Belize: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Belize

Belize is a small country on the Caribbean coast of Central America, between Mexico and Guatemala. It has rainforests, ancient Maya ruins and a long coral reef dotted with tiny islands called cayes. It is a favourite place for divers and nature lovers.

About Belmopan

Belmopan is a small planned city in the Belize River valley, about 80 kilometres inland from Belize City. It was built in the 1960s to replace coastal Belize City, which had been badly damaged by hurricanes.

Fun facts about Belize

1. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The Great Blue Hole is a giant round underwater sinkhole more than 300 metres across.
3. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was the world's first protected area set aside for jaguars.
4. It is the only country in Central America where English is the official language.
5. The national bird is the keel-billed toucan, which has a huge rainbow-coloured beak.
6. Until 1973, the country was called British Honduras.