History of Belize in Timeline

Belize is a Central American country bordering Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and Guatemala. It shares a maritime border with Honduras. A member of CARICOM and the Commonwealth Caribbean, Belize is part of the Caribbean region. It is located on the north-eastern coast of Central America.

1900: Cellular services via GSM 1900

Both BTL and Speednet sell cellular services via GSM 1900 megahertz (MHz)

1931: Devastating hurricane and worsening unemployment

In 1931, a devastating hurricane struck the colony of Belize, worsening the effects of widespread unemployment caused by the Great Depression.

1931: Hurricane destroys Belize City

In 1931, an unnamed hurricane destroyed over two-thirds of the buildings in Belize City and killed more than 1,000 people.

1935: Elections reinstated with limited eligibility

In 1935, elections were reinstated in Belize, but only 1.8 percent of the population was eligible to vote.

1949: Devaluation of British Honduras dollar and creation of People's Committee

In 1949, Britain's decision to devalue the British Honduras dollar worsened economic conditions in Belize and led to the creation of the People's Committee, which demanded independence.

1952: U.S. Peace Corps program in Belize

Since 1952, the U.S. Peace Corps has established a public health and education program in Belize through the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Program in Central America.

1954: First election under universal suffrage

In 1954, the first election under universal suffrage was held in Belize and was decisively won by the People's United Party (PUP).

1954: Women won the right to vote

In 1954, women in Belize won the right to vote.

1955: Hurricane Janet levels Corozal

In 1955, Hurricane Janet levelled the northern town of Corozal.

1956: George Cadle Price became PUP's leader

In 1956, George Cadle Price became the leader of the People's United Party (PUP).

1958: Migration of Mennonites from Mexico

After 1958, Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonites migrated mostly from Mexico to Belize.

1961: George Cadle Price becomes effective head of government

In 1961, George Cadle Price became the effective head of government in Belize.

1961: Hurricane Hattie and Internal Relocation

In 1961, Hurricane Hattie forced major internal relocation in Belize.

1964: Britain grants British Honduras self-government

In 1964, Britain granted British Honduras self-government under a new constitution.

1971: Religious Demographics

According to PROLADES, in 1971, 64.6% of Belize's population was Catholic, 27.8% was Protestant, and 7.6% adhered to other religions.

June 1973: British Honduras officially renamed Belize

On June 1973, British Honduras was officially renamed Belize.

1974: Domination by two parties

Since 1974, the party system in Belize has been dominated by the centre-left People's United Party and the centre-right United Democratic Party.

1978: Hurricane Greta causes damage

In 1978, Hurricane Greta caused more than US$25 million in damage along the southern coast of Belize.

1980: Belize's Forest Cover

A remote sensing study showed that Belize's forest cover in late 1980 was approximately 75.9%.

1980: Ethnic-Demographic Shift

In 1980, the Creole/Hispanic ratio in Belize was 58/38.

1980: Deployment of RAF Harriers

In 1980, the RAF Harrier detachment was permanently stationed in Belize.

1980: Wave of Central American Migrants

In the 1980s, a wave of Central American migrants from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua came to settle in Belize, as the government and United Nations opened the nation's doors to neighbors fleeing civil war and persecution.

September 1981: Belize achieves independence

On September 1981, Belize achieved its independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a Commonwealth realm with King Charles III as its monarch.

1981: British Forces Maintained

After Belize achieved independence in 1981 the United Kingdom maintained a deterrent force (British Forces Belize) in the country to protect it from invasion by Guatemala.

1981: U.S. becomes major diplomatic partner

Since 1981, following Belize's Independence, the United States (U.S.) has been a major diplomatic partner to Belize.

1984: George Cadle Price out of government

In 1984, George Cadle Price lost his title as head of government.

1984: UDP defeats the PUP

In 1984, the United Democratic Party (UDP) defeated the People's United Party (PUP) in the first national election after independence.

1986: Citizenship-by-Investment Programme Begins

In 1986, Belize initiated its citizenship-by-investment programme.

1986: University College of Belize Founded

In 1986, the University College of Belize was founded, later evolving into the University of Belize.

1989: PUP returns to power

In 1989, the PUP under George Cadle Price returned to power after elections.

1990: Forest Cover in Belize

In 1990, forest cover in Belize was 1,600,030 hectares (ha).

1990: Limestone exploitation for road construction

In 1990, limestone, used in road construction, was the only mineral resource exploited for domestic or export use in Belize.

