Belize is a small country in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Its capital is Belmopan, while Belize City is the largest and a key economic hub. Belize was formerly a British colony, known as British Honduras, and gained independence in 1981. The official language is English, and the currency is the Belize dollar (BZD). Belize is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, coral reefs, and the world's second-largest barrier reef. The country has a growing tourism industry, particularly for eco-tourism and scuba diving, as well as a strong agricultural and fishing sector.