Belize lies on the east coast of Central America’s Caribbean Basin, just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, east of Guatemala, and north of Honduras.

The East Coast of Belize is lined by the Caribbean Sea and hundreds of island cayes, which support one of the world's most diverse underwater habitats. The shoreline is bordered by the world's second largest barrier reef, making Belize a popular diving and fishing destination. The country itself occupies a land mass smaller than most US states. At its broadest point, Belize is 68 miles (109 km) wide and 175 miles (280 km) long.

English is the official language of Belize, though a number of dialects are spoken among the country's 250,000 citizens. This is the result of Belize's rich and multicultural heritage.

Formally known as "British Honduras", Belize continues to be a melting pot of immigrant cultures. Belize was originally inhabited by the Maya, but other groups have helped shape its unique culture over the past 300 years. British pirates, former slaves from India and Yucatan refugees from the Caste War have all had a profound influence on the development of Belize.

Belize is divided into six different districts: