Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is the only country in the area where English is the official language. Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Its mainland is about 180 mi long and 68 mi wide. Belize's abundance of terrestrial and marine species and its diversity of ecosystems give it a key place in the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.Belize has a diverse society, with many cultures and languages. It is the only nation in the region with a British colonial history, and as a part of the Western Caribbean Zone, it shares a common colonial history with Anglophone Caribbean countries, sharing Elizabeth II as monarch of other Commonwealth realms in the Caribbean. Belize is known for its September Celebrations, and is the birthplace of chewing gum and Punta music.