Belize
- Language
- English
- Anthem
- Land of the Free
- Duration
- 2:42
- Status
- The anthem is presently under review, facing debate regarding its militaristic imagery and phrases, as well as the process of its adoption upon independence.
Belize National Anthem History
Land of the Free
Written in 1963 by World War I veteran Samuel Alfred Haynes, "Land of the Free" initially promoted Belizean identity and unity. It was officially adopted as Belize's national anthem on September 21, 1981, upon the country gaining independence from Great Britain.
Belize
Land of the Free
History timeline
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1963
Samuel Alfred Haynes writes the anthem, inspired by sentiments of Belizean identity and anti-racial discrimination movements.
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1963
The anthem's original title was “Land of the Gods,” reflecting the prevalence of religious observance in the country.
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1981
Belize unilaterally adopted "Land of the Free" as its national anthem upon achieving independence from Great Britain.
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Present
The anthem faces ongoing debate concerning its phrases and the non-consultative adoption process, with some groups calling for its replacement.
Although Belize adopted "Land of the Free," the British national anthem is still retained as its royal anthem, as the British monarch remains Belize’s head of state.