Belize

Belize is a country on the north-eastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. It also shares a maritime boundary with Honduras to the southeast. Belize is part of the Caribbean region and belongs to the Caribbean Community and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

The Maya civilization lived in Belize between 1500 BC and 300 AD, and their culture flourished there until around 1200. Europeans first arrived when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras in 1502–1504. English settlers began exploring the area in 1638. After conflicts between Spain and Britain, Britain took control, and Belize became a British colony in 1840. Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981.

Belize is known for its rich plants and animals, including large coral reefs, making it important for the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. It is the smallest and least crowded country in Central America, with a population of about 397,000 people in 2022. The capital is Belmopan, but the largest city is Belize City. English is the official language, but many people also speak Belizean Creole, Spanish, and Mayan languages.

Etymology

The name "Belize" was first recorded in 1677 by a priest named Fray José Delgado. He wrote about three rivers he crossed: Rio Soyte, Rio Kibum, and Rio Balis. These rivers are now called the Sittee River, Sibun River, and Belize River. Some people think "Balis" might mean "muddy water" in an old Mayan language, but this is not certain. Others believe the name comes from a Mayan phrase meaning "the way to Itza."

In the 1800s, some people in Belize created a story that the name came from a Scottish sailor named Peter Wallace. However, there is no proof that he ever lived or settled there. Many other ideas about the origin of the name have also been suggested.

History

Main article: History of Belize

Early history

The Maya civilization began at least 3,000 years ago in the lowlands of the Yucatán Peninsula and the highlands to the south, in areas that are now part of southeastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and western Honduras. Many parts of their culture still exist today, even after nearly 500 years of European control. Before around 2500 BC, small groups of hunters and gatherers settled into small farming villages. They grew crops like corn, beans, squash, and chili peppers.

A wide range of languages and cultures developed within the Maya people. Between about 2500 BCE and 250 AD, the main features of Maya civilization took shape.

Maya civilization

Main article: Pre-Columbian Belize

The Maya civilization spread across what is now Belize around 1500 BC and thrived until about 900 AD. The history of the middle and southern areas mainly focuses on Caracol, a large city that may have held over 140,000 people. North of the Maya Mountains, the most important city was Lamanai. In the late Classic Era of the Maya (600–1000 AD), between 400,000 and 1,000,000 people lived in what is now Belize.

When Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, the land now called Belize had three main Maya areas:

• Chetumal province, around Corozal Bay
• Dzuluinicob province, between the lower New River and the Sibun River, west to Tipu
• a southern area ruled by the Manche Ch'ol Maya, between the Monkey River and the Sarstoon River.

Early colonial period (1506–1862)

Further information: History of Belize (1506–1862), English settlement of Belize, and Colony of Jamaica

Spanish explorers claimed the land for the Spanish Empire, but they could not settle it because of the local tribes defending their homes and the area's lack of resources.

English pirates, called buccaneers, sometimes visited the coast of what is now Belize, looking for safe places to hide and to cut logwood trees. The first permanent British settlement was founded around 1716 in what became the Belize District. During the 1700s, British settlers used enslaved Africans to cut logwood trees. This provided a valuable substance used to make clothing dyes, and it was one of the first ways to create a deep black color before artificial dyes existed. The Spanish allowed the British to stay and cut logwood in exchange for helping stop piracy.

The British government did not officially call the settlement a colony, to avoid angering Spain. This meant the settlers could make their own laws and govern themselves. During this time, a few settlers controlled the local government, called the Public Meeting, as well as most of the land and timber. The British did not send their first official leader to Belize until 1786.

Throughout the 1700s, Spain attacked Belize whenever there was war with Britain. The Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798 was the last of these fights, when a Spanish fleet tried to attack but was stopped by defenders. This battle is now celebrated as a national holiday in Belize.

As part of the British Empire (1862–1981)

Main article: British Honduras

In the early 1800s, the British tried to change the rules for the settlers, threatening to take away their self-government unless they ended slavery. After many years of discussion, slavery was ended across the British Empire in 1833. Because enslaved Africans had special skills in cutting mahogany trees, their owners were paid money for each person who had been enslaved—this was the highest payment made in any British area. However, this money did not go to the enslaved people themselves, and they were not given freedom or payment later on.

