About Belize

Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America and is bordered to the North by Mexico, to the West and South by Guatemala and to the East by the Caribbean Sea. This country, at only 8,867 square miles, with a population of 294,385 people and a growth rate of 3.5%, is not to be underestimated.

Belize is a country with many faces (cultures) including: Mayas, Garifunas, Mestizos, East Indians, Chinese, Mennonites and of course - Creoles. As a result of the country's long colonization by the British, English is the official spoken language; however, Creole is frequently spoken throughout the country along with Spanish. The Garifuna dialect is also spoken, but it is not as predominant as English, Creole and Spanish. Food, music and the social atmosphere are as diverse as the people with whom they are associated. A contribution of racial harmony and the religious tolerance of its diverse people, has allowed the different elements to blend perfectly and earn Belize widespread repute for a country filled with friendly people and utmost hospitality.

Most of the country is still covered in vast forestry containing many hardwoods, vegetation, herbs and even wildlife -  exclusive to Belize. Mangrove swamps and breath-taking cayes along the coast give way to hills and mountains further inland. The highest point within Belize’s mountainous interior is the Victoria Peak which stands 3,681 feet tall. Along with having the only jaguar reserve in the world, Belize also possesses the longest living barrier reef in the western hemisphere and the second longest contiguous reef in the world after Australia. This tiny jewel also boasts the largest cave system within the Central American Region. As a result of Belize’s numerous astonishing features, its biodiversity is rich, both marine and terrestrial, with a multitude of flora and fauna.

History

The Mayan civilization that spread into Belize and flourished until about the year 1200, brought several major archeological sites - notably Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich. The first European settlement in Belize was established by shipwrecked English seamen in 1638. Over the next 150 years, more English settlements were built. This period was also marked by piracy, random logging, and periodic attacks by Indians and neighboring Spanish settlements. Both Spain and Britain lay claim to the land until Britain defeated the Spanish in the battle of St. George's Caye in 1798. As a result, Belize became a colony of Great Britain in 1840. It was then known to many as British Honduras and later became a Crown colony in 1862. Self-government was won in January 1964 and in 1973, the country officially changed its name to Belize.

Belize became an independent nation within the Commonwealth on September 21, 1981, but Guatemala, which has made claims to this invaluable land since the 1800s, refused to recognize it! After gaining independence in 1981, British troops remained in the country to defend it. Though the dispute between Guatemala and Great Britain remained unsettled, Guatemala recognized Belize's sovereignty in September 1991, though, still making claims to more than half of Belize’s territory. Belize later became a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA).

Belize Government

Belize achieved full independence on September 21, 1981. It is now a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the Nonaligned Movement, the Organization of American States and the newly-formed Association of Caribbean States. Diplomatic relations have been established with many countries. Belize is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CAR ICOM) and related institutions.

The Government of Belize is operated on the principles of Parliamentary Democracy based on the Westminster System. The country is a sovereign, democratic state.

A Prime Minister and Cabinet make up the Executive Branch, while a 29-member elected House of Representatives and a nine-member appointed Senate form a bi-cameral legislature.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the constitutional Head of State. She is represented in Belize by a Governor-General, who must be a Belizean.

The Cabinet consists of a Prime Minister, other Ministers and Ministers of State who are appointed by the Governor-general on the advice of the Prime Minister, the person commanding the support of the majority party in the House of Representatives. Five Senators are appointed by the Governor-general on the advice of the Prime Minister, two on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and one on the advice of the Belize Advisory Council.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate are elected either from among the members of these Houses (providing they are not ministers) or from among persons who are not members of either House.

The current Prime Minister of Belize is the Right Honorable Dean Barrow and the Belize City Mayor is Zenaida Moya.

Official Government of Belize website

Elections and Political Parties:

General elections are held at intervals of not longer than five years. The voting age is 18. The Prime Minister has the right to advise the Governor-general to dissolve the National Assembly and so determine the date of the general elections.

The most recent elections took place took place on 5th March 2003. The People's United Party (PUP won 22 of the 29 seats in the House of Representatives, the remaining 7were won by the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Administration and Local Government:

There are six administrative districts: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek and Toledo. With the abolition of the posts of the District Officers, the district administration is now jointly run by a number of Government functionaries, namely the Finance Officers, the Officer Commanding the District Police and the Heads of various Government departments based in the districts.

Each district town has a locally elected Town Board of seven members. The Cayo District has two Town Boards, namely, San Ignacio and Benque Viejo.

Belize City is administered by a nine-member City Council. There is also a Town Board in the Belize District, namely San Pedro Town Board in Ambergris Caye.

The Capital City of Belmopan is administered by the Belmopan City Council.

Local Government in the villages is carried on with the help of village councils who do not at present have a legal standing. A Village Councils Act to formally establish Village Councils is in the process of being enacted.

Economy

The small private sector economy of Belize is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industries and merchandising, with tourism and construction taking greater importance. Sugar, the principal crop, accounts for nearly half of Belize’s exports, while banana farming is the country's largest means of employment. Citrus production is slowly becoming a major industry. More recently, the discovery of petroleum has drastically changed Belize's untouched manufacturing capabilities.

Belize Official Travel Guide
Information on Retiring in Belize
Belize Tourism Industry Association