An introduction to Belize

Belize is located in Central America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea northwest of Mexico and southwest of Guatemala.

History

Between 1500 BC and 900 AD, the Mayan civilization occupied Belize. The first European settlers arrived only during the 16th century. British settlements began to arrive in 1638.

The name Belize is believed to be a derivation of the Spanish pronunciation of Wallace, who was the first pirate to establish the first settlement on land. Another for the origin of the name may come from the Mayan word “belix” which means muddy water, possibly belonging to the Belize River.

In January 1964, what was then still known as British Honduras became the United Kingdom’s first self-governing colony. It was in June 1973 that the land was renamed Belize. At this time, it was the only UK colony on American soil. In September 1981, George Price led Belize to full independence, but this was delayed until 1992, due to a territorial dispute with Guatemala.

To this day, the territorial dispute between the two lands has not been resolved. Help for mediation has been sought in the UK. The record books have always stated that Guatemala tried to claim the territory of Belize. Although the dispute has not been resolved, both Guatemala and Belize have entered into cooperative measures to help both countries progress.

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Belize’s national holidays include Baron Bliss Day which is celebrated on March 9; Commonwealth Day set on every second Monday in March; Labor Day celebrated on May 1; the commemoration of the Battle of St. George’s Caye on September 10; Belize National Independence Day every September 21; Pan American Day on October 13; Garífuna Settlement Day on November 19; and Christmas Day, which is celebrated in Belize and around the world on December 25.