Belize
Central America and the CaribbeanBH December 31, 2025
Background
Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1862. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992, and the two countries are still involved in an ongoing border dispute. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high crime rates, high unemployment combined with a majority youth population, growing involvement in the Mexican and South American drug trade, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Central America.
Geographic coordinates
17 15 N, 88 45 W
Natural hazards
frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Massachusetts
Environmental issues
deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; inability to properly dispose of solid waste
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
Coastline
386 km
Land boundaries
Total: 542 km
Border countries (2): Guatemala 266 km; Mexico 276 km
Border countries (2): Guatemala 266 km; Mexico 276 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 8% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 2.2% (2023 est.)
Forest: 58.3% (2023 est.)
Other: 33.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 2.2% (2023 est.)
Forest: 58.3% (2023 est.)
Other: 33.7% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Note: From the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act (1992), the purpose of this limit is to provide a framework for negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Note: From the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act (1992), the purpose of this limit is to provide a framework for negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala
Natural resources
arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower
Geography - note
only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean
Terrain
flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south
Location
Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Irrigated land
35 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
21.734 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
approximately 25% to 30% of the population lives in the former capital, Belize City; over half of the overall population is rural; population density is slightly higher in the north and east
Elevation
Highest point: Doyle's Delight 1,124 m
Lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Mean elevation: 173 m
Lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Mean elevation: 173 m
Area
Total : 22,966 sq km
Land: 22,806 sq km
Water: 160 sq km
Land: 22,806 sq km
Water: 160 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 27.7% (male 58,529/female 56,811)
15-64 years: 66.7% (male 135,903/female 141,503)
65 years and over: 5.5% (2024 est.) (male 11,463/female 11,580)
15-64 years: 66.7% (male 135,903/female 141,503)
65 years and over: 5.5% (2024 est.) (male 11,463/female 11,580)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Belizean(s)
Adjective: Belizean
Adjective: Belizean
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 12 years (2023 est.)
Male: 12 years (2023 est.)
Female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Male: 12 years (2023 est.)
Female: 12 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 46.6% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 98% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 98% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
23,000 BELMOPAN (capital) (2018)
Physician density
1.09 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2018 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 49.9 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 41.6 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 8.3 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 12 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 41.6 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 8.3 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 12 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 95.7% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 97.3% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 4.3% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 2.7% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 95.7% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 97.3% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 4.3% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 2.7% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Mestizo 52.9%, Creole 25.9%, Maya 11.3%, Garifuna 6.1%, East Indian 3.9%, Mennonite 3.6%, White 1.2%, Asian 1%, other 1.2%, unknown 0.3% (2010 est.)
Note: Percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin
Note: Percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin
Religions
Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.6%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 10.5% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Church of Jesus Christ, Muslim, Rastafarian, Salvation Army), unspecified 0.6%, none 15.5% (2010 est.)
Languages
English 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole 44.6%, Maya 10.5%, German 3.2%, Garifuna 2.9%, other 1.8%, unknown 0.5% (2010 est.)
Major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
Note: Shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census
Major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
Note: Shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census
Literacy
Total population: 87.9% (2022 est.)
Male: 87.9% (2022 est.)
Female: 87.9% (2022 est.)
Male: 87.9% (2022 est.)
Female: 87.9% (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
5% of GDP (2021)
11.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
11.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 6.3% (2016)
Women married by age 18: 33.5% (2016)
Men married by age 18: 22.2% (2016)
Women married by age 18: 33.5% (2016)
Men married by age 18: 22.2% (2016)
Gross reproduction rate
1 (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 16.3% (2024 est.)
Male: 10.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 25.6% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 10.6% (2024 est.)
Female: 25.6% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 26.8 years (2024 est.)
Male: 26.4 years
Female: 27.2 years
Male: 26.4 years
Female: 27.2 years
Maternal mortality ratio
67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.05 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 415,789 (2024 est.)
Male: 205,895
Female: 209,894
Male: 205,895
Female: 209,894
Infant mortality rate
Total: 11.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 8.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 14.8% (2025 est.)
