Country Profile: Belize

Belize is a small Central American nation situated along the Caribbean Sea, bordered by Guatemala and Mexico. The population is approximately 421,960, with a significant portion residing in rural areas. The economy is largely driven by tourism and agriculture, while the governance structure operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Despite its rich cultural heritage, Belize faces challenges such as high crime rates and unemployment, alongside issues related to drug trafficking and health concerns.

Geography

Belize is located in Central America, nestled between Guatemala to the west and south, and Mexico to the north. The country encompasses an area of 22,966 square kilometers, featuring a flat, swampy coastal plain and low mountains in the south. Its climate is tropical, marked by a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from February to May.

Area: 22,966 sq km
Elevation: Highest point is Doyle's Delight at 1,124 m.
Coastline: 386 km along the Caribbean Sea.
Natural hazards: Frequent hurricanes and coastal flooding.
Natural resources: Includes timber, fish, and hydropower.

People and Society

Belize has a diverse population of around 421,960, with a mix of ethnic groups, including Mestizo, Creole, and Maya. The official language is English, although Spanish and several other languages are widely spoken. The age structure indicates a youthful population, with 27.7% under 15 and 5.5% aged 65 or over.

Literacy Rate: 87.9% (2022).
Urbanization: 46.6% of the population is urban (2023).
Median Age: 27.2 years (2025 est.).
Birth Rate: 17.44 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.).
Life Expectancy: 74.3 years (2024 est.).

Economy

Belize's economy is largely dependent on tourism and agriculture, with a GDP of approximately $5.538 billion (2024 est.). It has shown signs of recovery in the post-pandemic era, with a GDP growth rate of 8.2% projected for 2024. Despite challenges such as high unemployment, the economy is characterized by a strong export sector, particularly in agricultural products.

GDP per capita: $13,300 (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: 7% (2024 est.).
GDP Composition: Services (62.4%), Industry (14.3%), Agriculture (8.1%) (2023 est.).
Top Exports: Raw sugar, bananas, and fish (2023).
Public Debt: 99% of GDP (2017 est.).

Government

Belize operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with its capital in Belmopan. The government is characterized by a bicameral National Assembly consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. The legal system is based on English common law, and the country gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981.

Head of State: King Charles III (since 2022).
Prime Minister: John Briceño (since 2020).
Suffrage: Universal at age 18.
Administrative Divisions: 6 districts.
Constitution: Entered into force on September 21, 1981.

Military and Security

The Belize Defense Force (BDF) is the primary military organization, along with the Belize Coast Guard, overseeing national defense and maritime security. The military's expenditures are around 1% of GDP, and the country maintains a small military presence with approximately 1,500 personnel.

Military Expenditures: 1% of GDP (2024 est.).
Service Age: Voluntary military service from ages 18-23.
Military Equipment: Primarily of UK and US origin.
Defense Purpose: The BDF primarily provides support for civil authorities and external security.

Energy

Belize's energy sector is increasingly focused on renewable sources, particularly hydroelectricity, which comprises a significant portion of its generating capacity. Around 98.6% of the population has access to electricity, and the consumption is steadily growing.

Installed Capacity: 220,000 kW (2023 est.).
Electricity Consumption: 595.389 million kWh (2023 est.).
Renewable Energy Share: Hydroelectricity accounts for 52.9%.
Petroleum Production: 800 bbl/day (2023 est.).

Environment

Belize is home to a variety of environmental challenges, including deforestation and water pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff and sewage. The country has made commitments to various international environmental agreements, aiming to address these issues.

Forest Coverage: 58.3% of total land (2023 est.).
Waste Recycling Rate: 10.4% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.).
Total Water Resources: 21.734 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 662,000 metric tonnes CO2 (2023 est.).

Transportation

Belize features a range of transportation methods, including air and sea routes, with 27 airports and a small merchant marine. The country relies on its ports for international trade, with key facilities located in Belize City and Big Creek.

Airports: 27 (2025).
Merchant Marine: 774 vessels (2023).
Total Ports: 2 (2024).
Heliports: 5 (2025).

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Belize is developing, with a growing number of mobile and internet subscriptions. A considerable percentage of the population has access to the internet, facilitating improved communication.

Internet Users: 72% of the population (2023 est.).
Telephones - Mobile Subscriptions: 271,000 (2022 est.).
Broadband Fixed Subscriptions: 39,000 (2022 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	421,960	(2025 est.)
Area	22,966 sq km
GDP	$5.538 billion	(2024 est.)
GDP per capita	$13,300	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	7%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	17.44 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	74.3 years	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	98.6%	(2022 est.)
Military Expenditures	1% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Forest Coverage	58.3%	(2023 est.)