Belize Vs El Salvador: Who's Bigger?

Belize and El Salvador are two Central American countries with a comparable land area. Belize is slightly bigger, with an area of approximately 22,966 sq km, compared to El Salvador's 21,041 sq km. Belize has a lower population density, with around 412,387 people, while El Salvador is home to about 6.6 million. Despite their similar sizes, these countries differ in population, culture, and history. Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a Caribbean country with strong ties to both the American and Caribbean regions. On the other hand, El Salvador, officially the Republic of El Salvador, is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, with a rich history of Mesoamerican influence.

Belize is 9.1% larger than El Salvador

Belize and El Salvador are two Central American countries with a comparable size. Belize is a former British colony, known as British Honduras, located on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the northwest, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. Belize has a diverse society, with English as the official language and a range of other commonly spoken languages, including Belizean Creole and Spanish. The country covers an area of approximately 22,966 square kilometres (or 22,970 square kilometres according to some sources) and had a population of about 408,487 people in 2019.

On the other hand, El Salvador, officially known as the Republic of El Salvador, is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. It is bordered by Honduras to the northeast, Guatemala to the northwest, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. San Salvador serves as both the capital and the largest city of El Salvador. As of 2018, the country's population was around 6.42 million people, predominantly of European and Native American descent.

While the two countries have similar sizes, Belize is slightly larger than El Salvador. Specifically, Belize is 9.1% larger in terms of land area. Belize spans approximately 22,966 square kilometres, while El Salvador covers around 21,041 square kilometres. This difference in size translates into a variety of geographical and demographic characteristics that distinguish the two nations.

For instance, Belize boasts the lowest population and population density in Central America, with a population growth rate of 1.87% annually, one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere. In contrast, El Salvador is characterised by its dense population, with a higher number of inhabitants per square kilometre. Additionally, Belize possesses a longer coastline, approximately 25.73% longer than that of El Salvador, contributing to its slightly larger overall size.

In summary, while Belize and El Salvador share comparable dimensions, Belize surpasses El Salvador in size by 9.1%. This percentage difference translates into variations in their population distribution, coastal borders, and territorial extent, shaping the unique characteristics of each country.

Belize has a lower population density

Belize and El Salvador are similar in size, with Belize being around 9% larger. However, Belize has a much lower population density than El Salvador. Belize's population density is around 18 to 47 people per square kilometre, while El Salvador's is approximately 307 people per square kilometre. This makes Belize's population density one of the lowest in the world and the lowest in Latin America.

Belize's population is estimated to be around 412,387 to 416,758, while El Salvador's population is approximately 6.3 million to 6.6 million. This significant difference in population size, despite the countries' comparable land areas, contributes to the disparity in population density between the two nations.

The lower population density in Belize can be attributed to various factors, including historical events, geography, and cultural influences. Belize's population demographics have been influenced by colonisation, slavery, and immigration, resulting in a diverse range of ethnic groups, languages, and cultures. The country has a history of Mayan habitation, with three distinct Mayan groups currently residing in the region. Additionally, Belizean Creoles, or Kriols, account for a significant portion of the population and diaspora.

In contrast, El Salvador has experienced a higher population density due to several factors. Historically, El Salvador has endured political and economic instability, civil unrest, and a civil war, which led to significant emigration. However, in recent years, El Salvador has made economic improvements and experienced a decline in income inequality.

The variation in population density between Belize and El Salvador has implications for various aspects, including urban planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure development. Belize, with its lower population density, may face different challenges and opportunities compared to El Salvador in terms of managing its land and resources.

Overall, while Belize and El Salvador are comparable in size, Belize has a significantly lower population density, resulting in a less densely populated country with unique characteristics and considerations.

El Salvador has a higher population

Belize and El Salvador are two Central American countries with a comparable land area. Belize is approximately 22,966 sq km, while El Salvador is approximately 21,041 sq km, making Belize around 9% larger in terms of size. However, when it comes to population, El Salvador has a significantly higher number of inhabitants.

