The Population Of Belize City: A Comprehensive Overview

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 60,000 people. It is the country's economic centre and home to its main port. Previously the capital, it is now a popular destination for cruise ships sailing the Caribbean.

Belize City population estimates

Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America, with just under 400,000 residents. It is the only country in Central America with English as the official language. With 8,800 square miles of land, Belize has a population density of about 45.4 persons per square mile, the lowest density in Latin America, and one of the lowest in the world.

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of between 57,000 and 67,169 people. It is the country's principal port and commercial centre, and was previously the capital until 1970 when, after the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the capital was moved inland to Belmopan. Belize City is a popular destination for cruise ships sailing around the Caribbean, and it offers a rich cultural experience with museums, galleries and festivals.

Belize has a total of two cities, 0 with more than a million people, 0 with between 100,000 and 1 million people, and 5 with between 10,000 and 100,000 people. The capital, Belmopan, has a population of 16,500–20,000, making it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas.

The population of Belize is growing at a rate of 2.5% a year. By 2020, the population is expected to reach about 390,000, and by 2100, the population is projected to be nearly 700,000. The current population of Belize is estimated to be between 410,825 and 417,107 as of 2023–2024, based on projections of the latest United Nations data.

Belize City's status as the largest city

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with an estimated population of 57,000 to 67,169 people. It is the country's economic centre and principal port, and was the capital until 1970. The population of Belize City makes up about a quarter of the country's total population, which is estimated to be between 347,000 and 441,471.

Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America, with just under 400,000 residents, according to a 2024 estimate. The country has the lowest population and population density in Central America, with a density of 18 per km2 (45-47 people per square mile). Despite this, Belize City is a hub of cultural activity, with museums, galleries, and festivals. It is also a popular destination for cruise ships sailing around the Caribbean.

In addition to its population, Belize City holds historical significance as the former capital of Belize until 1970, when the capital was moved to Belmopan after the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Today, Belmopan has a population of around 16,500 to 20,000 people, making it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas.

Belize City's prominence as the largest city in Belize underscores its importance as a cultural, economic, and historical centre within the country. Its population size, relative to the rest of the country, highlights its role as a hub for urban development, tourism, and commercial activity.

Population distribution in Belize

Belize is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America, with a population of around 400,000 people. It has a total land area of 22,810 km2 (8,807 sq mi). The population density in Belize is 18 per km2 (47 people per sq mi). Belize is larger than El Salvador and over 60% of the country is covered in forest.

Belize is a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, while Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language, followed by Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna. Over half the population is multilingual due to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the population.

Belize has the lowest population and population density in Central America, with just under 400,000 residents. Of these, around 60,000 people live in Belize City, the largest of the country's two cities and its economic centre. Belize City is also home to the country's main port and is a popular destination for cruise ships sailing around the Caribbean. About one-fourth of Belize's population lives in Belize City, which served as the country's capital until 1970. Today, the capital, Belmopan, has around 20,000 residents, making it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas.

Belize is divided into six districts, which are further subdivided into 31 constituencies. The two city councils (Belize City and Belmopan) and seven town councils cover the urban population of the country, while village and community councils cover the rural population. Slightly more than half of the people live in rural areas. The majority of the remaining population live in towns and villages.

The largest cities or towns in Belize, based on the 2010 census, are:

• Belize City, BZ - 67,169
• San Ignacio, CY - 27,878
• Belmopan, CY - 19,931
• Orange Walk Town, OW - 16,709
• Corozal Town, CZ - 13,400
• San Pedro, BZ - 11,765
• Dangriga, SC - 9,591
• Benque Viejo del Carmen, CY - 6,148
• Punta Gorda, TO - 6,351

According to the 2022 census, Belize's population is 410,990. The population of Belize has been steadily increasing over the years, with the current population estimated to be around 417,107 as of 2024.

Population growth rate

Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America, with just under 400,000 residents. The population growth rate of Belize is currently estimated to be 2.5% per year, with the population projected to reach 700,000 by 2100. The population growth rate has been declining slightly in recent years, with a rate of 1.8% in 2018 and 1.64% in 2022.

Belize has a low population density, with only 18 people per square kilometre (47 per square mile). This is the lowest density in Latin America and one of the lowest in the world. The country's population is expected to continue growing, with an estimated population of 390,000 in 2020 and 416,799 in 2024.

Belize City, the country's largest city and economic centre, has a population of around 60,000 people. It is home to the country's main port and is a popular destination for cruise ships sailing in the Caribbean. The city's population accounts for about one-fourth of the country's total population.

The demographics of Belize are diverse, with most Belizeans being of multiracial descent. The population includes people of Indigenous (Maya), European, Kriols, Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna), East Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and North American descent. The country's religious groups are predominantly Christian, with about 80% of the population identifying as such.

Belize City's former role as the capital

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 60,000 people. It is the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub. Belize City was founded as "Belize Town" in 1638 by English lumber harvesters. It was once the capital of the former British Honduras.

Until 1970, Belize City served as the country's capital. However, after the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the decision was made to move the capital inland to what is now Belmopan. Belize City was almost entirely destroyed by the hurricane, which swept ashore in October 1961. The hurricane and the accompanying tidal wave severely damaged the city, which was built on ground only slightly above sea level and surrounded by mangrove swamps.

After the hurricane, approximately 75% of the houses and business places in low-lying and coastal Belize City were destroyed. As a result, the government proposed to build a new capital city on better terrain that would not be susceptible to flooding. In 1962, a committee chose the site now known as Belmopan, 82 kilometres (51 miles) southwest of Belize City.

Belmopan was constructed just to the east of the Belize River, 80 kilometres (50 miles) inland from Belize City. The new capital was founded as a planned community in 1970, making it one of the newest national capital cities in the world. The government was officially moved to Belmopan in 1970, and the capital has remained there since.

Today, Belmopan has around 20,000 residents, making it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas. It is located in the Cayo District, 76 metres (249 feet) above sea level. The National Assembly Building in Belmopan is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, reflecting the nation's cultural heritage.

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