Belize: flag, capital, currency and history
Belize is a country in Central America, the Americas. Its capital is Belmopan. The currency is the Belize dollar. Languages spoken include Belizean Creole, English and Spanish.
Quick facts about Belize
- Official name
- Belize
- Capital
- Belmopan
- Region
- Americas, Central America
- Currency
- Belize dollar (BZD, $)
- Languages
- Belizean Creole, English, Spanish
- Calling code
- +501
- Internet domain
- .bz
- Area
- 22,966 km² (8,867 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Belizean
- National day
- Independence Day, September 21
Flag of Belize
Download the flag of Belize as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇿.
History of Belize
Belize was part of the Maya civilization, whose cities flourished there for many centuries. Spain claimed the region but did not settle it extensively, and British woodcutters established settlements from the seventeenth century. Britain gradually asserted control, and the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798 is a key event in the colony's history. It became the colony of British Honduras, a crown colony in 1862, and was renamed Belize in 1973. Belize became independent on 21 September 1981. Guatemala's territorial claim has long been disputed. Belmopan is the capital.
Key dates
- c. 250Maya civilization enters its Classic period, with major centers in the region.
- 17th centuryBritish woodcutters begin settling along the coast.
- 1798British settlers defeat a Spanish force at the Battle of St. George's Caye.
- 1862The settlement is declared the crown colony of British Honduras.
- 1973The colony is renamed Belize.
- 1981Belize becomes independent on 21 September.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Belize
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Belize?
The capital of Belize is Belmopan.
What currency does Belize use?
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Belize?
Languages used in Belize include Belizean Creole, English and Spanish.
What is the calling code of Belize?
The international calling code of Belize is +501. Its internet domain is .bz.
Which countries border Belize?
Belize shares land borders with Guatemala and Mexico.
On which continent is Belize?
Belize is in Central America, part of the Americas, in the region of Central America.
What is the national day of Belize?
Belize marks Independence Day on September 21.
Neighbours of Belize
More countries in Central America
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).