CapitalBelmopan
Population421,960
Area22,966 km²
GDP per capita$13,300
LanguagesEnglish , Spanish, Creole, Maya, German, Garifuna, other, unknown
CurrencyBelizean dollars
Life Expectancy74.3 yr
GovernmentBelize operates as a parliamentary democracy (National Assembly) within a constitutional monarchy; it is a member of the Commonwealth.
Introduction
Background
The territory now known as Belize was home to numerous Mayan city-states until their decline at the conclusion of the first millennium A.D. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the British and Spanish contested control over the area, which officially became the colony of British Honduras in 1862. Disputes regarding territory between the United Kingdom and Guatemala postponed Belize's independence until 1981. Guatemala did not acknowledge the newly established nation until 1992, and both nations continue to engage in a protracted boundary dispute. The tourism sector has emerged as a pivotal element of the country's economy. Present challenges include a significant foreign debt load, elevated crime rates, high unemployment rates coinciding with a predominantly young populace, increasing participation in the drug trade linked to Mexico and South America, and one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS prevalence in Central America.
Geography
Area
land
22,806 sq km
water
160 sq km
total
22,966 sq km
Climate
tropical climate; characterized by high temperatures and humidity; wet season (May through November); dry season (February to May)
Terrain
a low-lying, marshy coastal plain; southern regions feature low mountain ranges
Land use
other
33.7% (2023 est.)
forest
58.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 2.2% (2023 est.)
Location
Located in Central America, it shares its borders with the Caribbean Sea, positioned between Guatemala and Mexico
Coastline
386 km
Elevation
lowest point
Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point
Doyle's Delight 1,124 m
mean elevation
173 m
Irrigated land
35 sq km (2012)
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Land boundaries
total
542 km
border countries
Guatemala 266 km; Mexico 276 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
experiences frequent and severe hurricanes from June to November, along with significant coastal flooding, particularly in the southern areas
Geography - note
the sole nation in Central America lacking a coastline along the North Pacific Ocean
Natural resources
possesses potential for arable land, timber resources, fisheries, and hydropower generation
Area - comparative
slightly smaller in area than the state of Massachusetts
Geographic coordinates
17 15 N, 88 45 W
Population distribution
around 25% to 30% of its inhabitants reside in the former capital, Belize City; more than half of the total population lives in rural areas, with population density being marginally greater in the northern and eastern regions
People & Society
Literacy
male
87.9% (2022 est.)
female
87.9% (2022 est.)
total population
87.9% (2022 est.)
Languages
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 estimate)
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)
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.)
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
total population
0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.99 male(s)/female
Birth rate
17.44 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
4.87 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
26.4 years
total
27.2 years (2025 est.)
female
27.2 years
Population
male
208,844
total
421,960 (2025 est.)
female
213,116
Nationality
noun
Belizean(s)
adjective
Belizean
Tobacco use
male
14.8% (2025 est.)
total
8.3% (2025 est.)
female
1.8% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
46.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
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)
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.)
Child marriage
men married by age 18
22.2% (2016)
women married by age 15
6.3% (2016)
women married by age 18
33.5% (2016)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
49.4 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio
40.8 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio
11.6 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
8.6 (2025 est.)
Physician density
1.09 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
11.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
2.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2018 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.02 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 98% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
4.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
18.9% national budget (2024 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
12.4 deaths/1,000 live births
total
11.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
10.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
1.47% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.99 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
around 25% to 30% of the populace resides in the former capital, Belize City; more than half of the total population is rural; the population density is somewhat greater in the northern and eastern regions
Life expectancy at birth
male
72.6 years
female
76.1 years
total population
74.3 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 95.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 97.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 4.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 2.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
3.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
5.93 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.)
Major urban areas - population
23,000 BELMOPAN (capital) (2018)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.1% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
4.6% (2015/16)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
12 years (2023 est.)
total
12 years (2023 est.)
female
12 years (2023 est.)
Environment
Climate
tropical climate characterized by extreme heat and humidity; a rainy period from May to November; a dry period from February to May
Land use
other
33.7% (2023 est.)
forest
58.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 2.2% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
46.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
101,400 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
10.4% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
deforestation; water contamination due to sewage, industrial discharges, and agricultural runoff; challenges in the effective management of solid waste disposal
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.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total 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.)
