Belize

The National Flag of Belize

The national flag of Belize is a symbol of unity and national pride, reflecting the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. The flag of Belize features the national Coat of Arms centered on a royal blue field, with red stripes at the top and bottom. Each element of the flag holds significant meaning, representing the heritage and values of Belize.

Belize Flag Clip Art Images, Backgrounds and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Belize Flag Image

To download an image of the Belize flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Belize Flag

The Belize flag features a design that is rich in symbolism and meaning:

• Blue Field: The royal blue background represents the unity of the people of Belize and their commitment to peace.
• Red Stripes: The red stripes at the top and bottom of the flag symbolize the nation’s vigor and the blood of its heroes. They were added to represent the unity of Belize’s political parties.
• Coat of Arms: Centered on the flag is the national Coat of Arms, which reflects the country’s history and natural resources.
• Shield: The shield is divided into three sections, each illustrating tools and symbols of the logging industry and maritime trade:
  • A paddle and squaring axe, symbolizing the mahogany cutters.
  • A beating axe and a crosscut saw, representing the tools used in the logging industry.
  • A ship in full sail, highlighting the importance of maritime trade.
• Supporters: The shield is held by two men:
  • Mestizo man with an axe: On the left, representing the people of mixed European and indigenous descent.
  • Man of African descent with a paddle: On the right, representing the African heritage of Belize’s population.
• Mahogany Tree: Positioned above the shield, symbolizing the importance of the mahogany industry to Belize’s history and economy.
• Wreath of 50 Leaves: Surrounding the shield is a circular wreath of 50 mahogany leaves, sometimes interpreted as representing the year 1950, marking the beginning of the nationalist movement leading to independence.
• National Motto: Below the shield is the Latin motto “Sub Umbra Floreo,” which translates to “Under the Shade I Flourish.”

The Origins and Design of the Belize Flag

The flag of Belize reflects the nation’s journey toward independence and its rich cultural heritage. Adopted on September 21, 1981, the day Belize became an independent nation, the flag symbolizes unity, peace, and the country’s historical ties to the land and sea.

The Birth of a National Symbol

The original flag of Belize was introduced by the People’s United Party (PUP) in 1950, featuring a blue background with the Coat of Arms in the center, representing the party’s colors and the nation’s aspirations for independence. Upon gaining independence in 1981, red stripes were added to the top and bottom of the flag to represent the opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), ensuring the flag reflected the unity of all political factions and the nation as a whole.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Belize flag has evolved alongside the nation. The colors and elements are rich in meaning:

• Blue: Represents the unity of the people of Belize and their commitment to peace, traditionally associated with the PUP.
• Red: Symbolizes the nation’s vigor and the blood of its heroes, representing the UDP and the spirit of national unity.
• Coat of Arms: Reflects the country’s economic foundation in the logging industry, the diversity of its people, and its rich natural resources.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Belize flag include the Coat of Arms and its components:

• Mahogany Tree: Symbolizes the importance of the mahogany industry to Belize’s history and economy.
• Shield and Tools: Represent the logging industry and maritime trade, foundational aspects of the nation’s economy.
• Supporters: The two men holding the shield represent the diverse heritage of the Belizean people.
• National Motto: “Sub Umbra Floreo” signifies growth and prosperity under the protection of the nation.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The current design of the Belize flag was officially adopted on September 21, 1981, when Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom. The flag was chosen to represent the unity and aspirations of the Belizean people, incorporating elements that reflect the nation’s history, culture, and natural resources.

The Flag in Modern Belizean Identity

Today, the Belize flag is a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. It is prominently displayed during national holidays, such as Independence Day on September 21 and St. George’s Caye Day on September 10. The flag is also honored in schools, government institutions, and by Belizeans living abroad, serving as a reminder of the nation’s history, cultural heritage, and commitment to peace and unity.

The Significance of the Belize Flag

The flag of Belize holds a deep and significant place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing the rich history, culture, and unity of the nation. Displaying the Belize flag is an act of patriotism and respect, and it is done according to specific rules and on designated days that hold special meaning for the country.