Female: 1.8% (2025 est.)
Male: 14.8% (2025 est.)
Female: 1.8% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.1% (2016)
Death rate
5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
17.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
4.6% (2015/16)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 5.93 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 74.3 years (2024 est.)
Male: 72.6 years
Female: 76.1 years
Male: 72.6 years
Female: 76.1 years
Education expenditure
4.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
18.9% national budget (2024 est.)
18.9% national budget (2024 est.)
Population growth rate
1.47% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 11.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 68.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 68.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 101,400 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.4% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.4% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
10.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
662,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 3 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 662,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 3 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 662,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
30.752 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Katharine BEAMER (since 23 August 2025)
Embassy: 4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo
Mailing address: 3050 Belmopan Place, Washington DC 20521-3050
Telephone: (501) 822-4011
FAX: (501) 822-4012
Email address and website:
ACSBelize@state.gov
https://bz.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: 4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo
Mailing address: 3050 Belmopan Place, Washington DC 20521-3050
Telephone: (501) 822-4011
FAX: (501) 822-4012
Email address and website:
ACSBelize@state.gov
https://bz.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo
Capital
Name: Belmopan
Geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W
Time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name is formed from two words: "Belize," the name of the longest river in the country, and "Mopan," one of the rivers in the area that empties into the Belize River
Geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W
Time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name is formed from two words: "Belize," the name of the longest river in the country, and "Mopan," one of the rivers in the area that empties into the Belize River
Constitution
History: Previous 1954, 1963 (pre-independence); latest signed and entered into force 21 September 1981
Amendment process: Proposed and adopted by two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly House of Representatives except for amendments relating to rights and freedoms, changes to the Assembly, and to elections and judiciary matters, which require at least three-quarters majority vote of the House; both types of amendments require assent of the governor general
Amendment process: Proposed and adopted by two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly House of Representatives except for amendments relating to rights and freedoms, changes to the Assembly, and to elections and judiciary matters, which require at least three-quarters majority vote of the House; both types of amendments require assent of the governor general
Executive branch
Chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Froyla TZALAM (since 27 May 2021)
Head of government: Prime Minister John BRICEÑO (since 12 November 2020)
Cabinet: Governor general appoints Cabinet from among members of the National Assembly, on the advice of the prime minister
Election/appointment process: The monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor-general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Head of government: Prime Minister John BRICEÑO (since 12 November 2020)
Cabinet: Governor general appoints Cabinet from among members of the National Assembly, on the advice of the prime minister
Election/appointment process: The monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor-general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Flag
Description: Royal blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; the coat of arms is on a large white disk at the center and shows a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree, with the motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom; a green garland of 50 mahogany leaves rings the coat of arms
Meaning: The figures, the mahogany tree, and the garland refer to the logging industry that led the British to settle Belize; blue and red are the colors of the two main political parties
Note: Belize has the only national flag that depicts humans; the flags of two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, also depict humans
Meaning: The figures, the mahogany tree, and the garland refer to the logging industry that led the British to settle Belize; blue and red are the colors of the two main political parties
Note: Belize has the only national flag that depicts humans; the flags of two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, also depict humans
Independence
21 September 1981 (from the UK)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court of Judicature (consists of the Court of Appeal with the court president and 3 justices, and the Supreme Court with the chief justice and 10 justices); the Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal
Judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and justices appointed by the governor-general upon advice of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; justices' tenures vary by terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the prime minister and the National Assembly opposition leader; other judges appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Section of the Public Services Commission and with the concurrence of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; judges can be appointed beyond age 65 but must retire by age 75
Subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts; Family Court
Judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and justices appointed by the governor-general upon advice of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; justices' tenures vary by terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the prime minister and the National Assembly opposition leader; other judges appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Section of the Public Services Commission and with the concurrence of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; judges can be appointed beyond age 65 but must retire by age 75
Subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts; Family Court
Legal system
English common law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: National Assembly
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Legislative structure: Bicameral
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Battle of St. George's Caye Day (National Day), 10 September (1798); Independence Day, 21 September (1981)
Political parties
Belize People’s Front or BPF
Belize Progressive Party or BPP (formed in 2015 from a merger of the People's National Party, elements of the Vision Inspired by the People, and other smaller political groups)
People's United Party or PUP
United Democratic Party or UDP
Vision Inspired by the People or VIP
Belize Progressive Party or BPP (formed in 2015 from a merger of the People's National Party, elements of the Vision Inspired by the People, and other smaller political groups)
People's United Party or PUP
United Democratic Party or UDP
Vision Inspired by the People or VIP
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
parliamentary democracy (National Assembly) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Country name
Conventional long form: None
Conventional short form: Belize
Former: British Honduras
Etymology: Traditionally believed to be derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the last name of Scottish explorer Peter Wallace, who settled in the area in 1638; alternatively, may be named for the Belize River, whose name possibly derives from the Maya word "belix," meaning "muddy-watered"
Conventional short form: Belize
Former: British Honduras
Etymology: Traditionally believed to be derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the last name of Scottish explorer Peter Wallace, who settled in the area in 1638; alternatively, may be named for the Belize River, whose name possibly derives from the Maya word "belix," meaning "muddy-watered"
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Lynn Raymond YOUNG (since 7 July 2021)
Chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008-2826
Telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636
FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888
Email address and website:
Reception.usa@mfa.gov.bz
https://www.belizeembassyusa.mfa.gov.bz/
Consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008-2826
Telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636
FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888
Email address and website:
Reception.usa@mfa.gov.bz
https://www.belizeembassyusa.mfa.gov.bz/
Consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
National anthem(s)
Title: "Land of the Free"
Lyrics/music: Samuel Alfred HAYNES/Selwyn Walford YOUNG
History: Adopted 1981
_____
Title: "God Save the King"
Lyrics/music: Unknown
History: Royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country
Lyrics/music: Samuel Alfred HAYNES/Selwyn Walford YOUNG
History: Adopted 1981
_____
Title: "God Save the King"
Lyrics/music: Unknown
History: Royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
Baird's tapir (a large forest-dwelling mammal), keel-billed toucan, black orchid
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: Yes
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
National color(s)
red, blue
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.2% (2018 est.)
Highest 10%: 30% (2018 est.)
Note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 30% (2018 est.)
Note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
raw sugar, bananas, fish, shellfish, refined petroleum (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, UK 14%, Spain 9%, Guatemala 7%, Portugal 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, bananas, sorghum, soybeans, chicken, rice, oranges, fruits, plantains (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $554.405 million (2017 est.)
Expenditures: $506.316 million (2017 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $506.316 million (2017 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, orthopedic appliances, ships, garments, tobacco (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
2 (2024 est.)
2 (2023 est.)
2 (2022 est.)
2 (2021 est.)
2 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
2 (2024 est.)
2 (2023 est.)
2 (2022 est.)
2 (2021 est.)
2 (2020 est.)
Industries
garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil
Economic overview
tourism- and agriculture-driven economy; strong post-pandemic rebound; innovative and ecological bond restructuring that significantly lowered public debt and expanded marine protections; central bank offering USD-denominated treasury notes; high mobility across borders
GDP (official exchange rate)
$3.516 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 62.9% (2023 est.)
Government consumption: 15.7% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 20.6% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: -2.3% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 55.3% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -51.2% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 15.7% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 20.6% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: -2.3% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 55.3% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -51.2% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
USA 37%, China 17%, Guatemala 10%, Mexico 8%, Costa Rica 6% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
4.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
4.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
4.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
5% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
190,000 (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$1.235 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$498.087 million (2024 est.)
$473.729 million (2023 est.)
$482.146 million (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$473.729 million (2023 est.)
$482.146 million (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
99% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Unemployment rate
7% (2024 est.)
8.3% (2023 est.)
8.8% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
8.3% (2023 est.)
8.8% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
21.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$5.538 billion (2024 est.)
$5.12 billion (2023 est.)
$5.062 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$5.12 billion (2023 est.)
