Belize's Employment Numbers: A Snapshot

Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America, with a population of around 405,000 people in 2022. The country has a unique cultural heritage and is the only English-speaking nation in Central America. It is remarkably diverse, with a range of ethnic groups, languages, and religions.

In terms of employment, Belize's labour force participation rate remains low, although the unemployment rate fell to a record low of 5% in 2022. The country's economy is export-oriented, with tourism being the most important source of foreign exchange, followed by agricultural exports.

Belize's prospects for sustainable growth and inclusion are closely tied to maintaining environmental preservation and building economic resilience, particularly in the face of climate change.

In 2022, Belize's national labour force was 131,000

The unemployment rate in Belize varies across districts, with Cayo and Corozal having the highest rates at 26.2% and 24.5%, respectively. On the other hand, individuals with a university education tend to enjoy lower unemployment rates, with a rate of 6.3% for this group.

In terms of income, males in Belize tend to earn more than females. In 2010, the average monthly income for males was $922, compared to $882 for females. These figures represent a 35% increase from the year 2000. The public sector continues to be a significant source of employment, accounting for approximately 15% of the country's employed population.

Belize's labour force participation rate, which includes both the employed and unemployed, is composed of individuals aged 15 and older who are actively supplying labour for the production of goods and services. This rate has seen a slight increase since 2000, with about two-thirds of individuals aged 14 and over either working or seeking employment as of 2022.

Belize's employment landscape is diverse, with individuals engaged in various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services. The country's export-oriented economy benefits from its proximity to large markets like the United States and Mexico. Tourism is the leading source of foreign exchange, followed by agricultural exports and remittance inflows, which provide substantial support for consumption.

In 2022, Belize's unemployment rate was 5%

Women in Belize recorded twice the unemployment rate of men (16.7%). In Toledo and the northern districts, women's unemployment was as much as three times that of men. Cayo (26.2%) and Corozal (24.5%) experienced the highest rates of unemployment in the country. Persons who have completed university education enjoyed a much lower unemployment rate of 6.3%.

In 2019, approximately 67% of the employed population of Belize held "paid employment jobs", or jobs where they held employment contracts with the right to basic remuneration. The share of employees in Belize's total employed workforce was above the average of Latin America and the Caribbean in 2019.

In 2010, males earned 5% more than females

While exact employment figures for Belize are hard to come by, one source states that the country's population is around 420,000. In 2010, males in Belize earned 5% more than females. This is a notable gender wage gap, and it is influenced by several factors.

Firstly, societal and cultural biases play a role in the discrepancy. Discriminatory practices during hiring, promotion, and pay-setting put women at a disadvantage, leading to lower salaries. Additionally, women are more likely than men to take on caregiving responsibilities for children and elderly relatives, which can impact their career trajectories and earning potential.

The type of employment also contributes to the wage gap. Part-time employment, which is dominated by women, typically offers lower hourly rates and fewer benefits than full-time work. Furthermore, women are overrepresented in lower-paying occupations, while specific higher-paying positions are predominantly occupied by men.

Education levels are another factor. Although Belizean women often achieve similar or higher levels of education compared to men, this does not always translate into equal pay. Men still outnumber women in certain fields, such as STEM, which tend to offer higher salaries.

The gender wage gap in Belize has far-reaching implications. It highlights the need for fairer pay practices and equal opportunities for women in the workforce. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, have equitable economic growth and empowerment.

In 2022, 47.8% of Belize's population was urban

Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America. It has a population density of 18 per square kilometre or 47 people per square mile. Belize's population is equivalent to 0.01% of the total world population. The median age in Belize is 26 years, and the country ranks 177th in the list of countries by population.

The ethnic composition of Belize is diverse. While 51.7% of the population identified as Mestizo-Hispanic/Latino, persons that identified as Creole, Maya, Garifuna, and East Indian accounted for 25.2%, 9.8%, 4%, and 1.5%, respectively. The remaining 7.8% was comprised of numerous other ethnicities.

In 2022, Belize's population was 405,000

In 2022, Belize's population was 405,272, a 1.31% increase from 2021. This figure represents a diverse ethnic composition, with 51.7% of the population identifying as Mestizo-Hispanic/Latino, and persons that identified as Creole, Maya, Garifuna, and East Indian accounting for 25.2%, 9.8%, 4%, and 1.5%%, respectively. The remaining 7.8% was comprised of numerous other ethnicities.

Belize's population has been steadily increasing over the years, with a current population of around 416,656-417,107 in 2024, a 1.42% increase from 2023. The population growth rate is projected to continue, with estimates suggesting a population of about 390,000 in 2020 and 700,000 by 2100.

The largest city in Belize is Belize City, with a population of 57,000, while the capital, Belmopan, has a population of 16,500. The country's population is equivalent to 0.01% of the total world population, with a population density of 18 per km2 (45-47 people per square mile), one of the lowest in Latin America and the world.

The median age in Belize is 26.0 years, and the country has a life expectancy at birth of 68.23 years. The total fertility rate is 3.21 children per woman, with a maternal mortality rate of 94 deaths per 100,000 live births and an infant mortality rate of 21.95 deaths per 1,000 live births.

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