Belize's Population: A Comprehensive Overview

Belize is a country in Central America with a population of around 400,000-420,000 people. It is the least populated country in Central America and has a population growth rate of around 1.4-1.9% per year. Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with most Belizeans being of multiracial descent. The population is fairly evenly split between urban and rural areas, with around 46-47.8% living in urban areas and the rest in rural areas. Belize City, the former capital and principal port, is home to around a quarter of the population.

Population density

Belize has a population density of about 45.4 persons per square mile, or 18 per square kilometre (47 people per square mile). This is the lowest density in Latin America and one of the lowest in the world.

The country has a land area of 8,807 square miles (some sources state 8,867 sq mi) and a population of 416,799 (based on 2024 projections). Belize is growing at a rate of 2.5% per year and by 2100, the population is projected to be nearly 700,000.

Belize is the least densely populated country in Central America, with just 0.01% of the world's population. The majority of its land is uninhabited jungle, with the population concentrated in urban areas. Belize City is the largest city, with a population of 57,000, while the capital, Belmopan, has a population of 16,500.

Belize's population is diverse, with many different ethnic groups, languages, and cultures. The country's demographics have been heavily influenced by colonisation, slavery, and immigration. The Maya, one of the indigenous groups, have inhabited the region since the second millennium BC. Today, there are three Maya groups in Belize: the Mopan, the Yucatec, and the Q'eqchi. Belize also has a significant multi-racial population, with about 52.9% of people identifying as mixed Indigenous (mostly Maya) and European (Mestizo).

Belize's population is growing, and it has a relatively high population growth rate compared to other countries in the region. This growth is driven by a combination of factors, including immigration and a high fertility rate. According to the latest data, Belize has a total fertility rate of 2.010 children per woman and a birth rate of 17.8 births per 1,000 people.

Ethnic makeup

Belize is often referred to as a "melting pot" of cultures, but this term may not be entirely accurate. While the country is indeed a diverse mix of different peoples, cultures, and languages, Belizeans stand out proudly, celebrating their ethnicity and cultural influences rather than melding into a homogenous group.

Mestizo

The Mestizo people, who make up about 52.9% of the population, are of mixed Spanish and Mayan descent. They were the first to bring Catholicism and the Spanish language to Belize. The Mestizo community holds tightly to elements of both parent cultures, including food traditions such as tortillas, corn porridge, and tamales, and Christian beliefs, likely influenced by Spanish conquistadores. Today, they practice Catholic traditions such as daily masses, Easter, Day of the Dead, and Christmas, often celebrated with Mayan food.

Creole

Creoles, who make up about 24.9% of Belize's population, are primarily mixed-race descendants of West and Central Africans brought to the country as slaves, as well as European and Scottish log cutters known as Baymen. Over time, they have also intermarried with Miskito from Nicaragua, Jamaicans, Garifuna, Maya, and other ethnic groups. The Creole community has had a significant impact on Belize's history and politics, playing an active role in events such as the Battle of St. George's Caye and advocating for adult suffrage, self-government, and independence.

Maya

The Maya civilization has a long history in Belize, dating back to around 1500 BC. Today, about 10.6% of Belize's population identifies as Maya, with three main groups: the Yucatec, Mopan, and Q'eqchi'. The Maya speak their native languages as well as Spanish and often English and Belizean Creole. They are primarily farmers, living in small, self-governed villages and employing a milpa system of crop rotation. While they no longer revere their old pantheon, they remain deeply spiritual, honouring spirits through rituals led by shamans or "Caciques."

Garifuna

The Garifuna people, who make up about 6.1% of the population, are a mix of West/Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib ancestry. Historically, they were captives removed from their homelands but were never documented as slaves. They eventually settled in Belize, with communities in Seine Bight, Punta Gorda, and Punta Negra. The Garifuna language is Arawakan-based but includes loanwords from Carib languages and English. They have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances like the Jankunu and Punta, and their food has transcended cultural walls to become popular throughout Belize.

Other Groups

Belize is also home to smaller populations of East Indians (3.9%), Mennonites (3.6%), whites or Caucasians (4.8%), and smaller groups from the Middle East, Asia, and other parts of the Americas. These groups have all contributed to the diverse cultural landscape of Belize, influencing areas such as food, music, language, and art.

Population by gender

Belize's population by gender is as follows:

In 2022, Belize's population was approximately 405,270, with 201,530 women and 203,750 men. This shows a maintained upward trend in population figures since 2008.