Ending slavery did not change the working conditions for many former enslaved Africans who stayed in their jobs. Laws made it hard for them to buy land, keeping them in jobs that paid very little. A small group of people controlled most of the land and business in the area, so most former enslaved Africans had no choice but to keep working in timber cutting.

In 1836, after Central America won independence from Spain, the British said they would govern the region. In 1862, the United Kingdom made it an official colony called British Honduras, under the control of Jamaica. Since 1854, the wealthiest people could elect a group to make laws, but after that, the British government chose who would serve.

As a colony, Belize began to attract British businesses. One big company, the Belize Estate and Produce Company, eventually owned half of all private land and helped end a system that kept workers in debt. Belize Estate's power helped the colony depend on mahogany for most of the 1800s and early 1900s.

The Great Depression of the 1930s badly hurt the colony's economy because Britain wanted less timber. A severe hurricane in 1931 made things worse. People were unhappy because the government's help was not enough and because it would not allow labor unions or set a minimum wage. The economy got better during World War II, as many men joined the military or helped with the war effort.

After the war, the colony's economy did not grow much. When Britain changed the value of money in 1949, it made things harder for people, leading to the formation of the People's Committee, which asked for independence. The committee's successor, the People's United Party (PUP), wanted changes to the rules so that all adults could vote. The first election with universal suffrage was held in 1954, and the PUP won, starting a period of 30 years where they were the main party. Pro-independence leader George Cadle Price became the PUP's leader in 1956 and the main leader of the government in 1961, a role he kept in different titles until 1984.

Progress toward independence was slow because of a claim by Guatemala that Belize belonged to them. In 1964, Britain allowed British Honduras to govern itself under a new set of rules. On 1 June 1973, British Honduras changed its name to Belize.

Independent Belize (since 1981)

See also: Monarchy of Belize

Belize became independent on 21 September 1981. Guatemala did not recognize Belize because of an old disagreement over land. After independence, about 1,500 British soldiers stayed in Belize to prevent any possible attacks from Guatemala.

With George Cadle Price leading, the PUP won every election until 1984. In that election, the PUP lost to the United Democratic Party (UDP). UDP leader Manuel Esquivel became prime minister, and Price lost his seat in the House to someone from the UDP. The PUP under Price won again after elections in 1989. The next year, the United Kingdom said it would stop its military presence in Belize, and the RAF Harrier planes left that year after being there since 1980. British soldiers left in 1994, but the UK left behind a training unit to help the new Belize Defence Force.

The UDP won again in the 1993 national election, and Esquivel became prime minister a second time. Soon after, Esquivel said he would stop a deal made with Guatemala during Price's time, saying Price had given away too much to get Guatemala to recognize Belize. Tensions over the border continued into the early 2000s, though the two countries worked together in other areas.

In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the clearest water areas in the Western Hemisphere, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The PUP won big in the 1998 elections, and PUP leader Said Musa became prime minister. In the 2003 elections the PUP kept its majority, and Musa stayed as prime minister. He promised to improve life in the less developed southern part of Belize.

In 2005, Belize saw protests from people unhappy with the PUP government, including new taxes. On 8 February 2008, Dean Barrow became prime minister after his UDP won a landslide victory in elections. Barrow and the UDP won again in 2012 with fewer seats. Barrow led the UDP to win again in November 2015, increasing the party's seats from 17 to 19. He said this would be his last election as party leader, and they are now choosing his successor.

On 11 November 2020, the People's United Party (PUP), led by Johnny Briceño, defeated the United Democratic Party (UDP) for the first time since 2003, winning 26 of 31 seats to form the government. Briceño became prime minister on 12 November.

