Belize Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Belize, State of Central America; 23,000 km², 383,000 residents (2019).Belize borders in the north to Mexico and in the west and south to Guatemala, which has long claimed this area. The capital is Belmopan (23,000 residents, 2019).

Country facts

Belize / Belize
Country abbreviation: BZ
Area: 23 000 km²
Population (2019): 383,000 residents
Capital: Belmopan
Main languages: English, Spanish
State: Monarchy
Head of State: Elizabeth II (Queen)
Head of Government: Dean Barrow
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 5,025
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 4,720
Currency unit: 1 Belize dollar = 100 cents
Currency code: BZD
Country number (telephony): 501
Internet domain name: bz
Time difference compared to Sweden: −7
National Day: September 21 (Independence Day, 1981)

Nature

Land use: forest (44%), agricultural land (2%), other (54%)
Highest mountain: Victoria Peak (1,122 m above sea level)
Longest river: Belize River (290 km)

Population

Population density (2019): 17 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.6%; birth number 21 ‰, death number 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (36%), 15-64 (60%), 65- (4%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 71 years, women 77 years
Infant mortality (2019): 14 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 600,000 residents
HDI (2017): 0.708 (place 106 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 45%
Most populous cities (2019): Belize City (63,400 residents), Belmopan (23,000), San Ignacio (22,300)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (10%), industry (22%), service (68%)
Exports (2017): US $ 458 million
Main export products: sugar, bananas, citrus fruits
Main exporting countries: United Kingdom, USA, Jamaica
Imports (2017): US $ 846 million
Main import products: machinery, industrial products, fuel
Main trading partners: USA, China, Mexico
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography

Location and Borders

Belize is a small country located on the eastern coast of Central America. It lies on the Caribbean Sea, with a total area of 22,966 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the region. To the north, Belize shares a border with Mexico, while to the west and south, it borders Guatemala. The country’s location along the Caribbean provides it with a significant coastal region, rich in biodiversity, and with some of the most pristine marine environments in the world. Belize is unique in that it combines coastal and inland environments, with forests, mountains, rivers, and extensive barrier reefs.

The coastal region of Belize includes numerous islands and atolls, such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, which are popular for tourism and fishing. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, lies just off the coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, stretching from Mexico to Honduras, and is home to a diverse array of marine life.

Major Landforms

Belize is characterized by varied landforms, with a combination of coastal plains, low mountains, and vast jungle-covered areas. The country’s southern region is dominated by the Maya Mountains, which rise to over 1,100 meters above sea level. These mountains, along with the rainforests they support, create a dramatic contrast with the lowland areas in the north and east. The mountains are crisscrossed by rivers that have carved deep valleys over centuries, providing fertile lands for agriculture.

The western and central regions of Belize contain tropical forests and savannahs, which are home to diverse wildlife, such as jaguars, ocelots, and howler monkeys. The Maya Mountains are also rich in archaeological sites, with ancient Maya ruins such as Xunantunich and Caracol located in these regions.

The northern part of Belize is flatter, with vast wetlands, swamps, and lagoons. The country’s central and eastern regions are drained by several river systems, including the Belize River, which flows through the western part of the country and empties into the Caribbean Sea. Belize’s rivers and lakes are vital for transportation, agriculture, and wildlife, especially the vast lagoons and wetlands that form critical ecosystems for migratory birds and aquatic life.

Rivers and Lakes

Belize’s river system is vital for the country’s water supply, agriculture, and transportation. The Belize River is the largest in the country, flowing from the western mountains to the Caribbean Sea. It is often used for transportation, particularly in the more remote, rural areas, where roads may be limited. Other important rivers include the Sibun, the Mopan, and the Macal Rivers, which drain into the Belize River.

Belize is also home to several lakes, such as the famous Blue Hole near the southern coastline, which is a popular diving destination. The largest freshwater body in Belize is the Chetumal Bay area, which contains extensive wetlands and lagoons that provide rich habitats for fish, manatees, and migratory birds. The northern part of the country, near the border with Mexico, contains lowland marshes and swamps that feed into the larger river systems.

