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Belize blue hole. Photograph © by JayFC

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a small nation located on the eastern coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea and bordered by Mexico and Guatemala.

The country is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy which recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as Sovereign. The name is shared by the Belize River, Belize's longest river, and Belize City, the former capital and largest city.

Belize is a treasure trove of ancient Mayan temples, towns and cities, only a few of which have been uncovered.

The official language of Belize is English, although Spanish is also widely spoken, especially in the North and West of the country. Most Belizeans understand Creole, which is a form of pidgin English.

Approximately 8,866 square miles in area, Belize's mainland is approximately 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide. The country also contains over 200 cayes (islands), ranging in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and four miles wide; most of the cays are located within the 200 mile Belize Barrier Reef.