In 2023, Belize became the second Central American country to earn a certificate for ending malaria from the WHO.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Belize

Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It shares a border to the north with the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, to the west with the Guatemalan department of Petén, and to the south with the Guatemalan department of Izabal. To the east, the Caribbean Sea features the second-longest barrier reef in the world along much of the 386 kilometres (240 mi) of mainly marshy coastline. The country's total area is 22,960 square kilometres (8,865 sq mi), slightly larger than El Salvador, Israel, New Jersey, or Wales. The land area is reduced to 21,400 square kilometres (8,263 sq mi) by many lagoons along the coasts and in the north. Belize is unique in Central America for having no Pacific coastline.

Belize is shaped roughly like a rhombus, stretching about 280 kilometres (174 mi) north-south and 100 kilometres (62 mi) east-west, with a total land boundary length of 516 kilometres (321 mi). The courses of two rivers, the Hondo and the Sarstoon River, form much of the northern and southern borders. The western border cuts through lowland forest and highland plateau without following natural features.

The northern part of Belize features flat, swampy coastal plains, often forested. The flora is very diverse for its size. The southern area includes the low mountain range of the Maya Mountains. The highest point is Doyle's Delight at 1,124 m (3,688 ft).

Environment preservation and biodiversity

Main article: List of protected areas of Belize

Belize has rich wildlife due to its position between North and South America, with many different climates and habitats. With a low population and about 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 sq mi) of undisturbed land, Belize supports over 5,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species, including armadillos, snakes, and monkeys.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in south-central Belize protects forests, animals, and watersheds across about 400 km² (150 sq mi) of the eastern Maya Mountains. Founded in 1990, it was the first sanctuary for the jaguar and is considered one of the best places for jaguar protection in the world.

Vegetation and flora

Forest cover in Belize is about 56% of the land, equivalent to 1,277,050 hectares (ha) in 2020, down from 1,600,030 hectares (ha) in 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 1,274,670 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 2,390 hectares (ha). Around 20% of the land is used for farming or settlements. Belize ranked 85th globally in 2018 for forest quality. Savanna, scrubland, and wetland make up the rest of the land. Important mangrove ecosystems are also present. Four main plant areas exist: the Petén–Veracruz moist forests, Belizian pine forests, Belizean Coast mangroves, and Belizean Reef mangroves. As part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, Belize’s marine and terrestrial life is very rich.

Belize leads in protecting nature and resources. About 37% of its land is protected, one of the highest rates in the Americas, compared to 27% in Costa Rica. About 13.6% of Belize’s territorial waters, including the Belize Barrier Reef, is also protected. The reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Remote studies show Belize’s forests are decreasing by about 0.6% each year, losing around 10,050 hectares (24,835 acres) yearly. However, protected areas have been very effective. While only 6.4% of forests inside protected zones were lost from 1980 to 2010, over a quarter of forests outside protected areas were lost in the same period.

Natural resources and energy

Belize has several important minerals, but none in large enough amounts for mining. These include dolomite, barite (source of barium), bauxite (source of aluminium), cassiterite (source of tin), and gold. In 1990, limestone was the main mineral used for building roads.

In 2006, newly discovered crude oil near Spanish Lookout brought new opportunities and challenges.

Belize has more access to natural resources than average. In 2016, it had 3.8 global hectares of natural resources per person, much more than the world average of 1.6. However, Belize used 5.4 global hectares per person, meaning it uses more than it has, creating a deficit.

Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef runs along Belize’s coast, about 300 metres offshore in the north and 40 kilometres in the south. It is a 300-kilometre-long part of the 900-kilometre-long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, stretching from Cancún to Honduras. It is a top tourist spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, attracting almost half of Belize’s 260,000 visitors. It is also important for fishing. In 1842, Charles Darwin called it “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies”.

The reef was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 because of its fragility and its role in protecting wildlife.

Species

The Belize Barrier Reef hosts many plants and animals, making it one of the most diverse places on Earth:

• 70 hard coral species
• 36 soft coral species
• 500 fish species
• hundreds of invertebrate species

With about 90% of the reef still unexplored, scientists believe only about 10% of all species have been found.

