Belize's Census Snapshot

Censuses in Belize are conducted once every ten years. The last census was carried out in 2022, with the previous one taking place in 2010. The census was postponed from May 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Censuses in Belize are conducted by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) and are authorised by the Government of Belize through a statutory instrument passed by parliament.

Belize's population is around 400,000

Belize is a small country with a population of around 400,000 people. It is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America, with a population growth rate of 1.87% per year (2018 estimate). The population is composed of many different ethnic and cultural groups, with most Belizeans being of multiracial descent. Belize is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a diverse society.

Belize has a rich history, with the Maya civilization spreading into the area between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourishing until about 1200. European contact began in 1502-04 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. Belize became a British colony in 1840 and gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981. It is now a Commonwealth realm with King Charles III as its monarch and head of state.

Belize has a diverse economy, with agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising forming the basis. In recent years, tourism and construction have also become important sectors. The country has a variety of natural resources, including terrestrial and marine plants and animals, extensive coral reefs, and economically important minerals.

Belize has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The country is vulnerable to hurricanes and coastal flooding, particularly in the south. The government faces challenges such as high crime rates, unemployment, and involvement in the drug trade.

Censuses have been conducted in Belize at various intervals, with the most recent one taking place in 2022. These censuses provide valuable information on the country's population, demographics, and socioeconomic characteristics.

The population is growing slowly

Belize is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America. It has a population growth rate of 1.87% per year (2018 estimate), the second-highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

The population of Belize has been growing slowly but steadily. Between 2021 and 2022, the population increased by 1.29%. The following year, the population grew by 1.31%, and in 2024, the population increased by 1.42% from the previous year.

The population of Belize in 2024 is 416,656, according to estimates. This is a slow increase from 410,825 in 2023, 405,272 in 2022, and 400,031 in 2021.

The population growth rate in 2023 was 1.4%, up from 1.3% the previous year.

Belize's population growth can be attributed to its birth rate, which was 17.8 births per 1,000 people in 2022. The country also has a net migration rate of 0.96 per 1,000 people, indicating that more people are entering the country than leaving it.

The population growth rate of Belize is expected to continue increasing, with United Nations projections estimating a population of over 416,000 for 2024.

The population is ageing

Censuses in Belize have been conducted at various intervals, with the most recent one taking place in 2022. While the focus of this query is on the ageing population of Belize, it is worth noting that the country has a young median age of 26 years. Nevertheless, the population is ageing, and this shift has implications for the country.

Belize has a low median age compared to other countries, but it is important to note that the population is ageing. The 2022 census data revealed that 3.5% of the population was aged 65 years or older. While this may seem like a small proportion, it represents a growing number of older adults in Belize. The ageing population has several implications for the country's social and economic landscape.

Firstly, the ageing population will impact the labour force. As a greater number of people reach retirement age, the labour force will shrink relative to the overall population. This can result in a shortage of skilled workers and impact economic growth. Additionally, the ageing population will increase the demand for healthcare and social services. Older adults typically require more medical care and support, which can strain the country's healthcare system and social services.

Secondly, the ageing population will affect family structures and social dynamics. As people live longer, the role of caregivers becomes more prominent, often falling on younger family members. This can impact the availability of caregivers for younger generations and shape family structures and intergenerational relationships.

Moreover, the ageing population will have financial implications for individuals and the government. Retirement planning and adequate financial resources to support a longer life become crucial. The government may also need to adjust policies and allocate more resources to address the needs of the ageing population, including pension schemes and healthcare provisions.

Finally, the ageing population can influence the cultural landscape of Belize. Older adults play a vital role in transmitting cultural traditions, values, and historical knowledge to younger generations. As the population ages, there may be a shift in cultural practices, leisure activities, and community engagement.

In conclusion, while Belize currently has a young median age, the population is ageing. This demographic shift has far-reaching consequences for the country, impacting the labour force, healthcare system, social dynamics, and cultural landscape. Addressing the needs and well-being of older adults becomes increasingly important as Belize navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by its ageing population.

Belize is the least densely populated country in Central America

Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. It has an area of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 square miles) and its mainland is around 290km long and 110km wide. The capital is Belmopan, and the largest city is Belize City.

The country has a rich history, with the Maya civilisation flourishing in the region from 1500 BC until around 1200. European contact began in 1502-04 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras, and the first British permanent settlement was founded in 1716. Belize became a British colony in 1840 and gained independence in 1981.

Belize has a diverse economy, with agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising forming the basis, and tourism and construction becoming increasingly important. The country also has natural resources including dolomite, barite, bauxite, cassiterite, and gold, although these are not currently mined.

In terms of demographics, Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with people of Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Caucasian, East Asian, and Arab descent, among others. The population is predominantly Christian, with around 80% following Christianity and 40% identifying as Roman Catholic.

Belize's population is diverse

Belize is a diverse country with a population of around 320,000 to 440,000 people. The population is made up of a mix of different ethnic and cultural groups, including Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, European, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and North American groups. The country's official language is English, but many other languages are spoken, including Spanish, Mayan dialects, Garifuna, Plautdietsch, and various Mennonite dialects.

The Mestizo population, which is of mixed Spanish and Indigenous descent, is the largest group in Belize, making up about 50% of the total population. They are followed by the Creoles, who make up about 25% of the population and are of mixed African and European descent. The Creoles primarily live in Belize City, which is considered the centre of Creole culture and territory. The Maya people, who have a long history in Belize dating back to around 1500 BC, make up about 10-12% of the population. They are followed by the Garifuna, who make up about 6% of the population and are of West/Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib ancestry.

The East Indian community, which is made up of descendants of indentured workers brought to Belize in the 19th century, makes up about 3.9% of the population. The Mennonite community, which first arrived in Belize in the 1950s and 1960s, makes up more than 3% of the population. They are known for their agricultural innovations and productive farming practices.

Belize's diverse population is a result of its long history of immigration and cultural exchange. The country has been influenced by European colonisation, Indigenous cultures, and immigration from neighbouring countries and other parts of the world. Despite their different backgrounds, the various ethnic groups in Belize have intermingled and creolization continues to shape the country's culture and society.

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