Tagged: Belize

According to Proexchangerates, the Government of Belize is a parliamentary democracy with the Queen as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The Queen is represented by a Governor General who is appointed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is elected by popular vote every five years and appoints a cabinet of ministers to carry out government policies and programs. The National Assembly consists of two houses: the House of Representatives, known as Reprezen Tivo, and the Senate, known as Senato. The House of Representatives consists of 31 members elected through universal adult suffrage every five years while the Senate consists of 13 members appointed by the Governor General on advice from the Prime Minister. Both houses have legislative power over matters that affect all of Belize such as taxation and public expenditure although only bills passed by both houses become law. The Constitution of Belize guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly and association as well as protecting religious freedom and equality before law regardless of gender or race. In addition to its parliamentary system there are also several local self-governing bodies in each district which have their own laws governing local matters such as education, health care, housing and transport. Belize is a small Central American nation located on the Caribbean Sea. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize has a population of around 400,000 people and its official language is English. It is a member of various international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), Organization of American States (OAS), Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and World Trade Organization (WTO). Belize’s foreign relations are based on mutual respect, cooperation and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. The country seeks to maintain good relations with its neighbors while also engaging in international diplomacy with major powers around the world. It generally pursues a policy of neutrality in regional conflicts and disputes. Belize also adheres to international law and has signed several treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Belize’s main diplomatic partners are its immediate neighbors in Central America including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico and Nicaragua. The country maintains close ties with these nations through its membership in regional organizations such as CARICOM, SICA, OAS etc. Belize has signed several bilateral agreements with these countries including free trade agreements with Guatemala since 1997; air services agreements with El Salvador since 2002; border security cooperation with Honduras since 2006; energy cooperation agreement with Mexico since 2017 etc. Belize also enjoys friendly relations with major powers around the world including the United States of America, United Kingdom, China, Japan etc. These countries are major sources of foreign aid for Belize which helps it fund development projects throughout the country. Additionally, these countries also provide technical assistance for various sectors such as agriculture, tourism etc., which further helps contribute to economic growth in Belize. Overall, Belize’s foreign policy aims at maintaining friendly relations with all nations while promoting regional cooperation within Central America and beyond. The country seeks to strengthen economic ties with partner nations while protecting human rights promoting democracy engaging diplomatically on international issues increasing investment opportunities etc. See themotorcyclers for Belize defense and foreign policy.