Belize Overview Nations // Central America/Caribbean

OVERVIEW Belize (formerly British Honduras) is a parliamentary republic that retains Commonwealth status. It is bordered by Mexico to the northwest and Guatemala to the west and south. The Caribbean Sea lies to the east. Its political system is derived from British law and traditions. Nominally independent since 1981, Belize has long depended upon the United Kingdom for its defense, having only a small military force of its own. (More on the British military presence in Belize appears...