Belize

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Belize is a small country, on the Caribbean Sea, between Mexico and Guatemala. With a total land area of about 8,800 square miles, Belize is slightly smaller than Massachusetts.1 Belize is subject to frequent hurricanes and coastal flooding. The country has one of the higher population growth rates of Central America at 2.154%, and a total population of 307,899. 2 Belize is composed of mostly flat, swampy coastal plains, with some low mountainous regions in the south. The climate is tropical, characterized by very hot and humid alternating rain and dry seasons. Belize attracts tourism to its 240 miles of coastline which is characterized by crystal clear waters and diver attracting reef system. Belize offers a diverse eco-system, as well as a rich culture and history. Belize’s first recorded civilizations were the Mayan’s, who began development of the area around 1500BC, and flourished through AD 1200.3 Belize is home to many major archaeological sites, many of which show the advance civilization who inhabited the land at that time. Initial European contact occurred in 1502 when Columbus sailed along the coast. However, settlement by Europeans did not occur until 1638 when English seamen were shipwrecked off the coast.4 The next 150 years saw an expansion of English settlements, and was marked by an indiscriminate amount of natural resource pilfering. Belize was not formally recognized as the “Colony of British Honduras” until 1840, and becoming a crown colony in 1862. After official recognition, the development of a formalized establishment of colonial rule began. However, resistance from the native Mayan population prompted the installment of a new legislative council and governor. This removed the source of power from the colony...

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...o the structure given by Great Britain when Belize was still under colonial rule, there has been a struggle to transform from a low industry exporter of natural resources to a respectable world player. The dynamics of multiple ethnic groups identifying Belize as home has added problems. With the unwillingness of Guatemala to recognize the legitimacy of Belize has caused uncertainty about the potential for violence. Each of the challenges that Belize confronts and deals with successfully serves to better equip them as a country to succeed independently. As an English speaking nation on the Caribbean coast the development of tourism helps to expand the understanding of other nations to the potential of this small country. By cultivating a citizen centered government, Belize can continue to meet and defeat the challenges of participating in a modern global community.

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