1990: Establishment of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

In 1990, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was founded as the first wilderness sanctuary for the jaguar.

1991: Creole/Hispanic Ratio

By 1991, the Creole/Hispanic ratio had shifted to 26/53 in Belize.

1991: Catholic Population

Catholics formed 57% of Belize's population in 1991.

1993: UDP regains power

In 1993, the UDP regained power in the national election, and Manuel Esquivel became prime minister for a second time.

1994: Withdrawal of British soldiers

In 1994, British soldiers were withdrawn from Belize, but the United Kingdom left behind a military training unit.

1994: British Force Leaves

In 1994, three years after Guatemala recognized Belizean independence, the main British force left.

1995: Belize becomes member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

In 1995, Belize became an original member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

1996: Belize Barrier Reef declared a World Heritage Site

In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

1996: Belize Barrier Reef designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1997: Strength of the regular army

In 1997 the regular army numbered more than 900, the reserve army 381, the air wing 45 and the maritime wing 36, amounting to an overall strength of approximately 1,400.

1997: Citizenship-by-Investment Price Increase

In 1997, the price for Belize's citizenship-by-investment programme increased from US$25,000 to US$50,000.

1998: Said Musa Becomes Prime Minister

In 1998, Said Musa became the Prime Minister of Belize.

1998: CARICOM Men's Basketball Championship Win

In 1998, the Belize national basketball team won the CARICOM Men's Basketball Championship.

1998: PUP wins landslide victory

In 1998, the PUP won a landslide victory in the national elections, and Said Musa was sworn in as prime minister.

1998: Damage to Belize's Coral Reef

It is claimed by scientists that over 40% of Belize's coral reef has been damaged since 1998.

1999: Fortis takes over management of BEL

In 1999, Fortis Inc. took over the management of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) at the invitation of the government of Belize.

1999: Centrobasquet Tournament Participation

In 1999, the Belize national basketball team participated in the Centrobasquet Tournament in Havana, finishing seventh.

1999: Tourism and construction sectors strengthen

The tourist and construction sectors strengthened in early 1999, leading to a preliminary estimate of revived growth at four percent in Belize.

2000: CARICOM Championship Placement

At the 2000 CARICOM championship in Barbados, the Belize national basketball team placed fourth.

2000: Catholic Population

By 2000, the Catholic population in Belize had dropped to 49%.

2000: Hurricane Keith hits Belize

In 2000, Hurricane Keith hit the nation as a Category 4 storm on 1 October, causing 19 deaths and at least $280 million in damage.

October 2001: Hurricane Iris makes landfall

On 9 October 2001, Hurricane Iris made landfall at Monkey River Town as a Category 4 storm. The storm demolished most of the homes in the village, and destroyed the banana crop.

2001: Central American Games Championship Win

In 2001, Belize won the Central American Games championship in basketball.

2001: Caribbean Community votes to work towards replacing the UK's Judicial Committee

In 2001, the Caribbean Community heads of government voted on a measure declaring that the region should work towards replacing the UK's Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as final court of appeal with the Caribbean Court of Justice.

2003: PUP maintains majority

In 2003, the PUP maintained its majority in the elections, and Said Musa continued as prime minister.

2003: Last PUP Government

The last time the People's United Party (PUP) was in government prior to 2020 was in 2003.

2005: Unrest caused by discontent with the PUP government

In 2005, Belize experienced unrest due to discontent with the PUP government, including tax increases.

2005: Baháʼí Population

In 2005, the Association of Religion Data Archives estimated that there were 7,776 Baháʼís in Belize, constituting 2.5% of the national population.

2005: Maritime wing became part of the Belizean Coast Guard

In 2005, the maritime wing of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) became part of the Belizean Coast Guard.

2006: COCABA Championship Record

In 2006, the Belize national basketball team finished with a 2–4 record in the COCABA championship.

2006: Cultivation of crude oil

In 2006, the cultivation of newly discovered crude oil in the town of Spanish Lookout presented new prospects and problems for Belize.

2007: Belize backs UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

In 2007, Belize backed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which established legal land rights to indigenous groups.

2007: Belize becomes the world's third largest exporter of papaya

In 2007, Belize became the world's third largest exporter of papaya.

2007: Hurricane Dean makes landfall

In 2007, Hurricane Dean made landfall as a Category 5 storm only 40 km north of the Belize–Mexico border, causing extensive damage in northern Belize.

