Description

Belize, often called \"Mother Nature\'s best kept secret\", is a tropical paradise. Belize borders Mexico\'s Yucatan Peninsula to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize is a country of many cayes (small islands), inland tropical forests, pristine rivers, and ancient Maya temples and sacred caves. Along the 300 miles of Caribbean coastline lies the second longest barrier reef in the world. The flora and fauna in Belize are spectacular. Among the 540 species of birds in Belize, you\\\'ll hear flocks of parrots noisily announce their presence in the jungle and the teasing calls of many birds that blend into the tropical landscape. An amazing number of mammals are found in Belize and, though many of them are nocturnal, you can see them at Belize\'s famous Zoo, known as \"the greatest little zoo in the world.\" You\'ll see many birds, butterflies and mammals as you hike or ride horseback through the forest or canoe, kayak or tube down the rivers.
 
Belize is a stable parliamentary democracy of about a quarter of a million people and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The cabinet, led by a prime minister, who is head of government, acting as advisors to the Governor-General, in practice exercise executive authority. Cabinet ministers are members of the majority political party in parliament and usually hold elected seats within it concurrent with their cabinet positions. Belize is a full participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
 
The rich culture of Belize reflects the diversity of the peoples who call Belize home: Maya, Creole, European, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese and Mennonite. It is the only English speaking country in Central America and the smallest (in terms of population) non-island sovereign state in the Americas. Food, music and socialization are as diverse as the people with whom they are associated.

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