British Honduras

British Honduras was the name of the colony that is now known as Belize. Established in the 17th century as a British logging settlement, it became a colony in the 19th century. The territory was officially renamed Belize in 1973 and gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981.

Initially, British Honduras focused on the extraction of logwood and mahogany, which were in high demand in Europe for shipbuilding and furniture-making. The colony was governed by a British-appointed governor, and over time, local governance structures were introduced, allowing for greater local participation in administration.

In the mid-20th century, a movement for independence gained momentum, influenced by the rise of nationalism and the push for self-governance across the Caribbean and Central America. Belize's cultural landscape reflects its colonial history, with a blend of British, Caribbean, and indigenous influences, leading to a diverse population that includes Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Maya communities.