Independence and Sovereignty
What was Belize called during the colonial period?
British Honduras
Which country borders Belize to the north?
Mexico
What major mountain range is found in southern Belize?
The Maya Mountains
What type of climate does Belize generally experience?
A tropical to subtropical climate
What type of society is Belize, where people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds live together?
A multicultural society
In what year did Belize officially adopt the name Belize?
1973
Which country borders Belize to the west and south?
Guatemala
Name two rivers found in Belize.
Belize River, Hondo River, New River, Sibun River, Monkey River, Sarstoon River
During which months does Belize generally experience its rainy season?
About June to November
Name three major ethnic or cultural groups found in Belize.
Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Chinese, Mennonite
On what date did Belize gain independence from Britain?
21 September 1981
What body of water borders Belize to the east?
The Caribbean Sea
What are the small islands found off the coast of Belize called?
Cayes
Name two natural hazards that can affect Belize because of its coastal location.
Hurricanes, coastal flooding, sea-level rise
Name three Maya peoples found in Belize.
Yucatec Maya, Mopan Maya, and Q'eqchi' Maya
What does independence mean in relation to Belize?
Belize has the legal right to govern itself rather than being ruled by another country.
Approximately how large is Belize?
22,965 km² (8,867 square miles)
Name the three major atolls of Belize.
Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Glover's Reef Atoll
How do mangroves and coral reefs help protect Belize's coastlines?
They help protect coastlines from waves, erosion, storms, and flooding.
Besides ethnicity, name four other things that can contribute to a person's identity in Belize.
District, village, religion, language, family history, occupation, gender, interests, or citizenship.
Give three ways Belize demonstrates its sovereignty as an independent country.
- It makes and enforces its own laws
- Elects its own government
-Maintains diplomatic relations
- Joins international organizations and protects its borders/national interests.
Explain why Belize is often described as a bridge between Central America and the Caribbean.
Belize is geographically located in Central America but has strong historical and cultural connections to the Caribbean, while also being connected to Spanish-speaking Central America through its neighbouring countries and location.
A student is travelling from the flat northern part of Belize toward southern Belize and begins to encounter higher, mountainous land. Which major physical feature would the student likely reach, and in which part of the country is it located?
The Maya Mountains, located in southern Belize.
Explain how Belize's environment supports both the economy and the daily lives of Belizeans. Give three examples.
Fishing provides food and jobs; tourism generates income; agriculture and forestry provide livelihoods; rivers and watersheds provide fresh water; reefs and mangroves protect coastlines; ecosystems provide recreation and cultural value.
How does Belize's cultural diversity contribute to unity in diversity? Give at least three examples.
Different languages, foods, music, dances, storytelling, art, religious celebrations, farming, fishing, crafts, trade, and traditional knowledge contribute to Belizean society.