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Guide to Countries
More Resources
Countries
A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Belize
Summary
The United States established a consulate in British Honduras (now Belize) on March 3, 1847. Prior to independence Belize had been a British colony since 1862, changing its name to Belize from British Honduras in June 1973.
In the 1960s the United States sought and ultimately failed to mediate a dispute
between Belize and Guatemala over contested Belizean
territory dating back to an 1859 treaty between Imperial
Spain and Great Britain. 
Modern Flag of Belize
Recognition
The United States recognized Belizean independence on October 29, 1981, when Consulate General Belize was raised to Embassy status with Principal Officer Malcolm R. Barnebey serving as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. After several months of negotiations with Great Britain and Guatemala, Belize achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981.
Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic relations and the American Embassy were established on October 29, 1981, when Consulate General Belize was raised to Embassy status with Principal Officer Malcolm R. Barnebey serving as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.
On December 11, 2006, the American Embassy at Belize City officially relocated to present-day capital Belmopan.
Resources
- Belize in World Wide Diplomatic Archives Index