Belize

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Country in Central America, bounded north by Mexico, west and south by Guatemala, and east by the Caribbean Sea.

Government
The 1981 constitution provides for a multiparty parliamentary democracy on the British model, with a prime minister and cabinet drawn from the legislature and accountable to it. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who is represented in the country by a governor general. The legislature, the national assembly, comprises two chambers, the senate and the house of representatives. The senate has 12 members appointed by the governor general, on the advice of the government and opposition, for a five-year term. The house of representatives has 29 members elected by universal suffrage. There are constitutional safeguards for freedom of speech, press, worship, and association.

History
Once part of the Maya civilization, and colonized in the 17th century, British Honduras (as it was called until 1973) became a British crown colony in 1871. The country's economy was based on the extraction and export of mahogany until the 1900s, when sugarcane, bananas, and citrus fruit were also cultivated for export.

A 1954 constitution provided for internal self-government, with the UK responsible for defence, external affairs, and internal security. The first general election under the new constitution, and all subsequent elections until 1984, were won by the People's United Party (PUP), led by George Price. Full internal self-government was achieved in 1964, and Price became prime minister.

The capital was moved in 1970 from low-lying Belize city, which had been severely damaged by a hurricane in 1961, to the new town of Belmopan. British troops were sent in 1975 to defend the long-disputed frontier with Guatemala. Negotiations begun in 1977 were inconclusive.

Full independence achieved
The United Nations called in 1980 for full independence for Belize. A constitutional conference broke up in 1981 over demand for territory, rather than just access to the Caribbean, by Guatemala, which claimed that Belize was its 23rd province. Full independence was achieved in September 1981 with George Price as the first prime minister. The UK agreed to retain a garrison in Belize to protect the frontier and to assist in the training of Belizean forces.

The PUP's uninterrupted 30-year rule ended in 1984 when the United Democratic Party (UDP) leader, Manuel Esquivel, became prime minister. Still led by George Price, the PUP unexpectedly won the 1989 general election by a margin of 15 to 13 seats.

Guatemala border dispute
Diplomatic relations were re-established with Guatemala in September 1991 after the latter announced its recognition of Belize's independence. However, the British government's decision to relinquish its responsibility for the country's external defence from 1994 was treated with some unease.

The 1993 general election was won by the UDP and Esquivel returned as prime minister. He promptly suspended legislation that had resolved the border dispute under the previous administration, arguing for the need for a national referendum on the issue.

In the August 1998 assembly elections the opposition PUP won a majority, and Said Musa was elected prime minister. Musa has promoted economic development, based still heavily on tourism, and sought to improve social and welfare services. Belize is an active member of CARICOM.

The crown emblem was modernized in 1982. The colours date back to the 18th century. Effective date: 18 September 1982. >>