History of Belize
Archeological evidence indicates that Belize was inhabited by prehistoric peoples sometime between 11,000 and 8,000 years ago. The Mayan civilization began to spread into the area about 1500 B.C. and flourished until about 1000 B.C. Christopher Columbus probably saw Belize when he sailed near its coast on his fourth voyage, in 1502. The first permanent European settlement was established in 1638 by a group of shipwrecked British seamen, at the site of what is now Belize City. Attracted by Belize's timber resources, more European settlers arrived, bringing with them African slaves. Belize also became home to thriving communities of pirates, who preyed on Spanish ships in the Caribbean. Britain and Spain contested the area until Spain recognized British sovereignty in the Treaty of Amiens (1802).
After gaining its independence from Spain in 1821, Guatemala claimed Belize. In 1859, Guatemala and Britain signed a treaty, in which Guatemala agreed to abandon its claims in return for a British promise to build a road between Guatemala's capital and the Caribbean. Britain never built the road, and Guatemala renewed its claims. The territory was made a British crown colony named British Honduras in 1862.
In 1964, British Honduras was given internal self-government, but independence was delayed because of Guatemala's claims. In 1973 the colony changed its name to Belize. In 1981 Belize became independent. Guatemala officially recognized Belize's independence in 1991, and in 1993 the two countries signed a non-aggression pact.
The People's United Party won elections in 1998, and Said Musa became prime minister. Musa remained as prime minister after his party won elections again in 2003.