Belize is an independent Central American country. Mexico is north of Belize. Guatemala borders Belize to the west and south. The Caribbean sea lies along its eastern coast.

The Belize government is democratic and patterned after the Westminster parliamentary model. It is a former British colony (British Honduras), having obtained its independence in 1981.

Belize's population is 250,000, comprised of various ethnic groups. The Mestizos are the dominant group. Other groups are the Creoles, the Garifuna, the Mayas, the Mennonites, the East Indians and, of recent, the Taiwanese.

Belize has several wildlife sanctuaries safeguarding many species of birds and marine life. Belize boasts the second longest barrier reef in the world.

Belize is fast becoming a premier tourist destination. The tourist industry is vibrant and the government is attracting foreign investment and has recently introduced offshore financial facilities