The official language of Belize is English, but Spanish is widely spoken. Other languages spoken in Belize are Mayan and Creole. Belize's main religion is Christianity.

Belize's capital is Belmopan, but the former capital Belize City is the cultural and commercial centre of Belize.

Belize was the last UK colony on American mainland, and became independent as late as 1981. British settles came here in 1638, and the country used to be called British Honduras.

The Mayan civilization flourished here, and archaeological findings have indicated that Belize has some of the oldest Mayan sites in the area.

Tourism is an important source of income for Belize. Around 850 000 tourists visit the country every year. Belize's highlights are one of the world's largest barrier reefs with over 200 islands, and the ancient Mayan sites in Altun Ha and Lamanai. Belize has abundant wildlife and birdlife, too. Over 40 % of the country is covered by national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or marine reserves, making Belize a very popular destination for wildlife holidays. There are around 570 species of birds in Belize, and over 300 native orchid species. While growth in tourism, and especially cruise ship holidays, has threatened to damage Belize's nature and wildlife, there is a lot of environmental awareness, and the country has invested in eco-tourism.

In addition to tourism, Belize's industries include clothes production, construction and food processing, and it exports sugar, bananas, citrus fruit, fish products and textiles.

Belize is politically more stable than most other countries in Central America, and has one of the most democratic political systems in the area. Prime minister Dean Barrow is Belize's first black prime minister, and represents the United Democratic Party that won elections in 2008.

The motto on Belize's flag is Sub Umbra Florero, meaning "under the shade, I flourish", and refers to the mahogany tree.

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