Belize gained independence from Britain in 1981. It is located in Central America on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, facing the Caribbean Sea. The Mayan civilization spread into the area between 1500 BC and AD 300. Britain defeated Spain in 1798 and laid claim to the land, which it ruled until Belize achieved independence. The national symbols of Belize include the black orchid flower, mahogany tree, toucan bird, and tapir animal. English and Spanish are the most common languages.