Belize lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. It is separated by sea from its neighbor to the southeast, Honduras.

An Independent nation since 1981 and a member of British Commonwealth of Nations. Parliamentary democracy with two major political parties; the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s United Party (PUP). The UDP currently holds power, led by Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow who took office February 8, 2008. Belize has a Constitution which includes a Bill of Rights.

Apporimately 8,866 square miles, Belize’s mainland is approximately 180 miles long, and up to 68 miles wide. Belize also consists of over 200 cayes (islands) ranging in size from a few hundred square feet to 25 miles long and four miles wide; most of which are located inside the 200 mile Belize Reef. Belize boasts the worlds second largest barrier reef, which is less than one mile off the coast of San Pedro, Belize Home of Lemon Crush Belize.

The population of Belize is approximately 280,000. There is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans, who include Hispanic, Creoles (African-European), Mestiz (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian. The largest single group is Hispanic. English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish. Other languages include Creole, German, Mayan, and Garifuna.

Belize weather is characterized by two seasons: a rainy and a dry season. Belize annual rainfall, most of which occurs during the period of June to November, can range from 60 inches (1542 mm) in the north to 160 inches (4064 mm) in the south. Average temperatures range from 81 degrees Fahrenheit / 27 degrees Celsius along the coast to 69 degrees Fahrenheit/ 21 degrees Celsius in the hills of the mainland.