Conservation

Belize was the first country to fully stop a certain fishing method in December 2010. In December 2015, it banned oil drilling near the reef. In 2017, Belize made a permanent ban on all oil activities in its waters. This law also requires a public vote if anyone tries to change the ban.

Even with these protections, the reef faces threats from pollution, tourism, shipping, and fishing. Other dangers include storms, changes in climate, and rising ocean temperatures, which harm corals. Scientists say over 40% of Belize’s coral has been damaged since 1998.

Climate

See also: Hurricanes in Belize

Belize has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons, though weather can vary by area. Coastal temperatures range from 24 °C (75.2 °F) in January to 27 °C (80.6 °F) in July. Inland temperatures are slightly higher, except in the cooler highland areas like Mountain Pine Ridge. Seasons are more noticeable for rain and humidity than for temperature changes.

Rainfall varies widely, from 1,350 millimetres (53 in) in the north and west to over 4,500 millimetres (180 in) in the far south. The north and central areas have the shortest dry season, usually from January to April or May, with less than 100 millimetres (3.9 in) of rain each month. The south has an even shorter dry season, typically just February to April. A smaller dry spell, called the “little dry,” often occurs in late July or August during the rainy season.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes have been very important — and damaging — in Belizean history. In 1931, a hurricane destroyed over two-thirds of the buildings in Belize City and caused many deaths. In 1955, Hurricane Janet destroyed the northern town of Corozal. Six years later, Hurricane Hattie hit the central coast with winds over 300 km/h (185 mph) and large waves. The damage to Belize City for the second time in thirty years led to moving the capital 80 kilometres (50 mi) inland to the planned city of Belmopan.

In 1978, Hurricane Greta caused over US$25 million in damage along the southern coast. In 2000, Hurricane Keith stalled and hit as a strong storm on 1 October, causing 19 deaths and at least $280 million in damage. Soon after, on 9 October 2001, Hurricane Iris struck Monkey River Town with winds of 235 km/h (145 mph). The storm destroyed most homes in the village and ruined the banana crop. In 2007, Hurricane Dean hit just 40 km (25 mi) north of the Belize–Mexico border as a very strong storm, causing major damage in northern Belize.

In 2010, Belize faced Hurricane Richard, which hit 32 kilometres (20 mi) south-southeast of Belize City on 25 October. The storm moved toward Belmopan, causing about $17.4 million in damage mainly to crops and homes. The most recent hurricane to hit Belize was Hurricane Lisa in 2022. Extreme weather, like hurricanes and floods, has become more common and stronger because of climate change.

Climate change

Belize is very affected by climate change because of its low coastal areas, many ecosystems, and dependence on tourism and farming. Although Belize’s 2023 greenhouse gas emissions are low (7.46 million tonnes), it has the 13th highest emissions per person at 18.13 tonnes. Most emissions come from changes in land use and forestry. The government aims to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and has plans for climate resilience and adaptation.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Belize and Government of Belize

Belize is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The structure of government is based on the British parliamentary system, and the legal system is modelled on the common law of England. The head of state is Charles III, who is the King of Belize. He lives in the United Kingdom, and is represented in Belize by the governor-general. Executive authority is exercised by the cabinet, which advises the governor-general and is led by the prime minister, who is head of government. Cabinet ministers are members of the majority political party in parliament and usually hold elected seats within it concurrent with their cabinet positions.

The bicameral National Assembly of Belize comprises a House of Representatives and a Senate. The 31 members of the House are popularly elected to a maximum five-year term and introduce legislation affecting the development of Belize. The governor-general appoints the 12 members of the Senate, with a Senate president selected by the members. The Senate is responsible for debating and approving bills passed by the House.

Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Belize. Constitutional safeguards include freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Members of the independent judiciary are appointed. The judicial system includes local magistrates grouped under the Magistrates' Court, which hears less serious cases. The Supreme Court (chief justice) hears murder and similarly serious cases, and the Court of Appeal hears appeals from convicted individuals seeking to have their sentences overturned. Defendants may, under certain circumstances, appeal their cases to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Political culture

In 1935, elections were reinstated, but only 1.8 per cent of the population was eligible to vote. In 1954, women won the right to vote.