When the Flag of Belize Can Be Displayed

The flag of Belize may be displayed on any day, but there are specific guidelines for when and how it should be presented. The flag should always be treated with the utmost respect, never touching the ground, and should be handled with care. It can be flown on public buildings, in schools, at military institutions, and during official ceremonies. Citizens are also encouraged to display the flag at their homes during national holidays and important commemorations.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Belize, there are several official flag days and national holidays when the flag is prominently displayed:

• September 21 – Independence Day: Marks Belize’s independence from British rule in 1981. The flag is central to the celebrations, with parades, cultural events, and patriotic displays nationwide.
• September 10 – St. George’s Caye Day: Commemorates the Battle of St. George’s Caye in 1798, a significant victory over Spanish forces. The flag is displayed to honor this important historical event.
• March 9 – National Heroes and Benefactors Day (Baron Bliss Day): Honors Baron Bliss and other national heroes who have contributed to the development of Belize.

Love for the Flag and Patriotism

The Belize flag is not just a national symbol; it is a representation of the pride and love that Belizeans have for their country. The flag’s design embodies the nation’s history, unity, and enduring spirit. Belizeans demonstrate their love for the flag and their patriotism in various ways. During national holidays, the flag is displayed prominently in homes, public spaces, and during parades and festivities. Schools instill a sense of respect for the flag from a young age, often including flag ceremonies as part of the daily routine. The national anthem, often sung in conjunction with the raising or lowering of the flag, further strengthens the emotional connection to this powerful symbol.

Belize Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1E7 U+1F1FF
• UTF-16: D83C DDE7 D83C DDFF

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇧🇿
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇧🇿

3. CSS

content: "\1F1E7\1F1FF";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const belizeFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFF";

// Java Example
String belizeFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFF";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$belizeFlag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1FF}";

// Ruby Example
belize_flag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1FF}"

6. Perl

my $belizeFlag = "\x{1F1E7}\x{1F1FF}";

7. Python

belize_flag = "\U0001F1E7\U0001F1FF"

8. C#

string belizeFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFF";

9. Swift

let belizeFlag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1FF}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *belizeFlag = @"\U0001F1E7\U0001F1FF";

11. JSON

{
  "belizeFlag": "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFF"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFF');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

belize_flag=$'\U1F1E7\U1F1FF'

14. Go (Golang)

belizeFlag := "\U0001F1E7\U0001F1FF"

15. Kotlin

val belizeFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFF"

About Belize

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The diverse geography of Belize includes:

• Dense tropical rainforests
• The Maya Mountains and associated highlands
• Coastal plains and mangroves
• The Belize Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System
• Numerous islands and cayes off the coast
• Rivers such as the Belize River and New River

Belize Map

Area and Population

Belize covers an area of approximately 22,966 square kilometers (8,867 square miles), making it the least densely populated country in Central America. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 419,000 people.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Belize is known for its diverse population, with a mix of cultures and ethnicities. The ethnic composition includes:

• Mestizo (mixed European and Indigenous): approximately 52.9%
• Creole (Afro-European): around 26%
• Maya: about 11.3%
• Garifuna (Afro-Indigenous): roughly 6.1%
• Other groups including East Indian, Mennonite, and Chinese

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Belize”

The origin of the name “Belize” is uncertain but is believed to be derived from the Maya word “Belix” meaning “muddy water,” referring to the Belize River. Another theory suggests it comes from the Spanish pronunciation of “Wallace,” the surname of a Scottish buccaneer who settled in the area in the 17th century.

History

The history of Belize is rich and multifaceted, beginning with the Maya civilization that inhabited the region for thousands of years. Key historical events include:

• Colonization by the British in the 17th century, becoming known as British Honduras
• The abolition of slavery in 1838, leading to the settlement of freed African slaves
• Achieving self-government in 1964
• Gaining full independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981

Government and Politics

Capital

Belmopan is the capital of Belize. Established in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City, it serves as the seat of government and administrative center.

Government and Politics

Belize operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, recognizing the British monarch as the head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. The government consists of three branches: the executive, led by the Prime Minister, the legislative, consisting of the National Assembly (House of Representatives and Senate), and the judicial, headed by the Supreme Court.

Values and Culture

Core values in Belize include respect for multiculturalism, environmental conservation, and community. The country is known for its friendly people and laid-back lifestyle.

Religion

Belize is religiously diverse, with Christianity being the predominant faith, practiced by about 74% of the population. Other religions include:

• Roman Catholicism: approximately 40%
• Protestant denominations: around 31%
• Other religions: including Hinduism, Islam, and Baha’i Faith
• A portion of the population identifies as non-religious

Holidays

Major public holidays in Belize include:

• Independence Day on September 21
• Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19
• Baron Bliss Day on March 9
• Religious holidays like Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language of Belize is English, making it the only English-speaking country in Central America. Other languages spoken include:

• Belizean Creole (Kriol), widely used as a lingua franca
• Spanish, spoken by a significant portion of the population
• Indigenous languages such as Mayan languages (Q’eqchi’, Mopan, Yucatec)
• Garifuna, German (by Mennonite communities), and others

Society and Sports

Belizean society is a blend of various cultures, and sports play an important role. Popular sports include:

• Football (soccer)
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Softball
• Cricket, especially in certain districts

Belize participates in regional sporting events and is known for its marine sports due to its extensive coastline and coral reefs.

