About Belize
Belize is a beautiful Caribbean country located on the eastern coast of Central America. It is bordered on the north by Mexico, south and west by Guatemala, and on the east by the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea.
According to a July 2007 estimate, the population of Belize is approximately 311,480. Belmopan is the official capital of Belize and is the primary location of government and other affiliated institutions.
Government
A former British colony, Belize achieved independence in 1981. It is a thriving nation enjoying peace and stability within its borders as well as with neighbouring countries. Belize is an active member of many international organizations including the United Nations, IMF, World Bank, the Commonwealth, Organization of American States, International Development Bank and regional organizations such as CARICOM and SICA. Belize is a parliamentary democracy. The government consists of three major branches, the Legislature (House of Representatives and Senate), the Executive, which includes the Cabinet and the Governor General, and an independent Judiciary. The head of state is the Queen Elizabeth II of England, who is represented in Belize by the Governor General, Sir Colville Young GCMG, MBE. The Prime Minister, Rt. Honourable Dean Oliver Barrow is the head of government, who also leads the Cabinet.
Legal system
The foundation of Belize’s legal system is the English Common Law and local statute. The court system is hierarchal, the Magistrates Court/ Family Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and in special circumstances appeals can be made to Her Majesty’s Privy Council located in London, which is the highest appellate court. Belize also has a written Constitution with a Bill of Rights.
Currency
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency of Belize. The exchange rate is $2.00 BZD to $1.00 USD.
Communication
The area code of Belize is +501. Belize has excellent telephone and internet connections and direct international calls can easily be made from Belize.
Travel
Belize’s Phillip Goldson International Airport is easily accessible to and from any major US city on several international carriers. Direct flights from major destinations such as Miami, Houston and Dallas occur daily. There are also direct flights to Los Angeles, Newark, Charlotte, and North Carolina. American Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways, Taca Airlines, Delta Airlines all serve Belize on a daily basis.
Language
English is the official language. Due to the country’s diverse culture Spanish is widely spoken as well as Garifuna, Mayan, Chinese (Mandarin), German and other languages.
Economy
The economy is based primarily on Tourism, Agriculture, including Sugar, Banana and Citrus, Fisheries and other marine products. Petroleum deposits have recently been discovered in the western districts opening up an entirely new industry for investment and development.
Climate
Belize has a sub-tropical climate with two seasons; wet and dry. The rainy season occurs between June and November. The average annual temperature is 79° F.