Because of the diversity of religion, Forty percent of the population consider themselves Roman Catholic, ten percent Protestant, five percent Seventh Day Adventist, and two percent Jehovahs Witnesses. The rest of the population is a mixture of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Atheism (Travel Belize).
According to archeological records, the first people to settle in Belize were the Maya in 1500 B.C. The first European settlement was established by English sailors who were shipwrecked in 1638 and for 150 years, more settlements were set up. For this reason, Belize was known as British Honduras in 1854. The British influence gave Belize a distinctive flavor compared to the other countries in Central America (National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our World); however, Belizeans found themselves in a situation where the British colonialist were exploiting the countrys resources and giving absolutely nothing in return to the colony (The World Fact Book Encyclopedia). As a result, the people were hungry, poor, and depressed by the economic situation. .
These series of events set a passion for independence. Territorial disputes between the United Kingdom and Guatemala delayed their independence until 1981. In 1973, the country changed its name from British Honduras to Belize (184). Even though Belize got its independence in 1981, Guatemala refused to acknowledge the new nation until 1992, and the two countries have been involved in an ongoing border dispute ever since.
In Belize, each region provides various cultures, and tourist sites. For example, Northern Belize is the home to one of their largest Maya sites. Southern Belize, known as The Culture Melting Pot, is home to Maya, Chinese, East Indians, and the Garifuna people. These different cultures still carry on their traditions to this day. Western Belize is home to archeological sites like Cahal Pech, the Butterfly Farm, and the Rainforest Medicinal Trails.
