1900: BTL and Speednet Offer Telecommunication Services
Both Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Speednet offer a range of telecommunications services in Belize, including basic telephone services, national and international calls, prepaid services, and cellular services.
1931: Hurricane Exacerbates Economic Hardship
The Great Depression of the 1930s severely impacted the colony's economy, causing its near collapse as the British demand for timber plummeted. To make matters worse, a devastating hurricane hit the colony in 1931, exacerbating the effects of widespread unemployment.
1935: Elections Reinstated with Limited Suffrage
Elections were reintroduced in 1935. However, a mere 1.8 percent of the population was eligible to vote.
1949: British Honduras Dollar Devaluation and the People's Committee
In 1949, Britain's decision to devalue the British Honduras dollar worsened the economic situation and led to the formation of the People's Committee, a group advocating for independence.
1954: First Election Under Universal Suffrage
The People's United Party (PUP), succeeding the People's Committee, pushed for constitutional reforms that granted all adults the right to vote. This led to the first election under universal suffrage in 1954, which the PUP decisively won.
1954: Women's Suffrage Granted
Women gained the right to vote in Belize in 1954.
1955: Hurricane Janet Levels Corozal
In 1955, the northern Belizean town of Corozal was devastated by the powerful Hurricane Janet, which resulted in widespread destruction.
1956: George Cadle Price Becomes PUP Leader
George Cadle Price, an advocate for independence, took the helm of the People's United Party (PUP) in 1956.
1958: Arrival of Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonites
In the years following 1958, a significant influx of Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonites, primarily from Mexico, arrived in Belize.
1961: Price Assumes Effective Leadership
In 1961, George Cadle Price became the de facto head of government, a position he would maintain under various titles until 1984.
1964: British Honduras Granted Self-Government
In 1964, British Honduras was granted self-government under a new constitution by Britain.
1970: Continuing Trend of Afro-Belizean Emigration
The trend of Afro-Belizeans emigrating from Belize persisted into the 1970s. This movement of people significantly impacted the country's demographics, leading to a decline in the Creole population.
1971: Religious Demographics of Belize
In 1971, Belize's religious makeup, as per PROLADES, was 64.6% Roman Catholic, 27.8% Protestant, and 7.6% other religions.
June 1973: British Honduras Renamed Belize
On June 1, 1973, British Honduras officially changed its name to Belize.
1974: Dominance of Two-Party System Emerges
Since 1974, the Belizean political landscape has been dominated by two major parties: the centre-left People's United Party and the centre-right United Democratic Party. While other smaller parties have participated in elections at various levels, their influence has been limited.
1980: Permanent RAF Harrier Detachment in Belize
In 1980, the deployment of the RAF Harrier detachment in Belize became permanent.
1980: Historical Forest Cover in Belize
Studies indicate that in the late 1980s, forest cover in Belize stood at approximately 75.9%. However, by early 2010, this had fallen to 62.7%, highlighting the issue of deforestation.
September 1981: Independence of Belize
Belize achieved independence from the United Kingdom on September 1981.
September 1981: Guatemalan Non-Recognition and British Troop Presence
Guatemala refused to recognize Belize's independence due to a territorial dispute, claiming Belize as its own. Following Belize's independence in September 1981, around 1,500 British troops remained stationed in Belize to deter potential Guatemalan incursions.
1981: Belize Gains Independence, UK Maintains Military Presence
Following Belize's independence in 1981, the United Kingdom retained a deterrent force, British Forces Belize, in the country to safeguard against potential invasion by Guatemala.
1984: PUP's Electoral Defeat and Price's Loss
In the 1984 election, the first national election following independence, the People's United Party (PUP) faced defeat against the United Democratic Party (UDP). This election marked the end of the PUP's three-decade dominance in Belizean politics. Unexpectedly, George Cadle Price, the PUP leader, also lost his House seat to a UDP candidate.
1984: UDP Victory and Manuel Esquivel's Premiership
The United Democratic Party (UDP) won the 1984 national election, marking the first time the People's United Party (PUP) lost a national election. UDP leader Manuel Esquivel succeeded Price as prime minister.
