In what year did Belize become independent from the United Kingdom? Belize became independent in 1981.
The independence date was 21 September 1981, when Belize ended British colonial rule and joined the Commonwealth as an independent country. At the time, its prime minister was George Cadle Price, a leading figure in the independence movement.
Belize was previously known as British Honduras. The territory received internal self-government in 1964, and its official name changed to Belize in 1973, eight years before independence. The transition was complicated by Guatemala’s longstanding claim to Belizean territory; Guatemala did not formally recognize Belize’s independence until 1992.
A common mix-up is 1973, which marks the name change from British Honduras to Belize, not independence. Belize celebrates Independence Day annually on 21 September.