Belize is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations. The British monarch is head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General, while a Prime Minister leads the government. The bicameral National Assembly consists of an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate.
Political life has been dominated by two major parties, the People's United Party and the United Democratic Party, which alternate in government. Belize maintains close ties with both Central America and the Caribbean, holding membership in CARICOM as well as the Central American Integration System. The country's long-standing territorial dispute with Guatemala remains a significant issue in its foreign policy.
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Geography & Environment - Belize: History
History