1986: Start of Belize's Citizenship-by-Investment Programme
Belize initiated its citizenship-by-investment program in 1986.
1986: Establishment of the University College of Belize
The University College of Belize, which later evolved into the University of Belize, was established in 1986.
1989: PUP Returns to Power
The People's United Party (PUP), led by George Cadle Price, returned to power after winning the 1989 elections.
1990: Establishment of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
The year 1990 marked the establishment of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a significant step in protecting Belize's natural heritage. Situated in south-central Belize, the reserve encompasses approximately 400 square kilometers (150 square miles) of the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the forests, fauna, and watersheds of the region, particularly as a sanctuary for the jaguar.
1990: Belize as a Safe Haven
Starting in the 1990s, Belize became a safe haven for many, who then integrated into Belizean society.
1990: Limestone: The Sole Exploited Mineral Resource in Belize
By 1990, despite the presence of various minerals in Belize, only limestone was being actively extracted for use in road construction both domestically and for export purposes.
1991: Decline in Roman Catholic Population
Catholics constituted 57% of Belize's population in 1991, marking the beginning of a decline.
1991: Census Reflects Demographic Changes
The 1991 census in Belize revealed significant demographic changes, reflecting a shift in the ethnic composition of the country.
1993: UDP Regains Power, Esquivel's Second Term, and Suspension of Guatemala Pact
The United Democratic Party (UDP) won the 1993 national election, returning Manuel Esquivel to the position of prime minister for a second time. Shortly after assuming office, Esquivel announced the suspension of an agreement reached with Guatemala during Price's tenure, arguing that Price had made excessive concessions to secure Guatemalan recognition. This pact had the potential to resolve the long-standing border dispute between the two countries, which dated back 130 years.
1994: Withdrawal of British Soldiers and Establishment of Training Unit
British soldiers were withdrawn from Belize in 1994, but the United Kingdom established a military training unit to support the newly formed Belize Defence Force.
1994: UK Reduces Military Presence in Belize
Three years after Guatemala formally recognized Belize's independence, the primary British military force withdrew from Belize in 1994. However, the UK sustained a training presence.
1995: Belize Joins the World Trade Organization
In 1995, Belize became an original member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
1996: Belize Barrier Reef Declared World Heritage Site
In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef was recognized for its ecological importance and vulnerability, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This status acknowledges its crucial role as a habitat for biodiversity conservation.
1996: Belize Barrier Reef Earns UNESCO Designation
The Belize Barrier Reef, recognized as one of the most pristine ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
1997: Price Increase for Citizenship-by-Investment
Due to high demand, the cost of Belize's citizenship-by-investment program increased from US$25,000 to US$50,000 in 1997.
1997: Belize Defence Force Strength
In 1997, the Belize Defence Force (BDF) had over 900 personnel in the regular army, 381 in reserve, 45 in the air wing, and 36 in the maritime wing, totaling approximately 1,400.
1998: PUP's Landslide Victory and Musa's Premiership
The People's United Party (PUP) secured a landslide victory in the 1998 national elections, leading to PUP leader Said Musa being sworn in as prime minister.
1998: CARICOM Men's Basketball Championship
The Belize national basketball team won the CARICOM Men's Basketball Championship in 1998, which was held in Belize City.
1998: Said Musa Becomes Prime Minister
In 1998, Said Musa, the son of a Palestinian immigrant, assumed the position of Prime Minister of Belize.
1998: Coral Reef Damage Reported
Despite conservation efforts, scientists reported that over 40% of Belize's coral reef had suffered damage since 1998, highlighting the ongoing threats to this valuable ecosystem.
1999: Fortis Inc. Takes Over Management of BEL
In 1999, the government of Belize invited Fortis Inc., a Canadian investor-owned distribution utility, to take over the management of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) in an attempt to address the utility's financial challenges.