February 2008: Dean Barrow sworn in as prime minister

On February 2008, Dean Barrow was sworn in as prime minister after his UDP won a landslide victory in general elections.

2008: PUC disallows recovery of fuel costs for BEL

In 2008, Belize's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) disallowed the recovery of previously incurred fuel and purchased power costs in customer rates for Belize Electricity Ltd. (BEL).

2008: Masjid Al-Falah Opens

In 2008, Masjid Al-Falah officially opened in Belize City.

2008: End of Said Musa's Premiership

In 2008, Said Musa's term as the Prime Minister of Belize concluded.

August 2009: Government of Belize nationalizes Belize Telemedia Limited

In August 2009, the government of Belize nationalized Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), which now competes directly with Speednet.

2009: COCABA Tournament Finish

In 2009, the Belize national basketball team finished second in the COCABA tournament in Cancun, Mexico.

August 2010: Study Reveals Decrease in Belize's Forest Cover

A study published in August 2010 revealed that Belize's forest cover in early 2010 was approximately 62.7%, down from 75.9% in late 1980.

October 2010: Hurricane Richard affects Belize

In October 2010, Belize was directly affected by the Category 2 Hurricane Richard, which made landfall approximately 32 kilometres south-southeast of Belize City on 25 October 2010. The storm caused damage of $17.4 million USD, primarily to crops and housing.

December 2010: Belize bans bottom trawling

In December 2010, Belize became the first country in the world to completely ban bottom trawling.

2010: Religious Demographics

According to the 2010 census, 40.1% of Belizeans are Catholics and 31.8% are Protestants.

2010: Literacy Rate

As of 2010, the literacy rate in Belize was estimated at 79.7%.

2010: Centrobasquet Tournament

In 2010, Belize won its opening match in the Centrobasquet Tournament, defeating Trinidad and Tobago, but failed to qualify.

2010: Indo-Belizean Population

In 2010, Indo-Belizeans made up 3.9% of the population of Belize.

2010: Supreme Court ruling acknowledges customary land titles

In 2010, the Supreme Court of Belize made a ruling that acknowledges customary land titles as communal land for indigenous peoples, a ruling that was upheld in 2013.

May 2011: Supreme Court grants BEL application against PUC

In May 2011, the Supreme Court of Belize granted Belize Electricity Ltd.'s (BEL) application to prevent the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from taking any enforcement actions pending appeal.

June 2011: Government of Belize nationalizes BEL

On 14 June 2011, the government of Belize nationalized the ownership interest of Fortis Inc. in Belize Electricity Ltd. (BEL).

2011: Education Sector Strategy

In 2011, the "Education Sector Strategy 2011–2016" was initiated, setting three objectives for the years to come.

2011: United States adds Belize to list of major drug transit countries

In 2011, the United States added Belize to the list of nations considered major drug producers or transit countries for narcotics.

2011: British Forces leave Ladyville Barracks

In 2011, the last British Forces left Ladyville Barracks, with the exception of seconded advisers.

2012: Expected hearing in Court of Appeal regarding BEL judgement

A hearing was expected in 2012 in the Court of Appeal regarding Belize Electricity Ltd's (BEL) appeal of a judgement by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

2012: Tourist Arrivals and Receipts

In 2012, Belize saw a total of 917,869 tourist arrivals, with approximately 584,683 originating from the United States. Tourist receipts for 2012 amounted to over $1.3 billion, highlighting the significance of tourism to Belize's economy.

2012: UDP re-elected with smaller majority

In 2012, Dean Barrow and the UDP were re-elected with a considerably smaller majority.

2012: Military Spending

In 2012, the Belizean government spent about $17 million on the military, constituting 1.08% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

2013: Supreme Court upholds ruling on customary land titles

In 2013, The Supreme Court of Belize upheld its 2010 ruling that acknowledges customary land titles as communal land for indigenous peoples.

2014: Belize named as a major money laundering country

Since 2014, the United States Department of State has named Belize as one of the world's "major money laundering countries".

November 2015: UDP wins third consecutive general election

In November 2015, Dean Barrow led the UDP to a third consecutive general election victory, increasing the party's number of seats.

December 2015: Belize bans offshore oil drilling near Barrier Reef

In December 2015, Belize banned offshore oil drilling within 1 km of the Barrier Reef and all of its seven World Heritage Sites.

2015: CCJ orders Belize to develop a land registry

In 2015, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ordered the Belizean government to develop a land registry to classify and exercise traditional governance over Mayan lands.

