Did you know…

The Belize National Anthem, “O, Land of The Free”, is actually from the poem “Oh Land of the Gods” by  The words were written by Samuel Haynes with the music was written by Dr. Selwyn Young. Find the words of the Belize National Anthem and the Belize National Prayer below.

Land of the Free

O. Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery oppression’s rod,
By the might of truth and the grace of God,
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.

Chorus: 
Arise! ye sons of the Baymen’s clan,
Put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee –
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O’er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow’s noon.

Chorus.

National Prayer

Almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ
has revealed Your Glory to all nations, please protect
and preserve Belize, our beloved country.

God of might, wisdom and justice, please assist our
Belizean government and people with your Holy Spirit
of counsel and fortitude.

Let your light of Your divine wisdom direct their plans
and endeavours so that with Your help we may attain
our just objectives. With Your guidance, may all our
endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national
happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge.

We pray, O God of Mercy, for all of us that we may be
blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the
observance of Your most holy law, that we may be
preserved in union and in peace which the world
itself cannot give. And, after enjoying the blessings of
this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal
reward that You have prepared for those who love You.

Amen.

Did you know…

The Belize flag is the only flag in the entire world that has people depicted on it? All other flags have animals or symbols whereas our unique flag stands out with the many elements of its regal Coat of Arms.

The red and blue colors of the flag represent unity of the people. The 50 olive leaves that border around the perimeter of the Coat of arms symbolize the year of 1950 when Belize, then British Honduras, began its quest for Independence. The Mahogany Tree represents the country’s economic foundation. The two men on either side of the tree represent the log wood workers. The fairer carries an axe which symbolizes the log wood cutters and the darker carries an oar to symbolize how the workers traveled by river to find and transport the log-wood. Under the Mahogany Tree is a shield separated into three – the left is an oar and squaring axe, the right is a saw and beating axe, and the base has a ship in full sail. Directly below the shield is the National Motto, “Sub Umbra Floreo”, in Latin which translates to “Under the Shade I Flourish” referring to the shade of the Mahogany Tree.

Did you know….

Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its official language?

All other countries in Central America are Spanish speaking. Although our official language is English, we have a very diverse set of cultures making up our population now. Today, you can now find people that have migrated from China, Asia, Taiwan, United States, England, Canada, Europe and other many countries as well as Belize’s very own Mayans, Garifunas and Creole people living in all parts of the country.

Did you know….

Belize has over 450 islands along its 386 km coast. The largest of these islands is Ambergris Caye which is 25 miles long and about a mile wide. The smallest island in Belize is Tobacco Caye which is only 400 ft x 200 ft big. You can walk around all of Tobacco Caye in about 5 minutes.

Did You Know…

Belize has one of the richest Mayan historical locations in the world! There are over 900 Mayan sites in the country, many of which have not been excavated as yet.

Did you know…

This highest point in Belize is Doyle’s Delight which is 1,124 m high! This mountain is part of the chain of Mayan mountains in Cayo in the Cockscomb Range.

Alternatively, the lowest point in Belize is the Caribbean Sea which is at 0 meters.