1999: Tourism and Construction Boost Belizean Economy
In early 1999, Belize experienced a boost in its economy due to the strengthening of its tourism and construction sectors. This growth led to a preliminary estimate of a 4% economic revival.
1999: Centrobasquet Tournament
The Belize national basketball team participated in the Centrobasquet Tournament in Havana in 1999, finishing seventh out of eight teams.
2000: CARICOM championship
Belize's basketball team placed fourth at the 2000 CARICOM championship in Barbados.
2000: Muslim Population in Belize
The Muslim population in Belize was recorded as 243 in 2000.
2000: Continued Decline in Roman Catholic Population
The proportion of Roman Catholics in Belize decreased to 49% by 2000, continuing the trend from the previous decade.
2001: Central American Games championship
Belize's national basketball team won the Central American Games championship in 2001.
2001: Caribbean Community Supports Regional Final Court of Appeal
In 2001, the heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) voted in favor of a measure to work towards replacing the UK's Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the final court of appeal with the Caribbean Court of Justice.
2003: PUP Maintains Majority, Musa Continues as Prime Minister
In the 2003 elections, the PUP maintained its majority, and Said Musa continued his role as prime minister. During this term, he pledged to improve living conditions in southern Belize, a region characterized by underdevelopment and limited accessibility.
2003: Last PUP Victory Before 2020
The People's United Party (PUP) last held government power in 2003 before their victory in the 2020 general election.
2005: Unrest Against the PUP Government
In 2005, Belize experienced unrest triggered by dissatisfaction with the People's United Party (PUP) government, primarily due to tax hikes implemented in the national budget.
2005: Baháʼí Population in Belize
In 2005, the Baháʼí Faith in Belize was estimated to have 7,776 adherents, representing 2.5% of the national population, potentially the highest proportion globally.
2005: Belize Maritime Wing Merges with Coast Guard
The maritime wing of the Belize Defence Force became part of the Belizean Coast Guard in 2005.
2006: COCABA championship
The Belize national basketball team finished with a 2-4 record in the 2006 COCABA championship.
2006: Crude Oil Discovery in Spanish Lookout
The discovery of crude oil in the town of Spanish Lookout in 2006 brought about a mix of economic opportunities and challenges for the developing nation of Belize.
2007: Belize Supports UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights
Belize expressed its support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007, a declaration that established legal land rights for indigenous groups.
2007: Hurricane Dean Impacts Northern Belize
Hurricane Dean, a powerful Category 5 storm, narrowly missed a direct hit on Belize in 2007, making landfall just 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the Belize-Mexico border. Despite this, Dean caused widespread damage in northern Belize.
2007: Belize Becomes a Top Papaya Exporter
In 2007, Belize achieved recognition as the world's third-largest exporter of papaya, highlighting its growing presence in the global fruit market.
February 2008: Dean Barrow Sworn In as Prime Minister
On February 8, 2008, Dean Barrow assumed the office of prime minister following a landslide victory for his party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), in the general elections.
2008: End of Said Musa's Term
Said Musa's tenure as Prime Minister of Belize concluded in 2008.
2008: Opening of Masjid Al-Falah
The year 2008 saw the inauguration of Masjid Al-Falah, a mosque in Belize City.
August 2009: Belize Nationalizes Belize Telemedia Limited
In August 2009, the Belizean government nationalized Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL).
2009: COCABA tournament
The Belize national basketball team was the runner-up in the 2009 COCABA tournament in Cancun, Mexico, winning all three games in group play.
August 2010: Belize's Forest Cover Assessment
A remote sensing study conducted jointly by the Water Center for the Humid Tropics of Latin America and the Caribbean (CATHALAC) and NASA, in collaboration with Belizean government agencies, was published in August 2010. This study revealed that Belize's forest cover had decreased to about 62.7% in early 2010, a notable decline from 75.9% in late 1980.
2010: Rise of English and Decline of Spanish Among Younger Hispanics
Since 2010, there's a trend of Hispanic parents in Belize prioritizing English over Spanish for their children's education, aiming for better schooling and career opportunities.
