Hotels, Hostels, and YouthHostels in Belize

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Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime. LOCATION: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico CLIMATE: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May) BORDERS:Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km More...Christopher Columbus sailed along the coast of Central America in 1502, and named the bay which borders the southern part of the barrier reef Bay of Honduras. The first settlers in Belize were English Puritans, setting up trading post along the coast of Belize. Various bands of ship wrecked sailors, buccaneers and pirates established permanent bases in Belize, harrassing the Spanish galleons carrying gold, silver, and hardwoods from Central America to Europe. It wasn't long before logging became the dominant occupation. This band of rugged individuals took to calling themselves quot;Baymenquot; after the Bay of Honduras. Spain continually attempted to expel these British buccaneers from then Spanish territory, but finally signed treaties in 1763 and 1786 allowing the British to continue to harvest timber in exchange for protection against pirates preying on the Spanish galleons. By the early 1900's, Belize had grown to nearly 40,000 inhabitants. But a destructive 1931 hurricane destroyed Belize City and by the 1930's, the economy was so poor that the residents began to call for independence. By 1954 voting rights were extended to all adults, and by 1961, England agreed to begin the process of setting Belize free. In 1973, the colony's name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, Belize's Independence was declared.

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