Belize, formerly called British Honduras, is a rapidly developing country in Central America. It lies just below Mexico and is bordered by Guatemala on the west and south and the Caribbean Sea on the east. The second largest barrier reef in the world is located off the coast of Belize.

The ancient Mayans were the first inhabitants in Belize dating back to 2000 BC. Their culture flourished until about 900 AD.

Spain first laid claim to the region of Central America during the 16th century although they never established a settlement in the area now occupied by Belize. British logwood cutters also known as the Baymen were the first Europeans to settle in the area. The Baymen depended on slave labour for their logwood operations. In an effort to reduce tensions between England and Spain, treaties were signed which allowed the Baymen to cut logwood for their dye operations. Nevertheless, in 1798, in a showdown at St. George's Caye, the British along with the help from their slaves drove away the Spanish invaders. The area then became known as British Honduras and remained a British colony until 1981 when it attained its independence. In 1973, in anticipation of its impending independence, the name was changed to Belize.

Belize has a mixed ethnic population. For mid-year 2005 the population was estimated at 291,800 with approximately 60,800 living in Belize City. The official language is English but Spanish is widely spoken.

The 2000 national census confirms that Belize is a melting pot of cultures. About 48.1% of the population is of mixed Mayan and European descent (Mestizo); 25.1% are of African and Afro-European (Creole) ancestry; about 10.6% are Mayan; and about 5.7% are Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna). The remainder, about 9.8%, includes European, East Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and North American groups.

The country is divided into six districts: Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo. Belmopan, the capital, is located about 50 miles west from Belize City.

Belize enjoys a sub-tropical climate with an average temperature of 80 degrees F. The rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the North to 180 inches in some areas of the South.

The government of Belize is operated on the principle of parliamentary democracy with Her Majesty the Queen as the titular Head of State. The political links, however, are primarily ceremonial. In Belize she is represented by the Governor General who must be a Belizean. Belize's constitution provides for a three way balance of power among the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch. The Executive Branch is composed of the Governor General, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

The House of Representatives is comprised of 28 members who are elected by popular vote. The Senate is appointed by the Governor General, the opposition party and the Belize Advisory Council. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor General and is the leader of the political party that commands the majority of members in the House of Representatives. Cabinet members are appointed by the Prime Minister from members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Effective power in Belize rests with the Prime Minister, who is both the leader of the ruling party and the Cabinet.