2010: Centrobasquet Tournament
In the 2010 Centrobasquet Tournament, the Belize national team started strong with a win against Trinidad and Tobago but ultimately did not qualify after losses to Mexico and Puerto Rico.
2010: Literacy Rate in Belize
In 2010, Belize had a literacy rate estimated at 79.7%, ranking it among the lowest in the Western Hemisphere.
2010: Growth of the Muslim Population
By 2010, the Muslim population in Belize had increased to 577, according to official statistics.
2010: Indo-Belizean Population
As of 2010, Indo-Belizeans, individuals of Indian ancestry, constituted 3.9% of Belize's population.
2010: Religious Demographics of Belize
According to the 2010 census, Belize's religious composition was as follows: 40.1% Roman Catholic, 31.8% Protestant (including denominations like Pentecostal, Adventist, Anglican, Mennonite, Baptist, Methodist, and Nazarene), 1.7% Jehovah's Witnesses, 10.3% other religions, and 15.5% irreligious.
2010: Supreme Court Recognizes Customary Land Titles
A significant legal victory for indigenous land rights in Belize occurred in 2010 when the Supreme Court issued a ruling acknowledging customary land titles as communal land belonging to indigenous communities.
2011: Belize Added to US Drug Transit List
In a reflection of its vulnerability to drug trafficking, the United States added Belize to its list of nations considered major drug producers or transit countries for narcotics in 2011.
2011: Implementation of the "Education Sector Strategy 2011–2016"
The "Education Sector Strategy 2011–2016" was implemented with the aim of enhancing access to, the quality of, and governance within Belize's education system.
2011: UK Concludes Military Presence in Belize
The year 2011 marked the end of the British military presence at Ladyville Barracks in Belize when the last British Forces, excluding seconded advisers, departed.
2012: BEL's Appeal Hearing Scheduled
Belize Electricity Limited's (BEL) appeal against the Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) 2008 ruling was scheduled for a hearing in 2012.
2012: Belize's Tourism Industry Flourishes
Belize's tourism industry experienced significant growth in 2012, welcoming a total of 917,869 tourist arrivals (with approximately 584,683 visitors from the United States). This influx of tourists generated over $1.3 billion in revenue, highlighting the sector's economic importance.
2012: Belize's Military Spending
In 2012, Belize allocated about $17 million, representing 1.08% of its GDP, to military expenditures.
2012: UDP Re-elected with a Reduced Majority
The United Democratic Party, led by Dean Barrow, won the 2012 general election, securing a second term. However, their majority was considerably smaller compared to the previous election.
2013: Supreme Court Upholds Customary Land Titles
Belize's Supreme Court, in 2013, reaffirmed its earlier ruling from 2010 that recognized customary land titles as communal land for indigenous peoples, further strengthening the legal basis for these rights.
2014: Belize Designated as "Major Money Laundering Country"
Due to its vulnerability to drug trafficking and money laundering activities, the United States Department of State designated Belize as one of the world's "major money laundering countries" in 2014.
November 2015: UDP's Third Consecutive Victory
In November 2015, the United Democratic Party (UDP), under Dean Barrow's leadership, secured their third consecutive general election victory. This win increased the party's representation in parliament from 17 to 19 seats. Barrow announced that this election would mark his final term as party leader, and preparations for electing his successor were initiated.
December 2015: Belize Bans Offshore Oil Drilling
Reinforcing its dedication to protecting its marine environment, Belize implemented a ban on offshore oil drilling in December 2015. This measure specifically covers areas within 1 kilometer of the Belize Barrier Reef and all seven of its World Heritage Sites.
2015: Caribbean Court of Justice Orders Land Registry
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in 2015, issued an order directing the Belizean government to establish a land registry. This registry was intended to facilitate the classification and exercise of traditional governance over Mayan lands, further supporting their land rights.