Since 1974, the party system in Belize has been dominated by the centre-left People's United Party and the centre-right United Democratic Party, although other small parties took part in all levels of elections in the past. Though none of these small political parties has ever won any significant number of seats or offices, their challenge has been growing over the years.

Administrative divisions

Belize is divided into six districts.

These districts are divided into 31 constituencies. Local government in Belize comprises four types of local authorities: city councils, town councils, village councils and community councils. The two city councils (Belize City and Belmopan) and seven town councils cover the urban population of the country. Village and community councils cover the rural population.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Belize

Belize is a full participating member of the United Nations; the Commonwealth of Nations; the Organization of American States (OAS); the Central American Integration System (SICA); the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME); the Association of Caribbean States (ACS); and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which currently serves as a final court of appeal for only Barbados, Belize, Guyana and Saint Lucia. In 2001, the Caribbean Community heads of government voted on a measure declaring that the region should work towards replacing the UK's Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as final court of appeal with the Caribbean Court of Justice. It is still in the process of acceding to CARICOM treaties including the trade and single market treaties.

Belize is an original member (1995) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and participates actively in its work. The pact involves the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) subgroup of the Group of African, Caribbean, and Pacific states (ACP). CARIFORUM presently the only part of the wider ACP-bloc that has concluded the full regional trade-pact with the European Union.

The British Army Garrison in Belize is used primarily for jungle warfare training, with access to more than 13,000 square kilometres (5,000 sq mi) of jungle terrain.

Belize is a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

The United States (US) is a major diplomatic partner to Belize and has been since 1981, following their Independence. Over the past few decades, relations between the two states have consistently grown through mutual cooperation, forming a strong, long-lasting partnership. In Belize, areas such as the economy, international/national security, and education have greatly improved with the support of the US.

The US frequently offers Belize financial support. Most recently in 2024, the development of the US foreign assistance agency, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), was a big step in addressing further growth in the economy. The MCC is a US government-funded foreign assistance agency that focuses on reducing poverty through economic growth. It provides grants as opposed to loans, ensuring the program is not profit-driven. In Belize, this has translated into a system that modernizes educational opportunities and enhances the energy sector. Historically, Belize and the US have had good relations because of a shared commitment to democratic governance. Along with financial aid, the US has continuously provided disaster relief after detrimental natural disasters that have been a threat to Belize's overall stability.

The US Peace Corps has also played a pivotal role in Belize. Since 1952, the US Peace Corps has a public health and education program in Belize through the US Embassy Regional Security Program in Central America.^{[clarification needed]} Volunteers work in rural and urban communities to address the improvement of education, economic development, public health, etc. These efforts have strengthened the relations between Belize and the US on a more community-based level.

In 2025 the government of Belize signed a free movement cooperation agreement along with Barbados, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines allowing each other's nationals to have free movement between their nations just by presenting their passport and indicating the intention to become a full national with intention to work at time of entry.

Military

Main article: Military of Belize

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) serves as the country's military. The BDF, with the Belize National Coast Guard and the Immigration Department, is a department of the Ministry of Defence and Immigration. In 1997 the regular army numbered more than 900, the reserve army 381, the air wing 45 and the maritime wing 36, amounting to an overall strength of approximately 1,400. In 2005, the maritime wing became part of the Belizean Coast Guard. In 2012, the Belizean government spent about $17 million on the military, constituting 1.08% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

After Belize achieved independence in 1981 the United Kingdom maintained a deterrent force (British Forces Belize) in the country to protect it from invasion by Guatemala (see Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory). During the 1980s this included a battalion and No. 1417 Flight RAF of Harriers. The main British force left in 1994, three years after Guatemala recognized Belizean independence, but the United Kingdom maintained a training presence via the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) and 25 Flight AAC until 2011 when the last British Forces left Ladyville Barracks, with the exception of seconded advisers.

