Belize (FORMERLY BRITISH HONDURAS) is a scenically beautiful, independent country located on the Caribbean seaboard of Central America. It has an area of approximately 9,000 square miles, and is bounded by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The Administrative capital is Belmopan, but the major commercial center is Belize City which is located on the eastern coast close to the Major International Airport.

The geography of Belize is varied, ranging from Magnificent coral reef formations, to the cool climate of the Mountain Pine Ridge. It boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world and the longest in the Western Hemisphere. There are many sandy cays readily accessible either by boat or, in some cases, by plane. The climate is sub-tropical with an average temperature of 80§F.

Tourism has become a major development priority. Belize’s unspoiled environment with cays and barrier reef make it a popular destination for ECO-Tourists, whilst its clear unpolluted waters are excellent for swimming, diving, fishing and other aqua sports. The country also offers a unique mix of unspoiled woodlands, caves, rivers, mountains, waterfalls and jungle, in addition to a wealth of Mayan archeological sites. There are also forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, marine resort areas and the world’s only jaguar preserve. 

Major exports are sugar, bananas, citrus products, fishery products, garments and wood products. The unit of currency is the Belize dollar (BZ $), with a fixed exchange rate of BZ$1 to US$1.
 

Communications

The Philip SW Gordon International Airport near Belize City has a recently constructed terminal building providing daily services through four international carriers to the United States and Central America. 

Telephone, facsimile and telex communications to and from Belize are excellent with international direct dialing facilities. A satellite earth station at the capital Belmopan provides high quality telecommunications services throughout the world. International courier services for express delivery are well established. 
 

Population

The total population of Belize is around 200,000 of which some 60,000 live in Belize City. Much of the country’s population is ethnically diverse and includes descendants of the original Mayan culture and various admixtures of Caribbean people, Caucasians, Chinese and East Indians. Belize’s literacy rate is very high. Over 58% of the population is under 18. 
 

Language 

The official and spoken Language is English although Spanish is widely spoken.
 

Political Structure

Belize has an long history of peace, stability and democracy. It became a British Crown Colony in 1862 and achieved complete self-rule in 1981. Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth, the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The political system is based on the Head of State British Westminister Model with HM Queen Elizabeth II
being represented by a Belizean Governor General. Executive Authority is exercise by the Cabinet under the Leadership of the Prime Minister, subject to approval by a 28 Member Senate with the Majority appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

There are two main political parties, in the last election in September 1989 the Government changed to the People’s United Democratic Party. Both parties are committed to the economic development of the country and the encouragement of overseas investment.
 

Legal System

The law of Belize is derived from English common law supplemented by local legislation. The court system is also similar to that in England, and contract and commercial law is based on English Law Model.
 

Taxation 

Companies that do not qualify for international Business Company exemption status are subject to the normal company tax rate of 45%. Dividends of Belize - Registered companies are deductible from income tax and are included in the chargeable income of the shareholder or person receiving the dividend. Companies are not subject to capital gains tax, turnover tax or any taxation. Individuals are subject t rates beginning at 5% for the first 7,000 Belize dollars ($3,500 ) increasing to 50% over 60,000 Belize dollars ($30,000).