Belize, independent state, north-eastern Central America, bordered on the north and north-west by Mexico, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the south and west by Guatemala. Belize, until 1973 known as British Honduras, became independent in 1981 and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The total area of Belize is 22,965 sq km (8,867 sq mi). The capital city is Belmopan; the largest city and major port is Belize City.