Country Profile: Belize

Belize is a small, tropical nation located in Central America, bordered by Guatemala and Mexico, and with a coastline along the Caribbean Sea. With a population of approximately 421,960, it features a diverse society comprising various ethnic groups, including Mestizo, Creole, and Maya. The economy is primarily driven by tourism and agriculture, while the country operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Ongoing issues include a heavy foreign debt burden, high crime rates, and significant youth unemployment.

Geography

Belize is situated in Central America, with geographical coordinates of 17°15'N latitude and 88°45'W longitude. The country covers an area of 22,966 square kilometers, characterized by a flat, swampy coastal plain and low mountains in the south. Its tropical climate features a distinct rainy season from May to November and a dry season from February to May. Natural resources include arable land, timber, fish, and hydropower.

22,966 sq km: Total area.
386 km: Coastline along the Caribbean Sea.
58.3%: Forest cover as of 2023.
35 sq km: Irrigated land as of 2012.
27% to 30%: Of the population resides in Belize City, the former capital.
1,124 m: Highest point, Doyle's Delight.

People and Society

The estimated population of Belize is around 421,960, with a median age of 27.2 years. The society displays rich cultural diversity, with various ethnic groups and languages spoken, including English, Spanish, and Creole. Approximately 46.6% of the population lives in urban areas, with a rural population that remains significant. Socioeconomic challenges include high youth unemployment and a dependency ratio of 49.4.

421,960: Population estimated in 2025.
17.44 births/1,000: Birth rate estimated for 2025.
74.3 years: Life expectancy at birth as of 2024.
87.9%: Literacy rate for total population in 2022.
49.4: Total dependency ratio estimated for 2025.
67 deaths/100,000: Maternal mortality ratio as of 2023.

Economy

Belize's economy is primarily driven by tourism and agriculture, experiencing a strong rebound post-pandemic. The GDP is projected at $5.538 billion in 2024, with substantial contributions from the services sector. Challenges like high public debt and reliance on remittances also shape the economic landscape, while unemployment is projected at 7% in 2024.

$5.538 billion: Estimated GDP in 2024.
8.2%: Estimated GDP growth rate for 2024.
62.4%: Service sector contribution to GDP as of 2023.
7%: Unemployment rate estimated in 2024.
4.4%: Remittances as a share of GDP for 2024.
8.1%: Agricultural sector contribution to GDP (2023).

Government

Belize operates as a parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III as the chief of state. The government comprises an elected Prime Minister and a bicameral National Assembly. The legal system is based on English common law, and the country gained independence from the UK on September 21, 1981. Citizens have universal suffrage at age 18.

1981: Year of independence from the UK.
32: Seats in the House of Representatives (all directly elected).
6: Administrative districts.
$554 million: Estimated government revenues in 2017.
11.5%: Health expenditure as a percentage of national budget in 2022.

Military and Security

The Belize Defense Force (BDF) is tasked with external security, supported by the Belize Coast Guard. Military expenditures account for approximately 1% of the GDP in 2024. The BDF has a small personnel strength and serves also in a supportive role to civilian authorities. Conscription is not practiced, and the military maintains strong equipment ties with the UK and US.

1%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2024.
1,500: Approximate personnel strength of the BDF in 2025.
18-23 years: Age for voluntary military service.
800 bbl/day: Total petroleum production estimated for 2023.

Energy

Belize has a high electricity access rate of 98.6% as of 2022, with a significant portion of its energy generated from hydroelectric sources. The country is making strides towards renewable energy, but also relies on imports to meet consumption needs.

220,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity as of 2023.
595.389 million kWh: Total electricity consumption in 2023.
12%: Contribution of fossil fuels to total installed capacity in 2023.
6.7 million barrels: Estimated crude oil reserves as of 2021.

Environment

Belize faces environmental challenges such as deforestation and water pollution, alongside ongoing assessments of climate change impacts. The country is a participant in various international environmental agreements, and about 58.3% of its land is covered by forests.

10.4%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled as of 2022.
21.734 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources estimated in 2022.
662,000 metric tonnes CO2: Total carbon dioxide emissions estimated for 2023.

Transportation

Belize's transportation infrastructure includes 27 airports and a merchant marine fleet, facilitating both domestic and international movement. The country's two major ports are located in Belize City and Big Creek.

27: Total airports as of 2025.
774: Number of merchant marine vessels in 2023.
2: Major ports, including Belize City.

Communications

The nation has a growing communications sector, with approximately 72% of the population reported as internet users. Mobile phone subscriptions are widespread, reflecting a developed telecommunications infrastructure.

271,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions in 2022.
72%: Percentage of the population with internet access as of 2023.
39,000: Total fixed broadband subscriptions in 2022.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	421,960	Estimated for 2025
Area	22,966 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$5.538 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	7%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	17.44 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	74.3 years	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	98.6%	Total population with electricity access as of 2022
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	30.752 million Btu	Estimated for 2023
Urban Population	46.6%	Percentage of total population in urban areas (2023)
Forest Coverage	58.3%	As of 2023