Belize Population: 272,945 (July 2004 est.)
Languages: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole
Capital: Belmopan
Government Type: Parliamentary Democracy
Independence Day: 21 September 1981 (from U.K.)
Legal System: English law
Currency: Belizean dollar (BZD)

Executive Branch:

Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17 November 1993)

Head of government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28 August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September 1998)

American Embassy: 29 Gabourel Lane, Belize City
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 286, Belize City
Telephone: [501] 227-7161 FAX: [501] 2-30802
Economic Overview:

General Overview: Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime.

Economic Overview: In this small, essentially private enterprise economy the tourism industry is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by cane sugar, citrus, marine products, bananas, and garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led to GDP growth of 6.5% in 1999, 10.8% in 2000, 4.6% in 2001, and 3.7% in 2002. Major concerns continue to be the sizable trade deficit and foreign debt. A key short-term objective remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international donors.