The Mayans were the first to establish settlements in and develop Belize back in 1500 B.C.E, as shown in archaeological records.

1502 was the year the Europeans established contact with Belize, when Columbus reached the coast. England was the first to establish an European settlement here in 1638, with more settlements popping up as the years went by.

Belize was termed a Colony of the British Honduras in 1840, and then a crown colony in 1862. A hundred years later, it would become one of England’s representative governments. However, a ministerial system with full self-government was accorded it in January of 1964. Its name changed to Belize in 1973, and finally, on September 21 of 1981, it managed to achieve full independence for itself.