Safety

Safety in Belize varies by region. While tourist areas are generally safe, some urban areas experience higher levels of crime. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and follow local guidelines.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Belize has a small, open economy primarily driven by:

• Agriculture: including sugar, bananas, citrus fruits
• Tourism: particularly eco-tourism and marine activities
• Fishing and aquaculture
• Oil production, though limited
• Forestry and logging

The economy is influenced by global commodity prices and is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographical location.

Currency

The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD), symbolized by “BZ$.” It is pegged to the U.S. Dollar at a fixed rate of 2 BZ$ to 1 US$.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Belizean culture is a rich tapestry influenced by its diverse population. The arts scene includes:

• Music: genres like punta, brukdown, and reggae are popular
• Dance: traditional dances reflect Garifuna and Mayan heritage
• Visual Arts: local artisans create crafts, paintings, and sculptures
• Festivals: such as the Costa Maya Festival and Lobster Fest

Cuisine

Belizean cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from various cultures. Key dishes include:

• Rice and Beans: a staple dish often served with stewed chicken and potato salad
• Fry Jacks: deep-fried dough pieces, commonly eaten at breakfast
• Hudut: a Garifuna dish of fish in coconut broth with mashed plantains
• Ceviche: seafood marinated in lime juice with onions and peppers

National Anthem

The national anthem of Belize, “Land of the Free,” was adopted upon independence in 1981. The lyrics were written by Samuel Alfred Haynes, and the music composed by Selwyn Walford Young.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Belize has a developing transportation network, including:

• Roadways connecting major towns and districts
• Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport near Belize City
• Domestic flights operated by local airlines to various destinations
• Water taxis and ferries serving the islands and coastal areas
• Buses are the primary mode of public transport for locals

Time Zone

Belize operates on Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC−6.

Web and Phone Code

Belize’s internet country code is “.bz,” and its international dialing code is +501.

Belize: Things to See and Do

Belize is renowned for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Belize:

Explore Ancient Maya Ruins

Belize is home to numerous archaeological sites from the ancient Maya civilization.

• Xunantunich: Featuring the impressive El Castillo pyramid with panoramic views
• Caracol: One of the largest Maya sites in Belize, located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve
• Lamanai: Accessible via riverboat, known for its High Temple and wildlife

Dive the Belize Barrier Reef

Experience world-class diving and snorkeling at the second-largest barrier reef system.

• Great Blue Hole: A giant marine sinkhole popular among divers
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Offers diverse marine life and coral formations
• Turneffe Atoll: Known for its clear waters and abundant sea life

Enjoy Beautiful Beaches

Relax on pristine beaches along the Caribbean coast.

• Ambergris Caye: The largest island, known for its sandy beaches and vibrant town of San Pedro
• Placencia Peninsula: Offers 16 miles of beach and a laid-back atmosphere
• Caye Caulker: A small island famous for its motto “Go Slow” and relaxed vibe

Experience Eco-Tourism and Wildlife

Discover Belize’s rich biodiversity in its protected areas.

• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: The world’s first jaguar reserve
• Community Baboon Sanctuary: Home to howler monkeys and a community conservation project
• Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave): An archaeological site with cave exploration

Savor the Cuisine

Taste the flavors of Belizean food and drink.

• Visit local markets for fresh produce and street food
• Enjoy seafood dishes like grilled lobster (in season)
• Sample traditional Garifuna dishes in coastal villages

Participate in Cultural Festivals

Join in local celebrations and events.

• Garifuna Settlement Day: Celebrated on November 19 with music, dance, and parades
• Belize Carnival: Colorful costumes and street parades in September
• Chocolate Festival of Belize: Held in Toledo District, celebrating cacao farming

Explore the Great Outdoors

Engage in adventure activities amidst nature.

• Hiking in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
• River tubing and zip-lining in inland areas
• Bird watching with over 500 species recorded in Belize

Relax in Charming Towns

Experience the hospitality of Belizean towns.

• San Ignacio: A hub for adventure tours and cultural experiences
• Punta Gorda: Gateway to southern Belize and rich in cultural diversity