- Belize was originally settled by British woodcutters in 1638 and was formerly part of Guatemala, which still claims ownership. It gained independence from the UK in 1981 and tourism is a major industry. - Guatemala experienced a long civil war from 1960-1996 where the US backed right-wing governments against leftist guerillas, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and disappearances. - Honduras has experienced political instability including many coups and brief wars with neighbors. It remains poor with little land available for agriculture despite attempts at land reform.