Guatemalan territorial dispute

Throughout Belize's history, Guatemala has claimed sovereignty over all or part of Belizean territory. This claim is occasionally reflected in maps drawn by Guatemala's government, showing Belize as Guatemala's twenty-third department.

The Guatemalan territorial claim involves approximately 53% of Belize's mainland, which includes significant portions of four districts: Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo. Roughly 43% of the country's population (≈154,949 Belizeans) reside in this region.

As of 2020^[update], the border dispute with Guatemala remains unresolved and contentious. Guatemala's claim to Belizean territory rests, in part, on Clause VII of the Anglo-Guatemalan Treaty of 1859, which obligated the British to build a road between Belize City and Guatemala. At various times, the issue has required mediation by the United Kingdom, Caribbean Community heads of government, the Organization of American States (OAS), Mexico, and the United States. In April 2018, Guatemala's government held a referendum to determine if the country should take its territorial claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the long-standing issue. Guatemalans voted 95% yes on the matter. A similar referendum was to be held in Belize in April 2019, but a court ruling led to its postponement. The referendum was held in May 2019, and 55.4% of voters opted to send the matter to the ICJ.

Both countries submitted requests to the ICJ (in 2018 and 2019, respectively) and the ICJ ordered Guatemala's initial brief be submitted by December 2020 and Belize's response by 2022. On 7 June 2023, the stage of written submissions ended, with the next step being oral arguments from each country's legal teams.

Indigenous land claims

Belize backed the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007, which established legal land rights to indigenous groups. Other court cases have affirmed these rights like the Supreme Court of Belize's 2013 decision to uphold its ruling in 2010 that acknowledges customary land titles as communal land for indigenous peoples. Another such case is the Caribbean Court of Justice's (CCJ) 2015 order on the Belizean government, which stipulated that the country develop a land registry to classify and exercise traditional governance over Mayan lands. Despite these rulings, Belize has made little progress to support the land rights of indigenous communities; for instance, in the two years after the CCJ's decision, Belize's government failed to launch the Mayan land registry, prompting the group to take action into its own hands.

The exact ramifications of these cases need to be examined. As of 2017^[update], Belize still struggles to recognize indigenous populations and their respective rights. According to the 50-page voluntary national report Belize created on its progress toward the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, indigenous groups are not factored into the country's indicators whatsoever. Belize's Maya population is only mentioned once in the entirety of the report.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Belize

Belize has a small economy that depends mostly on farming, making things from farm products, and selling goods. Tourism and building are becoming more important. The country also makes industrial minerals, crude oil, and petroleum. In 2017, oil production was 320 cubic meters per day. Farming is very important, with sugar being the main crop and bananas being the biggest job provider. In 2007, Belize became the world's third largest exporter of papaya.

The government of Belize has challenges with keeping the economy stable. They have promised to improve collecting taxes, but spending too much could cause problems. Tourism and building grew in 1999, helping the economy. Belize has expensive electricity and needs better infrastructure. The United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and CARICOM are important trading partners.

Belize has three main bank groups: Belize Bank, Heritage Bank, and Atlantic Bank. There are also many credit unions that started in the 1940s.

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) plans to invest $500 million to add solar power and battery storage to make electricity more reliable and cheaper. The government wants 75% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. BEL has already made some improvements, like upgrading a gas turbine and adding new power to the grid. The World Bank is helping with this project.

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is the main phone and internet company. They offer phone, internet, and TV services and are working to improve digital connections across the country.

Main article: Tourism in Belize

Belize is a popular place for visitors because of its beautiful natural sights, including the Belize Barrier Reef, many small islands, good fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, and many places to explore in the jungle. The government has made tourism very important. In 2012, over 900,000 visitors came to Belize, bringing in more than $1.3 billion. After COVID-19, Belize was the first Caribbean country to allow vaccinated travelers to visit without a test.

Demographics

According to the 2022 census, Belize's population is 397,483. Belize's birth rate was 17.8 births per 1,000 people in 2022, and the death rate was 6.3 deaths per 1,000 people in 2022. Since 1980, the number of people from Hispanic or Mestizo backgrounds has grown larger than the number of Creoles. This change happened because many Creoles moved to the United States, and more people from Latin America moved to Belize.

