Belize
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 418
Currency
💱 Belize dollar
Languages
🗣️ Belize Kriol, English, Spanish
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Belize
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Belizean
Independence
September 21, 1981
Top-Level Domain
.bz
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+501
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-06:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Belmopan
ISO Alpha-2
BZ
ISO Alpha-3
BLZ
UN Code
84
Geographic Coordinates
17.25,-88.75
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
22,966#152 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
418,982#176 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
18.02
Highest Point (m)
1,124 meters (Doyle's Delight)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Caribbean Sea)
Land Use
Agricultural land: 9.3%; forest: 65.5%; other: 25.2% (2018 estimate)
Irrigated Land
20 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
386 km
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; rainy season (May to November) and dry season (February to May)
Natural Resources
Arable land, timber, marine products, hydropower potential
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Guatemala, Mexico
Major Rivers
Belize River, Hondo River, New River, Moho River
Major Lakes
This country has no major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy
Administrative Divisions
6 districts
Legal System
Based on English common law
Chief of State
King Charles III (represented by a Governor-General)
Head of Government
Prime Minister John Briceño
Cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister
Elections
Elections are held every 5 years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate's Courts
Legislative Branch
Bicameral National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives)
Major Political Parties
People's United Party (PUP) and United Democratic Party (UDP)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Belize dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.33#178 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.33#173 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7,865.48#114 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.95
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
14.57
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
62.44
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.06#149 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
184,286
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8.86#46 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2014)Checked September 29, 2026
61.03
Budget
Belize's annual budget is approximately $600 million.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.77#158 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.72#166 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Belize maintains foreign reserves, primarily in US dollars, to support its currency peg.
Currency Exchange
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at a rate of BZD 2.00 = USD 1.00. Exchange rates are generally stable.
GDP by Sector
The economy is driven by tourism, services, agriculture, and construction.
Major Industries
Tourism, agriculture (sugar, bananas, citrus), and garment manufacturing are major industries.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include the United Kingdom, the United States, and CARICOM countries.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include the United States, Mexico, and China.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
87.88#108 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
18.1
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is generally around zero or slightly positive.
Median Age
The median age in Belize is around 28 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
41.56#167 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Belize has a moderate rate of urbanization.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
73.7#117 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence in Belize is a concern.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.15
Ethnic Groups
The population is diverse, with Mestizo, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna ethnic groups.
Religions
Christianity is the dominant religion, with Roman Catholicism and Protestant denominations being prevalent.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Belize Kriol, English, Spanish
Education
Education System
Education is compulsory from age 6 to 14. The system includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
13.1
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Belize, Galen University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Belizean culture is a mix of Mayan, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and other influences.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- George Price Day (2026-01-15)
- National Heroes and Benefactors Day (2026-03-09)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Holy Saturday (2026-04-04)
- Easter Sunday (2026-04-05)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Emancipation Day (2026-08-01)
- Saint George's Caye Day (2026-09-10)
- Independence Day (2026-09-21)
- Pan America Day (2026-10-12)
Popular Music
Punta Rock, Brukdown, Reggae, and Soca.
Traditional Food
Rice and beans with stewed chicken, Hudut, and various seafood dishes.
Sports
Football (soccer), basketball, and cycling are popular.
Major Festivals
Belize Carnival, the San Pedro Lobsterfest, and the Battle of St. George's Caye Day celebrations.
Famous People
Shyne, a rapper; and various Belizean athletes.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Mayan ruins like Caracol, Xunantunich, and Lamanai.
UNESCO Sites
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.
Annual Tourist Visits
—
Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
—
Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
—
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
—
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality in Belize is variable.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Belize are generally lower than in North America or Europe.
Number of Hospitals
Belize has a number of hospitals and clinics throughout the country.
Universal Healthcare
Belize has a public healthcare system, but it's underfunded. Private healthcare is available.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services range from public to private, with some specialized care available.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but access can be challenging in remote areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
—
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
No railways.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
Roads, air, and sea transport. Buses are a common mode of transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), Caye Caulker Airport (CUK), Caye Chapel Airport (CYC), Corozal Airport (CZH), Dangriga Airport (DGA), John Greif II Airport (SPR)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
80.01#109 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.93#141 of 202
Air Quality Index
—
Water Pollution Level
—
Renewable Energy Usage
—
Environmental Issues
—
Natural Hazards
—
Waste Management
—
Environmental Agreements
—
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
—