Country Profile: Belize

Belize is a small Central American nation located along the Caribbean Sea, bordered by Guatemala and Mexico. With an estimated population of 415,789 in 2024, it presents a diverse cultural landscape shaped by its rich Mayan and colonial histories. The economy predominantly relies on tourism and agriculture, although challenges such as high debt, crime rates, and youth unemployment persist. Governed as a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, Belize has faced territorial disputes with Guatemala that continue to influence its political landscape.

Geography

Belize is situated in Central America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Guatemala, and Mexico. The country covers an area of approximately 22,966 sq km, characterized by a flat, swampy coastal plain and low mountains in the south. Belize boasts a coastline of 386 km and is the only Central American country without a Pacific coast. Its tropical climate features a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from February to May.

Highest Point: Doyle's Delight at 1,124 m.
Land Boundaries: Total of 542 km shared with Guatemala and Mexico.
Maritime Claims: Exclusively claims a 200 nm economic zone.
Natural Resources: Includes arable land, timber, fish, and hydropower.

People and Society

With a population of 415,789 in 2024, Belize exhibits significant ethnic diversity, including Mestizo (52.9%), Creole (25.9%), and Maya (11.3%). The official language is English, but Spanish and various Creole dialects are also widely spoken. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 26.8 years, and faces challenges such as high unemployment and a significant youth demographic.

Urbanization Rate: Approximately 46.6% of the population is urban (2023).
Birth Rate: Estimated at 17.7 births/1,000 inhabitants in 2024.
Life Expectancy: 74.3 years for the total population (2024).
Literacy Rate: Approximately 90.9% (2015).

Economy

Belize's economy is primarily driven by tourism and agriculture, benefiting from a post-pandemic rebound. The real GDP is projected to reach $5.538 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 8.2%. Despite these gains, challenges such as high public debt and crime remain pressing issues.

GDP per Capita: Approximately $13,300 (2024).
Unemployment Rate: Estimated at 7% (2024).
Exports: Totaling $1.64 billion in 2024, with key partners including the USA (22%).
Inflation Rate: Projected at 3.3% (2024).

Government

Belize operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with its capital in Belmopan. The government comprises a National Assembly and recognizes the King of the United Kingdom as its head of state. Belize gained independence from British rule on September 21, 1981, and has since developed a legal system based on English common law.

Suffrage Age: Voting is granted at 18 years and above.
Legislative Structure: Bicameral National Assembly consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate.
Next Elections: House of Representatives elections are scheduled for March 12, 2025.

Military and Security

The Belize Defense Force (BDF) is the country’s primary military organization, tasked with external security and support for civilian authorities. The military personnel strength is around 1,500. Military expenditures are estimated at 1% of GDP for 2024.

Service Age: Individuals aged 18-23 may voluntarily enlist.
Military Equipment: The BDF operates mainly UK- and US-origin equipment.
Coast Guard Role: The Belize Coast Guard has jurisdiction over coastal areas.

Energy

Belize's energy infrastructure is increasingly reliant on renewable sources, with an installed capacity of 220,000 kW as of 2023. Approximately 98.6% of the population has access to electricity.

Electricity Generation: 52.9% from hydropower, 12% from fossil fuels.
Total Petroleum Production: Estimated at 800 barrels per day (2023).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Approximately 662,000 metric tonnes in 2023.

Environment

Environmental challenges in Belize include deforestation and water pollution. The country has committed to various international agreements concerning climate change and biodiversity.

Forest Coverage: About 55% of land area is forested (2022).
Urban Population: Estimated at 46.6% of the total population (2023).
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources stand at 21.73 billion cubic meters (2020).

Transportation

Belize has a network of 27 airports and a merchant marine of 774 vessels. Its primary ports include Belize City and Big Creek.

Merchant Marine: Includes 410 general cargo vessels and 64 oil tankers.
Airports: 27 airports as of 2025.
Heliports: 5 registered heliports.

Communications

The communications sector in Belize includes a mix of fixed-line and mobile services, with 72% of the population using the internet.

Mobile Subscriptons: Total of 264,000 mobile subscriptions (2021).
Fixed-line Subscriptions: Approximately 19,000 subscriptions (2021).
Broadcast Media: Features 8 privately-owned TV stations and approximately 25 radio stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	415,789	2024 estimate
Area	22,966 sq km
GDP	$5.538 billion	2024 estimate
GDP per Capita	$13,300	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	7%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	17.7 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	74.3 years	2024 estimate
Electrification Rate	98.6%	2022 estimate
Active Military Personnel	~1,500	2025 estimate
Forest Coverage	55%	2022 estimate