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Government
Belize is governed under a constitution that became effective at independence in 1981. The British sovereign is head of state and is represented by a governor-general, who has little power. Executive power is mainly exercised by a cabinet of ministers, led by a prime minister. The bicameral National Assembly consists of a Senate of 8 appointed members and a House of Representatives of 28 members elected by universal suffrage to terms of up to five years. The prime minister must have the support of a majority of the members of the House. The leading political parties are the People's United Party (1950) and the United Democratic Party (1974).
Economy
The main economic resource is the arable land, only a small fraction
of which is under cultivation. Agricultural exports include sugar,
citrus fruits, and bananas. Rice, beans, and corn are grown as
subsistence crops. Lumbering, formerly the chief economic activity,
has declined in importance. Tourism is now becoming the number
one econmic activity. Major manufactures are processed food, wood
products, and clothing. A road network of about 3000 km (about
1865 mi) links the major urban centers, but some areas remain
inaccessible. An international airport serves Belize City. The
unit of currency is the Belize dollar (2 Belize dollars equal
U.S.$1; 2002).
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