Belize explained to kids

Belize is a small country in Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize has a population of about 400,000 people. The capital city is Belmopan, and the largest city is Belize City. The official language is English. Belize is a tropical country. The climate is hot and humid, with a rainy season from May to November. The average temperature is about 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Belize has a lot of rainforests, and the country is home to many different kinds of animals, including howler monkeys, jaguars, and tapirs. Belize is famous for its coral reefs. These reefs are home to many different kinds of fish, turtles, and other sea creatures. Belize's Barrier Reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world! The people of Belize are called Belizeans. The main religion is Christianity. Belizean Creole and Spanish are also spoken. Belize was once part of the Maya civilization. The Maya were a group of people who lived in parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize from about 2000 BC to 1500 AD. The Maya built huge temples and pyramids, and they were skilled farmers, astronomers, and mathematicians. Belize gained its independence from Britain in 1981. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state.