El Salvador's population is estimated to be around 6.42 million to 6.6 million people, while Belize's population is significantly lower at approximately 408,487 to 412,387 people. This means that El Salvador has a substantially higher population than Belize, with around 6.2 million more people. This difference in population between the two countries is quite notable, especially considering their similar land areas.

One reason for the discrepancy in population despite the comparable land areas could be the varying population densities between the two countries. El Salvador is the most densely populated country in Central America, with a population density of 319 people per square kilometre. On the other hand, Belize has the lowest population density in Central America, with only 17 people per square kilometre. This vast difference in population density contributes to El Salvador's higher overall population.

The higher population of El Salvador has several implications for the country. Firstly, it indicates a greater demand for resources, infrastructure, and services. The country needs to ensure that it has sufficient housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities to cater to its larger population. Managing a larger population can also present challenges in terms of urban planning, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

In summary, while Belize and El Salvador have similar land areas, El Salvador has a significantly higher population. This higher population brings about a unique set of opportunities and challenges for the country in terms of resource management, infrastructure development, and urban planning. Understanding and effectively addressing the needs of its larger population are crucial aspects of El Salvador's sociopolitical and economic landscape.

Belize has a longer coastline

Belize and El Salvador are two Central American nations of comparable size, with Belize being slightly larger at 22,966 sq km, compared to El Salvador's 21,041 sq km. However, Belize boasts a significantly longer coastline than El Salvador. Belize's coastline stretches for 386 km along the Caribbean Sea, while El Salvador's coastline is approximately 307 km long, bordering the North Pacific Ocean.

Belize's coastline is a diverse and ecologically rich environment. It encompasses a variety of landscapes, including flat and swampy areas with lagoons, as well as mangrove swamps that transition into tropical pine savannas and hardwood forests. The country's extensive coastline has played a crucial role in its history and commerce, with rivers like the Belize River serving as a vital artery for trade and communication until the 20th century. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second longest in the world, also forms part of Belize's maritime territory, stretching for approximately 322 km.

In contrast, El Salvador's coastline is narrower, with a range of 1 to 32 kilometres between the coastal volcanic range and the shoreline. The beaches along El Salvador's coastline are known for their black volcanic sand and marshes. While El Salvador's coastline is shorter, the country makes up for it with its abundance of lakes, including the scenic Lake Ilopango, a volcanic lake with emerald-blue water.

The differences in coastline length and characteristics between Belize and El Salvador have likely influenced their respective histories, economies, and ecological features. Belize's longer coastline provides more opportunities for maritime activities, trade, and ecological diversity, while El Salvador's shorter coastline is complemented by its numerous inland bodies of water.

In summary, while Belize and El Salvador are similar in overall size, Belize boasts a significantly longer coastline, offering a greater expanse of marine environments and contributing to the country's unique geographical, cultural, and economic attributes.

El Salvador has a higher GDP

Belize is approximately 22,966 sq km, while El Salvador is approximately 21,041 sq km, making Belize 9% larger than El Salvador. However, El Salvador has a higher GDP than Belize. El Salvador's GDP is $53.67 billion, while Belize's GDP is $3.34 billion. This means that El Salvador's GDP is around $50 billion higher than Belize's.

El Salvador's economy has experienced relatively low rates of GDP growth compared to other developing countries. The country has faced challenges such as inequality in income distribution, with a Gini Coefficient of .485, leaving 37.8% of the population below the poverty line. Despite these challenges, El Salvador still has one of the lowest tax burdens in the American continent, at around 11% of GDP. The country has a young and skilled labour force and a strategic geographical position, which contribute to its economic growth.

On the other hand, Belize has a lower GDP and a smaller population of around 412,387 people. Belize has a lower unemployment rate than El Salvador, but it also has a lower real GDP growth rate. Belize also has a higher percentage of people living below the poverty line and a higher Gini Index, indicating greater income inequality.

The higher GDP of El Salvador can be attributed to its larger population, skilled labour force, and strategic geographical position. The country has a highly industrialized economy and is a major exporter of goods, contributing to its higher GDP. El Salvador's economy is also supported by remittances from Salvadorans working in the United States, which offset its substantial trade deficit.

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