Major Territory Disputes Around The World

Belize Is Stuck Between A Rock And Hard Place

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Since 1940, Guatemala has essentially claimed ownership of Belize. However, this dispute over Belize is nothing new. It dates back to 1812 after Guatemala claimed its independence from Spain. During that time, Spain and Guatemala both thought that Belize was a part of Guatemala. However, the region was actually under control by British settlers which confused everyone.

The UK was convinced it had rights to Belize because Guatemala signed a treaty with them in 1859 to recognize Belize as a sovereign state, in a trade for economic assistance. Yet Guatemala claimed that the UK never acted in accordance with the treaty, and Belize says the treaty doesn’t matter. Belize itself never signed an agreement and won’t give up its own land because two other groups signed an agreement that involved their country without them.

Even though Belize’s situation is a little complicated, this next territory isn’t controlled by anyone.