Belize

North America
Belmopan

Population

422.0K

Area

22,966 km²

GDP

$3.52B

GDP Per Capita

$13,300

Quick FAQs

Region

North America

Capital

Belmopan

ISO 3166

bz

Government Type

parliamentary democracy (National Assembly) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Language

English 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole Learn more

ON THIS PAGE

About Belize

Belize is a country located in Central America along the Caribbean coast, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, covering an area of approximately 22,966 square kilometers. As of 2025, Belize has a population of over 400,000, with English as the official language, making it unique among Central American nations. The country features a flat coastal plain with mangrove swamps and a mountainous interior, experiencing a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Belmopan serves as the capital.

Belize’s economy is primarily based on tourism, particularly eco-tourism focused on its famous Barrier Reef, ancient Maya ruins, and diverse wildlife. Key industries include agriculture focusing on citrus fruits, sugar, and bananas, along with seafood exports. The country is also known for its offshore financial services sector. With its rich biodiversity and cultural diversity including Mestizo, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna communities, Belize continues to develop its tourism infrastructure while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.

Geography & Environment

Geographic Location

Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico

Geographic Coordinate

17 15 N, 88 45 W

Geographic Area

22,966 km²

Climate

tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

Terrain

flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Natural Hazards

N/A

Natural Resources

arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower

Geography Note

N/A

People & Society

Ave. Life Expentancy at Birth

73.7 years

Urbanization

46.60%

Population Growth Rate

1.47% (2025 est.)

Literacy Rate

N/A

Health Expendeture

2.6% of GDP (2021)

Education Expenditure

N/A

Languages

English 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole 44.6%, Maya 10.5%, German 3.2%, Garifuna 2.9%, other 1.8%, unknown 0.5% (2010 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.6%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 10.5% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Church of Jesus Christ, Muslim, Rastafarian, Salvation Army), unspecified 0.6%, none 15.5% (2010 est.)

Government

Country Name

conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Belize
former: British Honduras
etymology: traditionally believed to be derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the last name of Scottish explorer Peter Wallace, who settled in the area in 1638; alternatively, may be named for the Belize River, whose name possibly derives from the Maya word "belix," meaning "muddy-watered"

Economy

Economic Overview

tourism- and agriculture-driven economy; strong post-pandemic rebound; innovative and ecological bond restructuring that significantly lowered public debt and expanded marine protections; central bank offering USD-denominated treasury notes; high mobility across borders

GDP Per Capita

$13,300

Unemployment Rate

1.6% (2025 est.)

Population Below Poverty Line

N/A

Industries

garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil

Agricultural Products

sugarcane, maize, bananas, sorghum, soybeans, chicken, rice, oranges, fruits, plantains (2023)

Location

Organizations Making an Impact in Belize

Discover the passionate teams and non-profits currently driving progress in this space
Find Nonprofits
2 nonprofit found (2 total)

Casa Viva

Wheaton, IL, Belize
IEN
Causes:
  • Human Services

Finally Home

Windsor, CO, Belize
IEN
Causes:
  • Human Services
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