1. Northern Belize:
- Location: The northernmost part of the country, bordering Mexico.
- Geography: Consists of low-lying coastal plains and the northern section of the Maya Mountains.
- Notable Features: The largest concentration of Mayan ruins, including Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Cuello.
- Vegetation: Lush tropical rainforests, coastal wetlands, and mangrove swamps.
- Wildlife: Diverse wildlife, including jaguars, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and various bird species.
2. Western Belize:
- Location: West-central part of the country, bordering Guatemala.
- Geography: Predominantly mountainous, with the highest elevations in the Maya Mountains.
- Notable Features: The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Caracol (the largest ancient Mayan city in Belize), and the Barton Creek Cave.
- Vegetation: Pine forests, broadleaf forests, and cloud forests.
- Wildlife: A variety of wildlife, including Baird's tapir, ocelots, margay cats, and quetzals.
3. Central Belize:
- Location: The central region of the country, stretching between Northern and Southern Belize.
- Geography: Gently rolling hills and limestone terrain, with coastal areas and some mangrove swamps.
- Notable Features: Belize City (the largest city and former capital), the Belize Barrier Reef, and several offshore islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
- Vegetation: Subtropical forests, coastal wetlands, and mangrove forests.
- Wildlife: Sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and various reef-associated species.
4. Southern Belize:
- Location: The southernmost region of the country, bordering Guatemala.
- Geography: A combination of coastal plains, tropical forests, and a section of the Maya Mountains.
- Notable Features: The Toledo District, home to diverse cultures including Garifuna, Maya, and Mestizo communities, and the Placencia Peninsula.
- Vegetation: Tropical rainforests, coastal wetlands, and mangrove swamps.
- Wildlife: Similar to the wildlife found in Northern Belize, including jaguars, scarlet macaws, and anteaters.
Each of these regions possesses unique landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural influences, contributing to the diverse natural and cultural heritage of Belize.
