Belize River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Belize River
Aerial view of the Belize River
Country	Belize
Physical characteristics
Main source	Confluence Mopan and Macal rivers 80 m (260 ft) 17°10′42″N 89°04′49″W / 17.17841°N 89.08016°W / 17.17841; -89.08016
River mouth	Caribbean Sea at Belize City 0 m (0 ft) 17°32′04″N 88°14′12″W / 17.53456°N 88.23664°W / 17.53456; -88.23664
Length	290 km (180 mi) (including Mopan River)
Basin features
Basin size	Caribbean Sea

The Belize River is an important river in the country of Belize. It flows for about 290 km (180 mi) (180 miles) through the middle of the country. This river helps drain over a quarter of Belize's land. It winds its way along the northern edge of the Maya Mountains before reaching the Caribbean Sea near Belize City. The area around the Belize River is mostly a tropical rain forest.

This river is also known as the Old River. It starts where two other rivers, the Mopan River and the Macal River, meet. This meeting point is just east of San Ignacio, Belize. More than 45 percent of Belize's people live in the area drained by the Belize River and Mopan River. Even though it has many rapids, the Belize River can be traveled by boat all the way to the border with Guatemala.

For a long time, the Belize River was the main way to travel and trade between the inland areas and the coast. This was true until the 1900s. The river was very important for the forestry industry. People used it to transport logwood, which was used to make dye, and mahogany trees. Small groups of mahogany trees can still be found today.

River History and People

Long ago, loggers who worked on the river met the Maya people. They sometimes had disagreements with the Maya and with the Spaniards. In the early 1800s, there were requests for weapons for the loggers. By the late 1820s, thousands of men worked in logging camps along the river for most of the year.

By the late 1800s, more than 130 small towns and villages grew along the river. A place called Burrell Boom, located just above Belize Town, was a key spot where logs were collected.

The River Today

Today, the Belize River is a very important source of drinking water for people living nearby. It is also used for other daily needs. However, the river's water quality is facing challenges. It has more sediment (dirt), extra nutrients, and some pesticides and other harmful substances.

A big reason for these problems is the large amount of deforestation (trees being cut down) in the upper parts of the Mopan River. Also, some farming methods used are not sustainable. This means they harm the environment over time. Traditional farming methods, like slash and burn, also add to the river's problems. It's important to protect the river for the future.

Ancient Maya Sites

The area around the Belize River and its smaller rivers, like the Mopan River, Macal River, and Chaa Creek, is home to many ancient Maya sites. These are places where the Maya people lived long ago. Some well-known sites include Xunantunich, Chaa Creek, and Cahal Pech. These sites help us learn about the rich history of the Maya civilization.

Gallery

See also

In Spanish: Río Belice para niños