FSB - BELIZE INTL' AIRPORT MZBZ

The Mayan civilization came into the area between 1500BC and AD300 and thrived until around AD 1000. Archeological sites in areas such as Caracol, Lamanai, Labaantun, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich testify to the "advanced civilization" and higher population present during this time.

European interaction started in 1502 when Columbus sailed along the coast. The first documented European settlement was established by shipwrecked English sailors in 1638. Within the expanse of the next 150 years, additional English settlements were founded. Great Britain sent an official representative in the late 18th century, though Belize did not receive the name "'Colony of British Honduras"' until 1840. The area became a "crown colony" in 1862.

Complete "internal self-government under a ministerial system" was given in 1964. The official name of the area was changed from British Honduras to Belize in June 1973. Complete independence was achieved on September 21,1981.

Source: http://www.pcusa.org/pcusa/wmd/ep/country/blzhist.htm