evidence: The Belizean–Guatemalan territorial dispute is an unresolved territorial dispute between the states of Belize (formerly known as British Honduras) and Guatemala, neighbours in Central America. During the late 1600s and throughout the 1700s, Britain and Spain signed several treaties regarding territories in the Americas. Both nations agreed that the territory of modern-day Belize was under Spanish sovereignty though British settlers could use the land, in specific areas and for specific purposes. The area was never fully under British or Spanish rule at this time and the British settlers continually expanded far past the boundaries set by the treaties. When the Spanish Empire fell, Guatemala said that it inherited Spain's sovereign rights over the territory. Since independence Guatemala has claimed, in whole or in part, the territory of Belize. [...] This claim amounts to 12,272 km2 (4,738 sq mi) of territory, or roughly 53% of the country. The claim includes significant portions of the current Belizean Cayo and Belize Districts, as well as all of the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts, well to the north of the internationally accepted border along the Sarstoon River.[31] The majority of Belizeans are strongly opposed to becoming part of Guatemala. [...] See also [edit]- Belize–Guatemala border - Foreign relations of Belize - Foreign relations of Guatemala - Sarstoon Island - Sapodilla Cayes - Chiapas (incl. Soconusco), a Mexican state that was claimed by Guatemala until 1895 - British Forces Belize