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1992
Guatemala recognizes Belize’s territorial right to exist.
1994
The British garrison of soldiers stationed to protect Belize withdraws.
2001
Belize’s population reaches a quarter million, up from 40,000 at the
beginning of the 20th century.
2003
In legislative elections held in March, the People’s United Party wins 22
of 29 seats in the national assembly.
2004
Belize’s public-sector debt rises to 93 percent of its GDP, making its
government one of the most heavily indebted in the world.
2006
Belize celebrates its 25th year as an independent nation.
2005
A commercially viable oil field is discovered near Spanish Lookout.
2008
The United Democratic Party wins a majority in the national assembly,
and UDP leader Dean Barrow is sworn in as the nation’s first black prime
minister.
2012
UDP maintains its majority in legislative elections, and Barrow begins a
second term as prime minister; Belize draws more than 1 million tourists
for the first time.
2013
A proposed referendum on whether to submit the Belize-Guatemala
border dispute to be determined by the International Court of Justice is
cancelled.
2014
Many people protest a proposed tourist resort called Puerto Azul, which
they say would damage the ecosystem around Belize’s Great Blue Hole.
59
Chronology