2016: Belize's Biocapacity and Ecological Footprint
In 2016, Belize possessed a biocapacity of 3.8 global hectares per person, significantly surpassing the global average of 1.6 global hectares. However, Belize's ecological footprint of consumption in the same year was 5.4 global hectares per person, indicating that the country was exceeding its biocapacity and facing a biocapacity deficit.
2016: Summer Olympics
Simone Biles, a dual citizen of the United States and Belize, won four gold medals in gymnastics at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
2016: End of the "Education Sector Strategy 2011–2016"
The "Education Sector Strategy 2011–2016", focused on improving Belize's education system, came to an end in 2016.
2017: Belize's Struggle to Recognize Indigenous Rights
As of 2017, challenges persisted for Belize in acknowledging and upholding the rights of its indigenous populations.
April 2018: Guatemala's Referendum on Belize Territorial Claim
On April 15, 2018, Guatemala conducted a referendum to determine public support for taking its territorial claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for resolution. The outcome was overwhelmingly in favor, with 95% voting 'yes'.
2018: Belize's Forest Landscape Integrity Index Score
In 2018, Belize attained a mean score of 6.15 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, securing its position as the 85th ranked nation globally out of 172 countries assessed.
2018: Population Growth Rate
In 2018, Belize's population growth rate was estimated at 1.87% per year, positioning it as the second-highest in Central America and among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
April 2019: Postponement of Belize's Referendum
Initially scheduled for April 10, 2019, a referendum in Belize on the territorial dispute with Guatemala was postponed due to a court ruling.
May 2019: Belize's Referendum on ICJ Resolution
On May 8, 2019, Belize held its referendum on whether to refer the territorial dispute with Guatemala to the ICJ. The majority, 55.4% of voters, opted to proceed with the ICJ route.
2019: Gender Inequality Index in Belize
The UN assigned Belize a Gender Inequality Index score of 0.415 in 2019, positioning it at 97th place out of 162 countries.
2019: Women's Workforce Participation and Political Representation in Belize
As of 2019, 49.9% of women in Belize were part of the workforce, compared to 80.6% of men, and women held 11.1% of the seats in Belize's National Assembly.
November 2020: People's United Party Regains Power
On November 11, 2020, the People's United Party (PUP), under the leadership of Johnny Briceño, won the general election, defeating the United Democratic Party (UDP). This victory marked the PUP's first win since 2003. They secured 26 out of 31 seats to form the new government.
December 2020: Guatemala's Initial Brief Submission Deadline
The ICJ set a deadline of December 2020 for Guatemala to submit its initial brief in the case concerning the territorial dispute with Belize.
2020: Ongoing Border Dispute with Guatemala
As of 2020, the border dispute between Belize and Guatemala persists, remaining a contentious issue.
2021: Global Gender Gap Report Ranking for Belize
The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report ranked Belize 90th out of 156 countries in 2021, placing it fourth from last in Latin America and the Caribbean.
2022: Population and Demographics
As of 2022, Belize had a population of 410,990 and a land area of 22,970 square kilometers.
2022: Belize's Response Brief Submission Deadline
Belize was given until 2022 to submit its response brief to the International Court of Justice in the case concerning the territorial dispute.
2022: Hurricane Lisa Makes Landfall
Hurricane Lisa made landfall in Belize in 2022, marking the most recent hurricane to directly impact the country.
2023: Homicide Rate in Belize
Belize recorded 87 murders in 2023, resulting in a homicide rate of 19.7 murders per 100,000 people, with Belize City, particularly its southern part, experiencing significant gang-related violence.
2023: Crime Statistics in Belize
In 2023, Belize reported 34 cases of rape, 170 robberies, 628 burglaries, and 118 cases of theft.
2023: Belize Achieves Malaria Elimination Certification
In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) awarded Belize certification for successfully eliminating malaria. This achievement makes Belize the second Central American country to attain this status.
2030: UN Sustainable Development Goals and Lack of Indigenous Representation
Belize's voluntary national report on its progress toward the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals revealed a concerning absence of indigenous representation. Indigenous groups were not incorporated into the country's indicators, and the Maya population received only a single mention throughout the entire report.