Largest cities

See also: List of municipalities in Belize

Ethnic groups

Maya Belizeans

The Maya people have lived in the area that is now Belize since very ancient times. Many Maya died from diseases brought by Europeans. Today, three groups of Maya live in Belize: the Yucatec, the Mopan, and the Q'eqchi'. They speak their own languages and also Spanish, English, and Belizean Creole.

Afro-Belizeans

Afro-Belizeans include Creoles, Garifunas, and people with African roots. They make up about 30% of the population.

Belizean Creoles

Belizean Creoles are people with mixed backgrounds, including African, English, and Scottish ancestors. They have played important roles in Belize's history and politics. Many Creoles moved to the United States and the United Kingdom starting in the 1960s, and many people from Central America also moved to Belize.

Belizean Creole language

Belizean Creole, also called Kriol, is a language spoken by many Belizeans. It started during the time when enslaved Africans were brought to Belize. It is based on English but includes words from other languages spoken by the enslaved people.

Garinagu

Main article: Garifuna people

The Garinagu are people with mixed African, Arawak, and Island Carib roots. They settled in Belize in the early 1800s after living in other places. They have their own language and culture.

Hispanic Belizeans

See also: Mestizo

About half of Belize's population is of Hispanic or Mestizo background. This includes people with mixed Spanish and Maya roots, as well as people who moved from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. They have brought their own foods, music, and traditions to Belize.

White Belizeans

Whites make up around 5% of Belize's population. Some are from Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Lebanon, and other places. A smaller group are Mennonites from Germany who live in rural areas and follow their own religious ways.

East Indians

Main article: Indo-Belizeans

Indo-Belizeans, also known as East Indian Belizeans, are citizens of Belize of Indian ancestry. They make up a small part of the population and mostly live in rural areas. Many came to Belize after being brought there to work on sugar plantations.

East Asian and Arabs

Main article: Ethnic Chinese in Belize

In the 20th century, people from China, Syria, Lebanon, and other places moved to Belize. Some became important leaders in the country. Many of these families live in cities and work in businesses.

Emigration, immigration, and demographic shifts

Many Belizeans move to the United States for better opportunities. At the same time, people from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras move to Belize. This changes the country's population.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Belize

English is the official language of Belize. Many people also speak Belizean Creole, Spanish, and other languages. Over half the population can speak more than one language.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Belize

According to the 2010 census, most Belizeans are Catholics, but many are also Protestants. There are smaller groups of people who follow other religions or no religion at all.

Education

Main article: Education in Belize

Education is required for children between the ages of six and 14. Many students attend kindergartens, secondary schools, and universities. The government helps fund these schools.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Belize

Belize has programs to provide free health care to all people. This includes treating diseases and offering medical services at low cost.

Crime

Belize has some problems with crime, mostly related to groups involved in illegal activities. The country works to improve safety and reduce violence.

Social structure

Belize's society has differences in wealth and power, but these differences are not as large as in some other countries. Many people work to improve education and opportunities for everyone.

Women

In recent years, Belize has worked to improve opportunities for women. More women are joining the workforce, and there are efforts to give them better roles in government and society.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Belize

Belize has many interesting stories and traditions. Some famous tales include Lang Bobi Suzi, La Llorona, La Sucia, Tata Duende, Anansi, Xtabay, Sisimite and the cadejo.

Many important days are celebrated in Belize, such as Independence Day and St. George's Caye Day. September is a special month with many activities, including Carnival. The national flower is the black orchid, and the national tree is the mahogany tree.

Music in Belize is varied. Traditional styles like punta and brukdown are popular, along with modern genres such as reggae, dance hall, and soca.

Belizean food comes from many cultures, including Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, and Maya. Common meals include rice and beans, stewed chicken, tamales, and panades. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also important parts of the diet.

Sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, and cycling are enjoyed in Belize. The Cross Country Cycling Classic and the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge are popular yearly events. The Belize national basketball team has achieved some success in international competitions.