Climate

Tropical Climate Zones

Belize has a tropical climate, characterized by two primary seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season typically lasts from June to November, during which the country experiences significant rainfall, often accompanied by tropical storms or hurricanes. The dry season lasts from December to May, with more moderate temperatures and less rainfall.

The coastal areas, including the islands, tend to be warm and humid year-round, with temperatures often reaching around 30°C during the day and cooling slightly in the evening. The inland areas experience a more varied climate depending on the altitude, with the higher elevations of the Maya Mountains being cooler and more temperate than the lowland plains.

Wet and Dry Seasons

The rainy season is marked by high humidity and frequent showers, particularly from May to November. This period coincides with the hurricane season, and Belize, like many Caribbean nations, is susceptible to the impact of hurricanes, although the country is not hit as often as others in the region. During the dry season, the weather is more consistent, with clear skies and reduced rainfall, providing a perfect environment for agriculture and tourism.

The variation in climate between the coastal and inland regions of Belize also impacts the country’s vegetation and agriculture. The southern parts of the country, where the rainforests and mountain ranges are located, receive more rainfall and support lush tropical vegetation. The northern and western parts of Belize, with their flatter, more open plains, experience less rainfall and have a more semi-arid climate.

People

Demographics

Belize has a population of approximately 400,000 people, making it one of the least populous countries in Central America. The population is ethnically diverse, with a mix of ethnic groups including Mestizos, Creoles, Maya, Garifuna, and a small number of East Indian and Middle Eastern populations. Mestizos, who are of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, represent the largest ethnic group in Belize, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country.

Creoles, descendants of African slaves and European colonizers, make up a significant portion of the population and are primarily found along the coastal areas and in urban centers such as Belize City. The Garifuna, descendants of Afro-Indigenous peoples, are a key cultural group found mostly in coastal towns such as Dangriga and Hopkins. The Maya population, though smaller in number, is still a vital part of Belize’s heritage and is mainly located in the southern and western parts of the country.

Language and Religion

The official language of Belize is English, a legacy of its colonial past under British rule. However, Spanish is widely spoken, particularly among the Mestizo population and in the northern regions. Many Belizeans also speak Creole, a language derived from English and African languages, and it is commonly used in everyday life. Other languages spoken in Belize include Garifuna, a language of the Afro-Indigenous people, and several Maya languages, including K’iche’ and Mopan, which are spoken by indigenous communities in the southern and western regions.

Religion in Belize is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination, followed by Protestantism, particularly Anglicanism and Methodist. The Garifuna community also practices a blend of Christianity and African spiritual traditions. Belizeans generally enjoy religious freedom, with various religious communities coexisting peacefully. The country celebrates major Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter, as well as local festivals tied to the Garifuna and Maya traditions.

Economy

Economic Overview

Belize’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, tourism, and offshore financial services. The agricultural sector is the backbone of the Belizean economy, with products like sugar, citrus fruits, bananas, and rice being major exports. Belize is known for its high-quality sugar production, which is primarily grown in the northern regions. Citrus farming is another important industry, and Belize is a major exporter of orange juice concentrate. Other agricultural products, such as papayas and coconuts, are also significant to the economy.

Tourism is a rapidly growing industry in Belize, with visitors attracted to the country’s natural beauty, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The Belize Barrier Reef is a major draw for international tourists, who come to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The country’s rich Maya history, with ancient archaeological sites like Caracol, Xunantunich, and Altun Ha, also attracts tourists seeking cultural and historical experiences.

The offshore banking sector has also grown in importance, as Belize offers various tax incentives for international businesses, making it a hub for financial services in the region. However, despite the growth of these industries, Belize remains a developing country, with poverty and unemployment rates still high, particularly in rural areas.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Belize has many economic opportunities, such as growing its tourism industry and exporting agricultural goods, it also faces several challenges. The country’s small size and limited resources make it vulnerable to external economic factors such as fluctuations in commodity prices and natural disasters. Additionally, the country’s heavy dependence on imports for goods like fuel and machinery creates trade imbalances.

