James Baquet

Belize was formerly known as British Honduras, to distinguish it from the Spanish-speaking country called Honduras, sometimes known as Spanish Honduras. Both countries’ names are derived from the Spanish word for “depths.” The country became self-governing in 1964, changed its name to “Belize” (perhaps from a Mayan word meaning “muddy-watered,” referring to a particular river) in 1973, and achieved independence (after struggling with neighboring Guatemala) in 1981.

Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico (north), Guatemala (south and west) and the Caribbean Sea (east). It is very small, with an area of only 22,800 square kilometers and a population of 387,879.

The largest city by far, Belize City was once the capital of British Honduras. Since 1970, however, the planned community of Belmopan — now the country’s third-largest city — is the smallest capital in the continental Americas, with fewer than 20,000 people.

Belize’s official language is English, but most people also speak a Belizean Creole, an English-based language, as well as Spanish. As a Commonwealth realm, Belize still considers England’s Queen Elizabeth II to be its monarch and head of state.

Around 40 percent of the people of Belize are Roman Catholics, and around 30 percent are Protestants. A number of people practice other religions such as the ancient Mayan belief system, African syncretistic beliefs, and various eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism.

Like Guatemala, Belize has an abundance of terrestrial and marine species. The diversity of its ecosystems gives it a significant role in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a sort of “land bridge” between North and South America that contains between 7 and 10 percent of the world’s known species.

Tourists in Belize will find a wealth of attractions. Natural features like the Belize Barrier Reef, the jungle and wildlife reserves, and the largest cave system in Central America provide plenty of fishing, boating and diving, as well as hiking and helicopter touring. There are also numerous Mayan ruins.

Vocabulary:

Which word above means:

1. set apart, make different from

2. living on land

3. a large number of

4. bringing together different beliefs or practices

5. types of animals and plants

6. on the mainland, not on islands

7. difference, variation

8. narrow land forming a passageway

9. purpose-built city

10. living in the sea