Map of Belize
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Where is Belize Located
The western hemisphere is beaming with beautiful lands. Today, we’ll be talking about a small, but a must visit country on the map of North America, Belize. Read this article throughout to get some intriguing Belize facts.
Many people think of Belize as an island resort in the Caribbean Sea. Technically speaking, that’s not the case. Yeah, Belize has many islands off its coast, however, it is a separate mainland country located in Central America. Though one of its coastlines is surrounded by the sea yet the country has nothing in common with Caribbean culture as Cuba or Jamaica. To be more specific, if you look on the map of Belize and surrounding countries, you will find it on the southernmost portion of North America bordered by Mexico on the north, Guatemala on the west, and waters of Caribbean Sea on the east. The 300 km long section of the famous barrier reef is also on the eastern coast.
Belize Flag Facts
Country of Belize has a unique national flag. Apart from some British territories, it is the only national flag in the world that has humans in its design. The usual flag size is 3:5 with two horizontal red stripes on top and bottom. The thick area between the stripes is blue. Within the centre of this blue area, a white disc holds a Belizean coat of arms. The coat of arms, surrounded by 50 olive leaves, has a mahogany tree. A mestizo holding an axe and a mulatto man holding an oar stand along three sides.
At the base, there is an inverted shield divided into three sections; the left section shows an oar and sledgehammer, the right one has a saw and axe, and the lower section is designed with a ship that seems to be sailing with red flags at a closer look. The coat of arms also has some words printed on its bottom. These words speak “Sub Umbra Floreo” that is Belize’s motto meaning “I flourish in the shadow”
Belize Flag Meaning
The meaning of the Belize flag is much related to its political history. Blue colour represents the People’s United Party. The red stripes are added to the unofficial blue flag representing the opposition United Democratic Party. The flag was officially hoisted in 1981 as the country gained independence. The 50 leaves refer to 1950 when the independence movement was initiated by PUP. The tree, the tools, and the ship designed inside the coat of arms signify the importance of the logging industry for the country’s economy.
This flag is the most colourful. Although it was not standardized, however, in 2019, officials took action to standardize the colour scheme and other characteristics. Since then, the humans in the flag have clear anatomy whereas in previous flags the humans were drawn in caricature style.
Belize City
Belize City is the largest city of Belize and was once the capital of British Honduras (Belize colonial name). It is located within very close proximity to the river Belize and is the busiest port of the country with a lot of industrial and financial hubs all over. The coastal stream Haulover Creek passes through the city and falls into the Caribbean Sea. It is worth visiting for its Museum that has preserved the history of this land. The country was originally inhabited by the Mayan civilization. Mayan ruins are still preserved here. One can get a close look to Mayan culture by visiting their artefacts in the museum.
Another must visit attraction in the city is “The Image Factory”. It is one of the top-class art galleries with a collection of classy art pics of local artists. The other attractions include The Belize Sign Monument, San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, Altun Ha & The Olde Belize River, and Ocean Ferry Belize.
Belize Population
The country is well known for its lowest population density in Central America. According to the latest United Nations data, the nation comprises only 399,598 people. On the list of countries and dependencies compiled by United Nations Population Division estimates, Belize stands at 177th position. The country owns a land area of 22,810 Km square with a population density of about 17 per kilometre square. Of all this population, 46.1% live in cities, of which about 60,000 people live just in Belize city. The median age in the nation is 25.5 years. The country land is mostly covered by forests and hence, the cities and towns form only about 40% of it that is available as a residential area to the people.
Belize Language
English is the official language here however, among the masses, only a minority speak English as their first language. Other languages include Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, and Mayan. Kriol is mostly spoken all over the country. Spanish is also taught in schools. Belize people follow a bilingual culture since most of the folks can speak more than one language.
Belize Facts
- The country has been a hit point for hurricanes. About 16 hurricanes have hit the nation since 1930 onwards. The previous capital Belize city got destroyed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 and the government shifted to the new capital in 1970, Belmopan.
- Belize has about 450 islands along the coastline. These are known as Cayes.
- It has just two seasons; winter and summer. Winters are dry whereas summers are hot and humid. The rainy season extends from June to August. The climate is subtropical.
- It is the only country all over the globe that has allowed a restrained area for the preservation of jaguars and other cats. The sanctuary is called Cockscomb Basin Wildlife sanctuary.
- Overall, the country has 900 Maya temple sites.
- Belize is home to long caves.
- Actun Tunichil Muknal (the Cave of the Crystal Sepulcher), is one of the famous Belize caves. It is situated in Cayo. One of the important features that distinguish it from other caves lies in the skeletons and stones inside. It is an important archaeological site. A famous calcified skeleton found in this cave is of an 18 years old girl known as The Crystal Maiden.
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