When people first hear about Belize, the first question often is: “Is Belize a country?” Believe it or not, some even think Belize is a made-up place, an island in the Caribbean, or part of Honduras. Let’s clear that up right now: Yes, Belize is a real, independent country—small but mighty, and full of treasures waiting to be explored.
Belize is located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. At just over 8,800 square miles, it may be small compared to its neighbors, but Belize packs in more beauty, history, and adventure than most places ten times its size.
From the turquoise waters of the Belize Barrier Reef to the lush jungles of the Maya Mountains, every corner of Belize has something magical. Its location also makes travel easy. A short flight from the U.S. or Canada, and just hours away by land from Guatemala and Mexico, Belize is the perfect hub for regional exploration.
So, is Belize a country? Absolutely—and it’s a young one too. Once known as British Honduras, Belize was a British colony for centuries. After years of hard work, determination, and national pride, Belize gained independence on September 21, 1981. That date is now celebrated as Independence Day, a moment that marked Belize as the newest sovereign nation in the Americas.
Since then, Belize has built its identity as the only English-speaking country in Central America, a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and a nation that blends Caribbean vibes with Central American roots.
It may sound funny, but many people ask: “Is Belize a real country?” This confusion comes from several myths:
Myth 1: Belize is an island. Not true—Belize is on the mainland of Central America, though it does have 450+ islands (cayes) along its Caribbean coast.
Myth 2: Belize is in South America. Belize is part of North America’s southernmost stretch, in Central America.
Myth 3: Belize is in Honduras. The confusion comes from the old name “British Honduras.” Today, Belize is independent and does not share a border with Honduras.
Myth 4: Belize is just like the Caribbean islands. Belize has a Caribbean feel—thanks to our culture, music, and food—but our geography is very different.
Add in the fact that many people spell it as Baliz, Bellize, Belise, Baleeze—and you can see why there’s confusion. But once you land here, there’s no mistaking Belize’s authenticity.
With a population of just over 400,000, Belize is a melting pot of cultures: Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Mennonite, East Indian, and more. Everyone brings their own traditions, food, and language, creating one of the most culturally rich nations in the region.
Unlike the rest of Central America, Belize’s official language is English. Spanish and Creole (Kriol) are also widely spoken, along with Garifuna and Maya languages. For travelers, that makes navigating the country much easier.
Belize may be small, but that’s an advantage. You can travel from the Caribbean coast to the Maya mountains in a single day. Want to snorkel the reef in the morning and climb an ancient Maya temple in the afternoon? Only in Belize.
From jaguars in the rainforest to nurse sharks along the reef, Belize is alive with wildlife. Over 40% of Belize’s land is protected as reserves and parks, making it one of the most conservation-focused countries in the world.
If you’re asking, “Is Belize a country worth visiting?”—the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s just a taste of what you can do:
Explore Maya Ruins: Visit sites like Xunantunich, Caracol, and Lamanai, ancient cities of the Maya civilization.
Dive the Barrier Reef: The Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve are world-famous for diving and snorkeling.
Chase Waterfalls: Big Rock Falls in the Mountain Pine Ridge is a must-see.
Visit the Cayes: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are island escapes with laid-back Caribbean charm.
Experience Local Life: Stroll through the San Ignacio market, eat rice and beans with stewed chicken, and dance to punta or brukdown music.
At the end of the day, Belize isn’t just a country—it’s a feeling. A mix of Caribbean rhythms, Central American adventure, and the warmth of a small but mighty people. If you want to see Belize the way it’s meant to be seen—raw, real, and authentic—then let us at Authentically Belize guide you.
👉 Come explore Belize with us, discover its hidden gems, and experience what makes this little jewel shine so bright.