The country known as Belize was home to the Mayans long ago. As such the earliest known Belizean writings are influenced by Mayan myths and legends, which were traditionally passed down orally.

Like most of the nations of this region, colonialism brought along with it African slaves, creating a unique blend of both Mayan and African folklore and legend. 

In the 19th century British colonialism dominated the area, and much of the writing from that period is from colonial settlers, with their writing focusing on travel, adventure, and interactions with indigenous peoples.

In the early 20th century, an effort began to preserve Belizean history and culture. During that period Emory King, an American journalist and historian created two films about the country after becoming enamored with the nation after shipwrecking on the shore while yachting with friends. 

King often clashed with Evan X Hyde, a Belizean writer who wrote both fiction and nonfiction.

In 1981 Belize gained its independence from Britain and as expected, the writing from 1981 until now has heavily featured themes of national identity and cultural heritage. At only 400,000 citizens, this small but beautiful national has still managed to produce several internationally popular works.