Belize
(formerly British Honduras until the name of the country
was changed in 1973) lies on the eastern or Caribbean coast
of Central America, bounded on the north and part of the
west by Mexico, and on the south and the remainder of the
west by Guatemala. The inner coastal waters are shallow
and are sheltered by a line of coral reefs, dotted with
islets called 'cayes', extending almost the entire length
of the country.
Population:
Today Belize's population is estimated to be at approximately
273,700. The country is a melting pot of many races and
over the years the muliti-racial make-up has risen through
the influx of many people of Central America, Asia, Europe
and the Caribbean. Males outnumber the female population
only by 1%.
The
population census shows that the main ethnic groups: Mestizo,
Creole, Ketchi, Yucatec and Mopan Mayas, Garifuna and East
Indian maintains a large percent of Belize's population.
Other ethnic groups: German and Dutch Mennonites, Chinese,
Arabs and Africans accounts for a small percentage of the
population. The ethnic groups, however, are heavily intermixed.
Languages:
English is the official language of Belize. However, English
Creole is widely spoken and remains a distinctive part of
everyday conversations for most Belizeans. Spanish is also
common and is taught in primary and secondary schools in
order to further develop bi-lingualism.
Spanish
is spoken as a mother tongue by the majority of the people
in the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts, north of Belize
and the Cayo District in the west, In the southern Districts:
Stann Creek and Toledo, there are people whose first language
is Garifuna or Maya.
Constitution
and Government:
Belize achieved full independence on September 21, 1981.
It is now a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations,
the Nonaligned Movement, the Organization of American States
and the newly-formed Association of Caribbean States. Diplomatic
relations have been established with many countries. Belize
is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and
related institutions.
The
Government of Belize is operated on the principles of Parliamentary
Democracy based on the Westminster System. The country is
a sovereign, democratic state.
A Prime
Minister and Cabinet make up the Executive Branch, while
a 29-member elected House of Representatives and a nine-member
appointed Senate form a bi-cameral legislature.
Tourism:
The Government's manifesto asserts that Tourism is one of
the twin pillars of the economy, along with agriculture.
With
Public and Private sectors working together, Tourism will
become a truly sustainable Eco-cultural tourism product
that will provide economic growth while preserving our god
given gifts for the future of our children and society.
The
Key executing agency in the ministry of Tourism is the Belize
Tourism Board.
The
History
Numerous ruins indicate that for hundreds of years Belize
was heavily populated by the Maya Indians, whose relatively
advanced civilization reached its height between A.D. 250
and 900. Eventually the civilization declined leaving behind
small groups whose offspring still exist in Belize contributing
positively to the culturally diverse population.
In 1502,
Columbus sailed through parts of the Caribbean, but did
not actually visit the area later known as British Honduras.
Benefits
of Investing in Belize
Belize
provides the three main elements sought by international
investors:
Stability:
Long-standing, democratic tradition; independent judiciary,
exchange rate fixed for 25 years
Profitability:
Flexible fiscal incentives and concessions, Commercial Free
Zones, Export Processing Zones, Repatriation of profits
and dividends
Liveability:
Subtropical climate, virgin rainforest, un-spoilt beaches
and spectacular barrier reef, friendly people and much more.
Furthermore,
Belize is strategically located next to Mexico and Central
America, near the US and the Caribbean islands, rich in
natural resources with a stable and supportive economy,
bilingual workforce and established infrastructure.
Trade
Agreements
Belize
enjoys benefits under trade agreements with several developed
countries. Including:
