Belize

Belize is a country on the eastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, with the Gulf of Honduras to the southeast. The capital and administrative center is Belmopan; Belize City is the largest urban center. The official language is English, with widespread use of Spanish and Belizean Creole.

Belize is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth. The head of state is the monarch, represented by a governor-general, and the prime minister is the head of government. The country is divided into districts and municipalities and elects representatives to national and local bodies.

Belize was long inhabited by Maya civilizations and became a British colony known as British Honduras. It gained independence in 1981. The border with Guatemala remains a longstanding territorial claim, shaping diplomacy and border management.

The economy is small and relies on tourism, services, and sugar and citrus exports. The Belize dollar (BZD) is pegged to the US dollar at 2 to 1. The population is diverse, with Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Chinese, and other communities.

Belize contains tropical forests, mangroves, and a long Caribbean shoreline. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, supports rich marine life. National culture includes Garifuna music, Creole cuisine, and Maya heritage.