2016: Biocapacity in Belize

In 2016, Belize had 3.8 global hectares of biocapacity per person within its territory, much more than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person. In 2016 Belize used 5.4 global hectares of biocapacity per person.

2016: Request for Assistance from IOM

In 2016, Belize requested assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

2016: Simone Biles Wins Gold Medals

In 2016, Simone Biles, a dual citizen of the United States and Belize, won four gold medals at the Rio Summer Olympics.

2016: Education Sector Strategy

The "Education Sector Strategy 2011–2016" was in effect in 2016, setting three objectives for the years to come.

2017: Belize struggles to recognize indigenous populations

As of 2017, Belize still struggles to recognize indigenous populations and their respective rights. Indigenous groups are not factored into the country's indicators in the 50-page voluntary national report Belize created on its progress toward the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

2017: Oil Production

As of 2017, oil production in Belize was 320 m/d (2,000 bbl/d).

April 2018: Guatemala referendum

On April 2018, Guatemala's government held a referendum to determine if the country should take its territorial claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

2018: Forest Landscape Integrity Index for Belize

Belize had a 2018 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.15/10, ranking it 85th globally out of 172 countries.

2018: Population Growth Rate

In 2018, Belize's population growth rate was estimated at 1.87% per year, which was the second-highest in the region.

2018: Launch of National Migration Policy Plan

In 2018, a national migration policy plan was launched in Belize.

2018: Request to ICJ

In 2018, countries submitted requests to the ICJ.

April 2019: Referendum postponed

In April 2019, a referendum was to be held in Belize, but a court ruling led to its postponement.

May 2019: Referendum sends matter to ICJ

On May 2019, a referendum was held in Belize, and 55.4% of voters opted to send the matter to the ICJ.

2019: Workforce Participation of Women

As of 2019, 49.9% of women in Belize participate in the workforce, compared to 80.6% of men.

2019: Request to ICJ

In 2019, countries submitted requests to the ICJ.

2019: Gender Inequality Index Score

In 2019, the UN gave Belize a Gender Inequality Index score of 0.415, ranking it 97th out of 162 countries.

November 2020: People's United Party defeats UDP

On November 2020, the People's United Party (PUP), led by Johnny Briceño, defeated the United Democratic Party (UDP) for the first time since 2003.

December 2020: Guatemala initial brief submitted

By December 2020, the ICJ ordered Guatemala's initial brief be submitted.

2020: Border Dispute unresolved

As of 2020, the border dispute with Guatemala remains unresolved and contentious.

2020: U.S. Aid to Belize

From 2020 to 2023, the U.S. provided $2.62 Billion U.S. dollars in aid to Belize.

2020: Belizeans in U.S. Census Data

In the 2020 U.S. Census Data, Belizeans ranked fourth largest in the "Some Other Race Alone" group, numbering 11,311 people.

2021: Global Gender Gap Report Ranking

In 2021, the World Economic Forum ranked Belize 90th out of 156 countries in its Global Gender Gap Report.

2022: Population and Vital Statistics

According to the 2022 census, Belize's population was 397,483. The birth rate in 2022 was 17.8 births per 1,000 population, and the death rate was 6.3 deaths per 1,000 population.

2022: Belize's response

By 2022, the ICJ ordered Belize's response be submitted.

2022: Hurricane Lisa makes landfall in Belize

The most recent hurricane to make landfall in Belize was Hurricane Lisa in 2022.

June 2023: Written submissions ended

On June 2023, the stage of written submissions ended, with the next step being oral arguments from each country's legal teams.

2023: Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Belize

As a country, Belize's 2023 greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low (7.46 million tonnes), however, it ranks as the 13th highest country for per capita emissions, at 18.13 tonnes per person.

2023: U.S. Aid to Belize

From 2020 to 2023, the U.S. provided $2.62 Billion U.S. dollars in aid to Belize.

2023: Belize certified for malaria elimination by WHO

In 2023, Belize became the second Central American country to be awarded certification for the elimination of malaria by the WHO.

2023: Homicide Rate

In 2023, Belize recorded 87 murders, resulting in a homicide rate of 19.7 murders per 100,000 inhabitants.

2024: Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) development

In 2024, the development of the U.S. foreign assistance agency, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), was a big step in addressing further growth in the economy.

2030: Mention of UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals

According to the 50-page voluntary national report Belize created on its progress toward the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, indigenous groups are not factored into the country's indicators whatsoever.