In 2024, the population is estimated to be 410,825, with a current population of 417,107 as of 31 July 2024.

Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America, with just under half of its population living in rural areas and about a quarter in Belize City, its principal port, commercial centre, and former capital.

The median age in Belize is 26 years, and the country has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. Over half the population is multilingual, with English being the only official language and the primary language used in government and education. Belizean Creole, or Kriol, is also widely spoken and considered the lingua franca of the nation.

Belize's population consists of various ethnic groups, with most Belizeans being of multiracial descent:

• Mestizo/Hispanics (composed of Mestizos and Latin Americans): 52.9%
• Creole: 24.9-25.9%
• Maya: 10.6-11.3%
• Garifuna (Afro-Amerindian): 6.1%
• East Indian: 3.9%
• Mennonites: 3.6%
• White: 1.2%
• Asian: 1%
• Other: 1.2%
• Unknown: 0.3%

The Mestizo population, making up about half of Belize's population, consists of people of mixed Spanish and Yucatec Maya descent, primarily living in the northern districts bordering Mexico. The Creole population, the second-largest group, has historically been the biggest ethnic group but has decreased due to emigration. The Maya population consists of three main language groups: Yucatec, Q'eqchi', and Mopan. The Garifuna population, with roots in West/Central Africa, the Arawak, and the Island Carib, is mainly found in the southern districts. The East Indian community, making up about 2-4% of the population, is spread across the Corozal and Toledo districts. The Mennonite population, of German descent, primarily resides in the rural districts of Cayo and Orange Walk. The White population includes descendants of Irish, British, and other European colonial settlers.

Population by age

Belize has a population of around 400,000 people, with a median age of 26 years. The population is growing and ageing, with the number of people over 65 increasing over the last decade.

Belize has a multi-ethnic society, with most Belizeans of multiracial descent. The population is made up of:

• 52.9% Mestizo, Latino, or Hispanic
• 24.9-25.9% Creole
• 10.6-11.3% Maya
• 6.1% Garifuna
• 3.9% East Indian
• 3.6% Mennonite
• 1.2% White
• 1% Asian
• 1.2% Other
• 0.3% Unknown

The population of Belize is split fairly evenly between urban and rural areas, with 46-47.8% of people living in urban areas. Belize City is the most populous city, with 67,169 inhabitants, and around a quarter of the country's population.

The population pyramid for Belize is expansive, indicating a growing population with high birth rates and fertility rates, and a high death rate.

The population of Belize is also ageing. In 2020, 4.53% of the population was aged 65 and over. This age group is expected to increase as a percentage of the population, as life expectancy increases and birth rates decline.

Population by religion

Belize has a population of around 400,000 people, with about 80% of the population identifying as Christian. The population is diverse, with many different religions and ethnicities represented.

According to the 2010 census, 40.1% of Belizeans identify as Roman Catholic, down from 49.6% in 2000 and 57.7% in 1991. The number of Catholics in Belize has been declining, while the number of people who identify as irreligious has been growing.

Protestants make up 31.5% of the population, including Pentecostals (8.4%), Seventh-Day Adventists (5.4%), Anglicans (4.7%), Mennonites (3.7%), Baptists (3.6%), Methodists (2.9%), and Nazarenes (2.8%). Jehovah's Witnesses make up 1.7% of the population, while 10.5% identify as other, including Baháʼís, Buddhists, Hindus, Mormons, Muslims, Rastafarians, and Salvation Army members. The remaining 15.5% of the population does not adhere to any religion.

The religious landscape of Belize is diverse, with many different faiths and denominations represented. The Constitution of Belize provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this right in practice.

Religious Diversity in Belize

Belize is home to people of many different ethnicities and religious backgrounds. The country has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its history as a meeting place of Indigenous, European, African, and Asian civilisations.

The Maya civilisation flourished in the region from 1500 BC to about 1200 AD, and their descendants still make up a significant portion of the population. Today, there are three main language groups of Maya in Belize: the Yucatec, the Q'eqchi', and the Mopan.

Beginning in the 16th century, Spanish and British colonists arrived in the region, bringing with them their respective Catholic and Protestant faiths. Dutch and Prussian Mennonites also settled in Belize, mostly in isolated areas.

Creoles, who are primarily descendants of West and Central Africans brought over during the slave trade, make up about 25% of the population. Garifuna people, who are of West/Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib ancestry, make up about 6% of the population.

East Indians, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and North American groups also make up a small portion of the population.

Frequently asked questions