Belize is a scenically beautiful, independent country located on the Caribbean seaboard of Central America. It has an area of approximately 9,000sq miles being 174 miles as its longest point and 68 miles at its widest point. The total population is estimated at 50,000 with the major commercial center being Belize City with a population of 70,000. The population of Belize is ethnically diverse and it includes descendants of the original Mayan culture and various mixtures of Caribbean people, Caucasians, Chinese and East Indians. The climate is sub-tropical with an average temperature of 80°F.
Belize has a long history of peace, stability and democracy. It became a British Crown Colony in 1862 and achieved complete self-rule in 1981. The political system is based on the British Westminster model with Queen Elizabeth II being represented by a Belizean Governor General. Executive authority is exercised by the Cabinet under the leadership of the Prime Minister subject to the approval