$5.062 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
3.3% (2024 est.)
4.4% (2023 est.)
6.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
4.4% (2023 est.)
6.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$51.762 million (2024 est.)
-$19.761 million (2023 est.)
-$235.566 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$19.761 million (2023 est.)
-$235.566 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$13,300 (2024 est.)
$12,500 (2023 est.)
$12,600 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$12,500 (2023 est.)
$12,600 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$1.724 billion (2024 est.)
$1.573 billion (2023 est.)
$1.574 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$1.573 billion (2023 est.)
$1.574 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$1.64 billion (2024 est.)
$1.536 billion (2023 est.)
$1.369 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$1.536 billion (2023 est.)
$1.369 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
8.2% (2024 est.)
1.1% (2023 est.)
9.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
1.1% (2023 est.)
9.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
4.8% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 8.1% (2023 est.)
Industry: 14.3% (2023 est.)
Services: 62.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 14.3% (2023 est.)
Services: 62.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 98.6% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 98.4%
Electrification - rural areas: 97.1%
Electrification - urban areas: 98.4%
Electrification - rural areas: 97.1%
Coal
Imports: 32 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 12% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 52.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 32.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 52.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 32.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 800 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 6.7 million barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 6.7 million barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 220,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 595.389 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 283.8 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 140.519 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 595.389 million kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 283.8 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 140.519 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 72% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.bz
Broadcast media
8 privately owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV provides access to foreign stations; about 25 radio stations broadcasting on roughly 50 different frequencies; state-run radio was privatized in 1998 (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 264,000 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 66 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 66 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 39,000 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2022 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 19,000 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2022 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
V3
Airports
27 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 774 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 49, general cargo 410, oil tanker 64, other 251
By type: Bulk carrier 49, general cargo 410, oil tanker 64, other 251
Heliports
5 (2025)
Military expenditures
1% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, Air Wing; Belize Coast Guard (BCG) (2025)
Note: The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security is responsible for oversight of the BDF and the Coast Guard, while the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has responsibility for the Belize Police Department (BPD) and prisons
Note: The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security is responsible for oversight of the BDF and the Coast Guard, while the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has responsibility for the Belize Police Department (BPD) and prisons
Military - note
the Belize Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for external security but also provides some support to civilian authorities; it has limited powers of arrest within land and shoreline areas, while the Coast Guard has arrest powers and jurisdiction within coastal and maritime areas; the BDF traces its history back to the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer force established in 1817; the BDF was established in 1978 from the disbanded Police Special Force and the Belize Volunteer Guard to assist the resident British forces with the defense of Belize against Guatemala
The British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence; the presence consists of a small training support unit that provides jungle training to troops from the UK and international partners (2025)
The British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence; the presence consists of a small training support unit that provides jungle training to troops from the UK and international partners (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 1,500 BDF personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military has a small inventory consisting mostly of UK- and US-origin equipment (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-23 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient, but conscription has never been implemented; initial service obligation is 12 years (2025)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
Major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
Major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 2,287 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 8 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 8 (2024 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 2 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 1
Very small: 0
Size unknown: 1
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Belize City, Big Creek
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 1
Very small: 0
Size unknown: 1
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Belize City, Big Creek
Legislative branch - lower chamber
Chamber name: House of Representatives
Number of seats: 32 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 3/12/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: People's United Party (PUP) (26); United Democratic Party (UDP) (5)
Percentage of women in chamber: 12.5%
Expected date of next election: March 2030
Number of seats: 32 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 3/12/2025
Parties elected and seats per party: People's United Party (PUP) (26); United Democratic Party (UDP) (5)
Percentage of women in chamber: 12.5%
Expected date of next election: March 2030
Legislative branch - upper chamber
Chamber name: Senate
Number of seats: 13 (all appointed)
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 5/9/2025
Percentage of women in chamber: 35.7%
Expected date of next election: May 2030
Number of seats: 13 (all appointed)
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 5/9/2025
Percentage of women in chamber: 35.7%
Expected date of next election: May 2030
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
39.9 (2018 est.)
Note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
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