Belize, a country with an area of 22,966 sq. km (8,867 sq mi), is divided into four main geographic regions, including the relatively low Maya Mountains of the south that dominate all but the narrow coastal plain; the northern limestone lowlands and its many rivers and streams; the flat and swampy coastal plain, and the almost countless cayes, islands and lagoons that fringe it’s Caribbean coastline.
As observed on the physical map of Belize above, the Caribbean country is dissected by a network of rivers, mostly small in length. The largest and the most significant river is the navigable Belize River that stretches from the Guatemala border all the way to the Caribbean Sea.
More than 50% of the land in Belize is covered by tropical rainforest.
Located in Southern Maya Mountains at an elevation of 1124 m (3687 ft) is Belize’s highest point - Doyle's Delight. Previously, it was thought that Victoria Peak (as marked on the map by a yellow upright triangle), located in the north of Cockscomb basin was the highest point at an elevation of 1120m (3675ft).
Second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef, off the northeast coastline of Australia, a 175 mile long Belize Barrier Reef fronts the Belize coastline, intermixed with literally hundreds of small islands and cayes. 58 miles direct east of Belize City sits the Blue Hole (marked on the map above), which is more than 1000ft across and some 400ft deep. It is the opening to a former Ice Age cave, and is today one of the world’s most popular dive sites.
Belize is divided into 6 districts. In alphabetical order, the districts are: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek and Toledo. These districts are further subdivided into 31 constituencies.
Covering an area of 22,970 sq. km, Belize has the lowest population density in Central America and the 2nd highest population growth rate in the region. Located near the Belize River Valley about 50 miles inland from the Caribbean coast is, Belmopan – the capital, the 3rd largest and the most populous city of Belize. It is also the administrative, cultural and commercial center of the country. Belize City is the largest city of Belize. It is also the industrial and financial center of the country as well as its principal port.
Belize is a country located on the Caribbean coast of Northern Central America, on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is positioned in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the northwest; by Guatemala to the west and south and by the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Belize Bordering Countries: Mexico, Guatemala.
Regional Maps: Map of North America
Legal Name | Belize |
---|---|
Flag |
![]() |
Capital City | Belmopan |
17 15 N, 88 46 W | |
Total Area | 22,966.00 km2 |
Land Area | 22,806.00 km2 |
Water Area | 160.00 km2 |
Population | 390,353 |
Currency | Belizean dollars (BZD) |
GDP | $1.88 Billion |
GDP Per Capita | $4,815.16 |
This page was last updated on February 25, 2021