Particulate matter emissions
10.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
21.734 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
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
Government
Flag
description: the flag is royal blue with a slim red stripe along both the top and bottom edges; at the center, a large white disk displays the coat of arms, which features a shield supported by two laborers in front of a mahogany tree, along with the motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) inscribed on a scroll beneath; surrounding the coat of arms is a green garland composed of 50 mahogany leaves.
meaning: the depicted figures, mahogany tree, and garland symbolize the logging industry that prompted British settlement in Belize; blue and red represent the two principal political parties.
Capital
name
Belmopan
etymology
the name is derived from two components: "Belize," which is the name of the country's longest river, and "Mopan," one of the rivers in the region that flows into the Belize River.
time difference
UTC-6 (one hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
17 15 N, 88 46 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
yes
citizenship by descent only
yes
dual citizenship recognized
yes
residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Constitution
history
prior constitutions were established in 1954 and 1963 (before independence); the most recent constitution was signed and became effective on 21 September 1981.
amendment process
the constitution was proposed and ratified by a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly House of Representatives; however, amendments concerning rights and freedoms, changes to the Assembly, and matters related to elections and the judiciary require a three-quarters majority. Both amendment types necessitate the approval of the governor general.
Country name
former
British Honduras
etymology
it is traditionally thought that the name originates from the Spanish pronunciation of the surname of Scottish explorer Peter Wallace, who settled in the region in 1638; alternatively, it may be named after the Belize River, which possibly takes its name from the Maya term "belix," meaning "muddy-watered."
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Belize
Independence
21 September 1981 (from the UK)
Legal system
the legal system is based on English common law.
Government type
Belize operates as a parliamentary democracy (National Assembly) within a constitutional monarchy; it is a member of the Commonwealth.
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
the Supreme Court of Judicature comprises the Court of Appeal, which includes the court president and three justices, alongside the Supreme Court, which has the chief justice and ten justices; the Caribbean Court of Justice serves as the ultimate court of appeal.
subordinate courts
Magistrates' Courts; Family Court
judge selection and term of office
the president and justices of the Court of Appeal are appointed by the governor-general based on the prime minister's recommendation after consulting with the opposition leader of the National Assembly; the terms of justices vary according to their appointments; the chief justice of the Supreme Court is appointed by the governor-general based on the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader; other judges are appointed by the governor-general following the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Section of the Public Services Commission with the prime minister's concurrence after consulting the opposition leader; judges may be appointed beyond the age of 65, but must retire by 75.
Executive branch
cabinet
the governor-general selects the Cabinet from members of the National Assembly, following the prime minister's advice.
chief of state
King CHARLES III (ascended 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Froyla TZALAM (since 27 May 2021).
head of government
Prime Minister John BRICEÑO (took office on 12 November 2020).
election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; the governor-general is appointed by the monarch; typically, after legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or coalition is appointed prime minister by the governor-general; the prime minister also recommends the deputy prime minister.
National holiday
Battle of St. George's Caye Day (National Day), observed on 10 September (1798); Independence Day, celebrated on 21 September (1981).
National color(s)
red, blue
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
1 (natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
Political parties
Belize People’s Front or BPF
Belize Progressive Party or BPP (established in 2015 through a merger of the People's National Party, elements of Vision Inspired by the People, and other smaller political entities)
People's United Party or PUP
United Democratic Party or UDP
Vision Inspired by the People or VIP.
Legislative branch
legislature name
National Assembly
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country
lyrics/music
unknown
National symbol(s)
Baird's tapir (a significant forest-dwelling species), keel-billed toucan, black orchid.
Administrative divisions
comprising six districts: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, and Toledo.
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
House of Representatives
term in office
5 years
number of seats
32 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
3/12/2025
expected date of next election
March 2030
percentage of women in chamber
12.5%
parties elected and seats per party
People's United Party (PUP) holds 26 seats; United Democratic Party (UDP) has 5 seats.
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate
term in office
5 years
number of seats
13 (all appointed)
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
5/9/2025
expected date of next election
May 2030
percentage of women in chamber
35.7%
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 332-6888
chancery
2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008-2826
telephone
[1] (202) 332-9636
chief of mission
Ambassador Lynn Raymond YOUNG (since 7 July 2021)
consulate(s) general
Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
email address and website
[email protected]
https://www.belizeembassyusa.mfa.gov.bz/
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
(501) 822-4012
embassy
4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo
telephone
(501) 822-4011
mailing address
3050 Belmopan Place, Washington DC 20521-3050.
chief of mission
Ambassador position is currently vacant; Chargé d'Affaires Katharine BEAMER (since 23 August 2025).
email address and website
[email protected]
https://bz.usembassy.gov/
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
International law organization participation
has yet to submit an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; recognizes ICCt jurisdiction.
