Article Outline
Belize, independent state, north-eastern Central America, bordered on the north and north-west by Mexico, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the south and west by Guatemala. Belize, until 1973 known as British Honduras, became independent in 1981. The total area of Belize is 22,965 sq km (8,867 sq mi). The capital city is Belmopan; the largest city and major port is Belize City.
The northern half of Belize consists of lowlands, large areas of which are swampy. The southern half is dominated by mountain ranges, notably the Maya Mountains, which rise to a maximum elevation of 1,122 m (3,681 ft) at Victoria Peak. The Caribbean coastline is fringed by coral barrier reefs and numerous cays (islets). The principal rivers are the Belize; the Hondo, which forms much of the boundary with Mexico; and the Sarstoon, which forms the south-western boundary with Guatemala.
The climate of Belize is subtropical, moderated by sea breezes along the coast. The average annual temperature is about 26.1° C (79° F). The total annual rainfall increases from north to south and averages about 1,900 mm (76 in). The rainy season lasts from May to February.
Slightly less than half of Belize is covered by forests. Deciduous trees are found in the north; tropical hardwood trees predominate in the south. Principal species include the commercially important mahogany, cedar, and rosewood, as well as pine, oak, and palms. Uncontrolled logging is a major problem and the number of mahogany trees, in particular, has been seriously depleted. Mangrove swamp vegetation is found along the coast. Wildlife includes jaguar, deer, tapir, and numerous species of birds and reptiles.
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