Founding of Belize

Belize became independent from the United Kingdom, ending its long status as a British colony known until 1973 as British Honduras. The land had been home to the Maya civilization, and its coast was later settled by English woodcutters, who cut logwood and mahogany with enslaved labour. It was formally made a colony in 1862. Independence was delayed by a territorial claim from neighbouring Guatemala, which saw Belize as part of its territory, and British troops remained after 1981 to guarantee security. George Price, who had led the independence movement, became the first prime minister. Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language, and it is known for its barrier reef and its Maya ruins.

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