Belize is located in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico. Its climate is tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May). Mostly flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south. The country's natural resources include arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower. Some of the natural hazards that affect the country are frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south). Belize is the only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean. There have been 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. .
Belize's population is at about 235,789. Sixty-two % of the country is Roman Catholic and the rest are broken up into various Christian denominations. The country's official language is English but Spanish, Mayan, and Garifuna are spoken daily. .
The legal system is based on English Law. The chief of state being Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Governor General, the head of government Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. The legislative branch is bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate with eight members. Members are appointed for five-year terms, five on the advice of the prime minister, two on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and one after consultation with the Belize Advisory Council. This council serves as an independent body to advise the governor general with respect to difficult decisions such as granting pardons, commutations, stays of execution, the removal of justices of appeal who appear to be incompetent, etcetera and the National Assembly have 29 seats.
