- Belize is an independent country having attained independence from the United Kingdom on 21st September,1981.
International Relations
- Belize is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community and the Commonwealth.
Political Status
- Belize is a two party democracy of the Westminster tradition, governed by a Prime Minister and a Cabinet. The National Assembly is bicameral with an elected House of Representatives and an appointed senate.
Head of State
- The Queen of England is the Head of State, she is represented in Belize by an appointed Governor General.
Judicial System
- There is a Supreme Court with a right to appeal to a local Court of Appeal. Belize retains the Privy Council in London as its final appellate court. The Rule of Law is sacrosanct.
Physical Location
- Belize is in Central America; it is south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. It is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea.
Area
- 8,867 square miles.
Cities
- Capital City: Belmopan
- Main commercial City: Belize City
Official Language
- English. But approximately 50% of the population is also fluent in Spanish.
Population
- Approximately 200,000 people of at least eight different ethnic origins.
Communications
- There are direct daily flights from Miami, New Orleans and Houston with connecting flights from other international gateways.
- American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Taca International Airlines are among the international carriers serving Belize.
- Telephone and fax services are excellent to all points in the world.
Currency
- Belize Dollar US$1.00 = BZE$2.00.
Telephone Country Code
- (501) plus local number.
Industries:
- Tourism, Citrus, Sugar, Bananas and Marine exports.
