Belize

This country is considered a paradise for those who are nature lovers! From forests and Mayan pyramids, to fishing and diving at the beautiful coast of Cayes, Belize offers a safe, yet exciting environment for those who want to explore and for those who simply want a laid back life. Belize is a country located in Central America and is the only official English speaking country in the region. It was known as British Honduras until 1973 after which it became an independent nation in 1981. Guatemala sits to the South and West of Belize, while Mexico sits to the North and Northwest. The Caribbean Sea is to the East and makes for great dive sites and beautiful beaches.

Government:

The country is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The government structure is based on the British parliamentary system, as is the legal system. The Head of State is the Queen of Belize, currently Elizabeth II, who is represented in Belize by the Governor-General.

The Prime Minister is the Head of Government and also leads the Cabinet, which acts as an advisorary group to the Governor-General. They also exercise executive authority. The ministers are usually members of the political party in majority and usually hold elected seats similar to their cabinet positions within Parliament.

The National Assembly of Belize is a bicameral system and is composed of a House of Represenatives and a Senate. The twenty nine members of the House are elected to their positions with a maximum five year term. They introduce legislation that will affect the development of Belize. The Governor-General appoints the members of the Senate, twelve in total, while the Senate President is elected by the members. The Senate is responsible for debating and approving/disapproving bills passed by the House.

Belize is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA), and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Geography:

Belize is a fairly small country and is divided into three parts dependent on their climate and geography. The Northern part of Belize is low and flat, with swamp and lagoon areas closer to the coast. There are also flat plains, palm savannahs and hilly areas supporting rainforest.

The Southern part of Belize is made up of a coastal strip which runs about 10 miles wide. Here there are marshes, rainforest and savannahs. In higher elevations there are evergreen forests and pine savannahs. The Maya Mountains are also located here and rise upto 3000 feet in a crescent shape. They run from Belize into Guatemala.

The third "part" of Belize contains all offshore cayes (keys). The small islands are mostly uninhabited and are covered by mangroves and palms. The largest of the cayes are Ambergis Caye and Caye Caulker - these support towns, roads and human development.

The climate is tropical and moist with a dry and rainy season each year.

Did You Know?

• Belize's national flower is the black orchid which is the Prosthechea cochleata (also known as Encyclia cochleata).
• English is the official language of Belize due to its original status as a British colony. Most Belizeans use Belize Kriol, an English-based creole. Spanish is a second language for most of the country.

© Written by E.J.Clarke.