usually has bread, flour tortillas, or fry jacks (deep fried dough). Fry jacks are eaten with cheese, beans, eggs, or cereal. People also drink milk, coffee, or tea. Tacos and meat pies can be bought from street vendors for a hearty breakfast.

Midday meals are the main meals for Belizeans. They are usually called "dinner." They can include rice and beans (with or without coconut milk), tamales, and "panades" (fried maize shells with beans or fish). Other dishes are meat pies, escabeche (onion soup), chimole (soup), caldo, and stewed chicken. Fried chicken is also common.

In rural areas, meals are simpler. The Maya use maize, beans, or squash for most meals. The Garifuna like seafood, cassava (especially cassava bread), and vegetables.

National Symbols of Belize

Belize has special symbols that represent the country:

• National Flower: The Black Orchid.
• National Tree: The Mahogany Tree. This tree is on the country's coat of arms. The motto "Sub Umbra Floreo" means "Under the shade I flourish." This refers to the mahogany tree.
• National Animal: The Baird's Tapir (sometimes called the Mountain Cow).
• National Bird: The Keel-billed Toucan.

Interesting Facts About Belize

• It is the only Central American country where English is the official language.
• Belize is the least populated country in Central America. It also has the lowest population density.
• In 2023, Belize became the second Central American country to get a special award. This award was for getting rid of malaria. It was given by the WHO.
• Over 60% of Belize's land is covered by lush forest.

See also

In Spanish: Belice para niños

Images for kids

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  An excerpt from the 1898 Gazette that declared 10 September an official holiday.

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  Colonial flag of British Honduras, 1870–1919.

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  Colonial flag of British Honduras, 1919–1981.

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  A British Honduras postage stamp from 1962 marking Hurricane Hattie.

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  Districts of Belize.

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  Topography of Belize.

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  Belizean jungles are home to the jaguar and many other mammals.

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  Accomplished Belizean cyclist Shalini Zabaneh.

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  The keel-billed toucan.

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  A proportional representation of Belize's exports in 2019.

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  Belize electricity supply by source.

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  Mennonite children selling peanuts near Lamanai in Belize.

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  Köppen climate classification of Belize.