978-1-4222-3285-9

Chronology

Guatemala recognizes Belize’s territorial right to exist.

1992 1994 2001

The British garrison of soldiers stationed to protect Belize withdraws. Belize’s population reaches a quarter million, up from 40,000 at the beginning of the 20th century. In legislative elections held in March, the People’s United Party wins 22 of 29 seats in the national assembly. Belize’s public-sector debt rises to 93 percent of its GDP, making its government one of the most heavily indebted in the world. A commercially viable oil field is discovered near Spanish Lookout. The United Democratic Party wins a majority in the national assembly, and UDP leader Dean Barrow is sworn in as the nation’s first black prime minister. UDP maintains its majority in legislative elections, and Barrow begins a second term as prime minister; Belize draws more than 1 million tourists for the first time. A proposed referendum on whether to submit the Belize-Guatemala border dispute to be determined by the International Court of Justice is cancelled. Many people protest a proposed tourist resort called Puerto Azul, which they say would damage the ecosystem around Belize’s Great Blue Hole. Belize celebrates its 25th year as an independent nation.

2003

2004

2006 2005 2008

2012

2013

2014

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