Forgotten World (140): Belize
Belize – located south-east of Mexico – has more in common with the Caribbean island-states than with its Central American neighbours. This is reflected in its major languages, English and Creole, and in its mainly Anglo-Caribbean architecture and its relatively peaceful political culture. However, Belize has a problem with violent crime, much of it drug-related, and the trafficking of narcotics to the USA.
Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, was the UK’s last colony on the American mainland. Its independence was delayed until 1981 by long-running tension with neighbouring Guatemala, which still claims a large portion of its territory. Guatemala recognised Belize’s independence in 1991, but the neighbours have yet to settle their border dispute, which is rooted in colonial times.