Agricultural production is highly dependent on weather patterns, with the possibility of droughts or floods having a significant impact on crop yields. Furthermore, Belize’s dependence on offshore banking has led to concerns about the country’s financial stability, with international pressure to improve regulations and transparency.

However, the government of Belize has worked to address these issues by focusing on sustainable economic growth and diversification. Investments in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, have the potential to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel. The government has also focused on improving infrastructure, particularly in transportation and education, to provide the foundation for long-term growth.

Government

Political Structure

Belize is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The country recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state, but her role is largely ceremonial. The Prime Minister is the head of government and holds executive powers. The government of Belize is made up of three branches: the executive, legislative, and judiciary.

The executive branch is headed by the Prime Minister, who is elected by the National Assembly, the country’s legislative body. The Prime Minister appoints a cabinet of ministers to assist in the administration of the government. The legislature is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives has 31 members, elected by the people, while the Senate has 12 members, appointed by the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.

The judiciary in Belize is independent, with a system based on British common law. The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal is the highest appellate court. The country also has a number of lower courts that handle civil and criminal cases.

Political History

Belize’s political history is defined by its colonial past under the British Empire. It was originally a British settlement called British Honduras, and it remained a British colony until it gained independence in 1981. Belize’s independence was peaceful, with a gradual transition to self-rule beginning in the 1960s. The country’s first prime minister was George Cadle Price, who played a significant role in Belize’s push for independence.

Since gaining independence, Belize has maintained a stable political system with a focus on democracy, free elections, and respect for human rights. The country has experienced political rivalry between the two major political parties: the People’s United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP). While both parties have alternated in power, Belize has generally maintained a tradition of peaceful transitions of government.

The government of Belize continues to face challenges related to corruption, political transparency, and land rights, especially regarding disputed territories with Guatemala. However, Belize remains committed to democratic values and has worked to strengthen its institutions through reforms and international cooperation.

Culture

Art and Music

Belizean culture is a blend of various ethnic influences, and this diversity is reflected in the country’s art, music, and dance. Belizeans have a rich tradition of music, with genres such as Punta, Garifuna drumming, and reggae being popular across the country. Garifuna music, in particular, is an integral part of the country’s cultural identity and is characterized by rhythmic drumming and call-and-response chanting.

The arts in Belize also include visual arts such as painting, sculpture, and crafts. The Maya, Garifuna, and Creole communities have all contributed to Belize’s artistic traditions, with pottery, beadwork, and textiles being part of the nation’s artistic heritage. Belize is also known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, such as Carnival, the Belize Carnival, and the Garifuna Settlement Day, all of which showcase the country’s musical and cultural diversity.

Festivals

Festivals are an essential part of Belizean life, often celebrated with music, dance, and food. Garifuna Settlement Day, celebrated on November 19th, is one of the most important cultural festivals in Belize. It marks the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize and features traditional music, dance, and celebrations in towns like Dangriga and Hopkins.

Other significant festivals in Belize include the annual Belize Carnival, which takes place in March and features colorful parades and dancing, as well as Independence Day celebrations on September 21st. These festivals bring the country together to celebrate its diverse cultural heritage and national identity.

Cuisine

Belizean cuisine reflects the country’s multicultural heritage, combining influences from Maya, Creole, Mestizo, and Garifuna cuisines. Rice and beans, often served with stewed chicken, pork, or beef, are staples of the Belizean diet. Other popular dishes include tamales, pupusas, and fry jacks, as well as seafood such as conch, lobster, and shrimp.

The country’s food is often characterized by the use of fresh, local ingredients, and meals are typically cooked using traditional methods. The Garifuna people have contributed to the country’s food culture with dishes such as hudut (a fish and coconut soup) and cassava bread. Additionally, Belize’s culinary scene features tropical fruits like papaya, mangoes, and pineapples, which are enjoyed throughout the country.