Belize Geography

Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala.  The coordinates are about 17 degrees north and 88 degrees west.  The total area is 22,966 sq km.  It consists of the mainland of Belize and a number of cayes.  The north of the mainland is a plain which was once a seabed, and is now covered with a thin layer of soil.  Along the coast are mangrove swamps, dotted with cypress and sycamore.  The centre of the mainland is partly covered with sandy soil with savanna topography; further inland consists of highlands which rise to between 1,500 and 3,700 feet above sea level to form the Pine Ridge Area and the Maya Mountains.  They become the water source for several streams which allow rain to run off the mountains into the Macal River and the Mapan River, which eventually merge to become the Belize River.

In the south are the Maya Mountains from where short rivers flow down the slopes carrying sand, clay and silt to form rich alluvial plains along the coast.  It is in this region which has rich soil and abundant annual rainfall of about 170 inches that one can find tropical rainforests that provide a home for a multitude of vegetation, including tropical hardwoods, ferns and palms.  Apart from the forests, most of the agricultural activities in Belize take place in this region, from where citrus fruits, bananas and many other kinds of fruits and vegetables are grown.

Along the coast and offshore are cayes ("keys"), the offshore atolls, and the barrier reef. The cayes are islands that are located between the mainland and the barrier reef, and around the reef.  Many cayes are not habitable but has mangroves along their shores which provide sanctuary for marine life and birds.  Some offshore cayes have more solid grounds and have been developed for human inhabitation, including hotels and resorts.  The barrier reef off the coast is 185 miles long, and is teaming with marine life.