Economy
Budget
revenues
$554.405 million (2017 est.)
expenditures
$506.316 million (2017 est.)
Exports
Exports 2022
$1.369 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$1.536 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2024
$1.64 billion (2024 est.)
Imports
Imports 2022
$1.574 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$1.573 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2024
$1.724 billion (2024 est.)
Industries
textiles, food processing, tourism, construction, petroleum
Labor force
190,000 (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017
99% of GDP (2017 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2022
5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
4.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2024
4.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
2 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
2 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
2 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
2 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
2 (2024 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$1.235 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
economy driven by tourism and agriculture; notable recovery following the pandemic; innovative and environmentally friendly bond restructuring that significantly reduced public debt and enhanced marine conservation; central bank issuing treasury notes in USD; high levels of cross-border movement
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
8.8% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
8.3% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
7% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
USA 22%, UK 14%, Spain 9%, Guatemala 7%, Portugal 5% (2023)
Imports - partners
USA 37%, China 17%, Guatemala 10%, Mexico 8%, Costa Rica 6% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$12,600 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$12,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$13,300 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
9.7% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
1.1% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
8.2% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, bananas, sorghum, soybeans, chicken, rice, oranges, fruits, plantains (2023)
Exports - commodities
raw sugar, bananas, fish, shellfish, refined petroleum (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, orthopedic devices, ships, textiles, tobacco (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022
-$235.566 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
-$19.761 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2024
-$51.762 million (2024 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
21.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$3.516 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
62.9% (2023 est.)
government consumption
15.7% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories
-2.3% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital
20.6% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services
55.3% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services
-51.2% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
6.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
4.4% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
3.3% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
4.8% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$5.062 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$5.12 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$5.538 billion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
10.6% (2024 est.)
total
16.3% (2024 est.)
female
25.6% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$482.146 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$473.729 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$498.087 million (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
14.3% (2023 est.)
services
62.4% (2023 est.)
agriculture
8.1% (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%
2.2% (2018 est.)
highest 10%
30% (2018 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2018
39.9 (2018 est.)
Energy
Coal
imports
32 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
800 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves
6.7 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
imports
283.8 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption
595.389 million kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
220,000 kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
140.519 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
97.1%
electrification - urban areas
98.4%
electrification - total population
98.6% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
30.752 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
solar
2.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
12% 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.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
72% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
There are 8 privately operated television stations; multi-channel cable television offers access to international channels; approximately 25 radio stations operate on about 50 distinct frequencies; state-owned radio was privatized in 1998 (2019)
Internet country code
.bz
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
17,800 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
4 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
271,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
67 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
39,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
10 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
1
medium
0
key ports
Belize City, Big Creek
very small
0
total ports
2 (2024)
size unknown
1
ports with oil terminals
1
Airports
27 (2025)
Heliports
5 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
774 (2023)
by type
49 bulk carriers, 410 general cargo vessels, 64 oil tankers, 251 others
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
V3
Military & Security
Military - note
The Belize Defense Force (BDF) is tasked with external security duties but also extends limited assistance to civilian authorities; it possesses restricted arrest powers within land and coastal regions, whereas the Coast Guard holds arrest authority and jurisdiction over maritime and coastal areas. The origins of the BDF can be traced back to the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer unit founded in 1817. The BDF itself was formed in 1978, originating from the dissolved Police Special Force and the Belize Volunteer Guard, with the aim of supporting the stationed British forces in defending Belize against Guatemala.
Since Belize gained independence, the British Army has sustained a military presence in the country, which includes a small training support unit that offers jungle training to troops from the UK and various international partners (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
0.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, Air Wing; Belize Coast Guard (BCG) (2025)
Military service age and obligation
Individuals aged 18 to 23 are eligible for voluntary military service; legislation permits conscription only when there are insufficient volunteers, although conscription has never been enacted; the initial service commitment is 12 years (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The military maintains a modest inventory primarily composed of equipment sourced from the UK and the US (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 1,500 BDF personnel (2025)
Transnational Issues
Illicit drugs
USG identification
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
8 (2024 est.)
refugees
2,287 (2024 est.)
