Belize

Belize is a country in Central America, known for unspoiled rainforest and coastline. It was formerly a British colony (British Honduras), and continues to be English-speaking. It faces the Caribbean Sea.

Its capital is Belmopan. Its other major city is the former capital, Belize City.

History

The area was colonised by the British in 1638. Spain asserted sovereignty and repeatedly attacked the colony until finally defeated in 1798. It was formally constituted as British Honduras in 1862. It became internally self-governing in 1964 and changed its name to Belize (after the Belize River) in 1973. It became independent in 1981.