Country Profile: Belize

Belize is a small Central American nation with a rich history shaped by ancient Mayan civilization and colonial influences. It is bordered by Guatemala to the west and south, and Mexico to the north, with a beautiful coastline along the Caribbean Sea. The country has a population of approximately 415,789 and relies heavily on tourism and agriculture for its economy. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, Belize faces challenges such as high unemployment and crime rates, as well as concerns related to drug trafficking.

Geography

Belize is situated in Central America, with a tropical climate characterized by hot and humid weather. The country has a total area of 22,966 sq km, which consists of flat, swampy coastal plains and low mountains in the south. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population resides in the former capital, Belize City, while over half of the population lives in rural areas. Belize's coastline stretches 386 km, while it shares land borders of 542 km with Guatemala and Mexico.

22,966 sq km – Total area (2024)
386 km – Coastline
542 km – Total land boundaries
58.3% – Forest land (2023)
8% – Agricultural land (2023 est.)
1,124 m – Highest elevation at Doyle's Delight

People and Society

The population of Belize is estimated at 415,789 in 2024, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Mestizo, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna. The official language is English, but Spanish and Creole are also widely spoken. The country has a relatively young population, with a median age of 26.8 years. Social challenges include high rates of youth unemployment and a significant number of people living in poverty.

415,789 – Estimated population (2024)
87.9% – Literacy rate (2022 est.)
2.05 – Total fertility rate (2024 est.)
74.3 years – Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
17.7 births – Birth rate per 1,000 people (2024 est.)
5 deaths – Death rate per 1,000 people (2024 est.)
49.9 – Total dependency ratio (2024 est.)

Economy

Belize's economy is primarily driven by tourism and agriculture, with a notable rebound post-pandemic. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $5.538 billion, marking an 8.2% growth compared to the previous year. The economy also faces challenges such as high foreign debt and reliance on remittances which amounted to 4.4% of GDP in 2024.

$5.538 billion – Real GDP (2024 est.)
8.2% – Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
62.4% – Services sector contribution to GDP (2023 est.)
190,000 – Labor force (2024 est.)
7% – Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
$1.64 billion – Exports (2024 est.)
$1.724 billion – Imports (2024 est.)

Government

Belize operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with the monarch represented by a governor-general. The National Assembly consists of a bicameral legislature, which includes a House of Representatives and a Senate. The legal system is based on English common law, and citizens enjoy universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

21 September 1981 – Independence from the UK
6 – Administrative divisions (districts)
Prime Minister: John Briceño (since 2020)
Governor-General: Froyla Tzalam (since 2021)
32 – Seats in the House of Representatives
13 – Seats in the Senate

Military and Security

The Belize Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for national defense, supported by the Belize Coast Guard. Military expenditures are around 1% of GDP, with approximately 1,500 personnel in service. The country has a longstanding relationship with the British military, which has provided training support since independence.

1% – Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
1,500 – Approximate BDF personnel (2025)
12 years – Initial service obligation for volunteers
18-23 years – Service age
1.3% – Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2021)

Energy

Energy access is near universal in Belize, with 98.6% of the population having electricity. The primary sources of electricity generation include hydroelectricity, fossil fuels, and biomass. In 2023, the total installed generating capacity was 220,000 kW, reflecting efforts to harness renewable energy.

595.389 million kWh – Electricity consumption (2023 est.)
220,000 kW – Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
98.6% – Electricity access (2022 est.)
800 bbl/day – Total petroleum production (2023 est.)
32 metric tons – Coal imports (2023 est.)

Environment

Belize faces environmental challenges including deforestation and water pollution from various sources. The country is committed to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is a notable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

58.3% – Forest land (2023)
98.4% – Improved drinking water access (total population, 2022 est.)
10.4% – Recycling rate of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
21.734 billion cubic meters – Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
662,000 metric tonnes – Carbon dioxide emissions (2023 est.)

Transportation

Belize maintains a modest transportation infrastructure, with 27 airports and limited maritime capabilities. The largest merchant marine fleet comprises 774 vessels, primarily used for bulk and general cargo. Key ports, such as Belize City, play a crucial role in trade and transport.

27 – Airports (2025)
774 – Total merchant marine vessels (2023)
2 – Total ports (2024)
5 – Heliports (2025)
1 – Key port: Belize City

Communications

Belize has made significant strides in communications, with a substantial percentage of the population using the internet. The country has a mix of fixed and mobile telephone services, alongside a growing media landscape with several television and radio stations.

72% – Internet usage (2023 est.)
264,000 – Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021 est.)
19,000 – Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021 est.)
39,000 – Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	415,789	Estimated (2024)
Area	22,966 sq km	Total area
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)	$5.538 billion	Estimated (2024)
Unemployment Rate	7%	Estimated (2024)
Birth Rate	17.7 births/1,000 people	Estimated (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth	74.3 years	Estimated (2024)
Electricity Access	98.6%	Estimated (2022)
Military Expenditure	1% of GDP	Estimated (2024)
Literacy Rate	87.9%	Estimated (2022)
CO2 Emissions	662,000 metric tonnes	Estimated (2023)