KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: 1981 Population: 332,000 (2013) GDP p.c. growth: 2.0% p.a. 1990–2013 UN HDI 2014: World ranking 84 Official language: English Time: GMT minus 6 hrs Currency: Belizean dollar (Bz$) Geography Area: 22,965 sq km Coastline: 386 km Capital: Belmopan Belize forms part of the Commonwealth Caribbean and is located in Central America, bordering Mexico to the north, and Guatemala to the west and south. Constitution Status: Monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II Legislature: National Assembly of Belize Independence: 21 September 1981 Belize is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy which recognises Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, represented by a Governor-General. The Governor-General, appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, must be of Belizean nationality. The legislature, the National Assembly, is bicameral, composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate has 12 members (plus the President of the Senate): six are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, three on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and one each by the churches, business community and trade unions. The House of Representatives comprises 31 members, directly elected at intervals of no longer than five years on the basis of universal adult suffrage (plus the Speaker). The Prime Minister and cabinet have executive power. There are six administrative districts. With the exception of Belize City, they are administered by a locally elected town board of seven members. The island resort of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye was granted township status in 1984. Belize City is administered by a city council of nine elected members. There are also village councils. Judicial system Supreme court: Supreme Court of Belize Ministry: Attorney-General The justice system is broadly based on English common law, with the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and magistrates courts. The Supreme Court hears serious civil and criminal cases before judges and jury. The Court of Appeal generally sits three times a year, in March, June and October, generally for three weeks in each instance, and is presided over by three judges. Preliminary hearings of less serious civil cases are held in the district courts and those of criminal cases in summary jurisdiction courts. Both district and summary jurisdiction courts are magistrates courts. In June 2010 the Caribbean Court of Justice in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, became the final court of appeal, replacing the Privy Council in the UK. Government and politics Last elections: 7 March 2012 Next elections: 2017 Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General Sir Colville Norbert Young Sr (1993–) Head of government: Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow Ruling party: United Democratic Party Women MPs: 3% Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2014/15 143 Belize
CEP template 2012
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