Belize's Population: A Snapshot Of This Central American Country's Demographics

Belize is a small country on the northeastern coast of Central America, with a population of around 416,700 as of 2024. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. With a land area of approximately 22,900 square kilometres (8,800 square miles), Belize has a population density of about 18 people per square kilometre (45 people per square mile), making it the least densely populated country in Central America. The population is growing at a rate of around 2.5% per year and is expected to reach nearly 700,000 by 2100.

Belize is home to several ethnic groups, including Mestizos (50%), Creoles (21-25.9%), Maya (10.6-11.3%), Garifuna (4.5-6.1%), East Indians (3.9%), and others such as Asians, expatriates, and Mennonites. The country has a diverse society with many different cultures and languages, and over half of the population is multilingual. English is the official language, but Spanish, Creole, Mayan, and Garifuna are also widely spoken.

The largest city in Belize is Belize City, with a population of about 57,000, while the capital, Belmopan, has a population of around 16,500. Belize's population is expected to continue growing, with immigration playing an increasingly significant role in its demographic changes.

Population growth and demographics

Belize's population is growing at a rate of 2.5% a year. The current population of Belize is 416,799, based on projections of the latest United Nations data. Belize is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America, with a population density of about 45.4 persons per square mile. This is the lowest density in Latin America and one of the lowest in the world.

The population of Belize has been influenced by colonisation, slavery, and immigration, and the country is home to many ethnic groups, languages, and cultures. The Maya civilisation spread to the area around 1500 BC and flourished until about 1200. There are now three Maya groups in Belize: the Mopan, the Yucatec, and the Q'eqchi. The Belizean Creoles, or Kriols, account for 21% of the population but almost 75% of the country's diaspora. Mestizos, who are a mix of Maya and Spanish, account for 50% of Belize's population. The Garinagu, who are a mix of West/Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib, make up 4.5% of the population. There are also large communities of Asians, East Indians, and expatriate Americans and Africans residing in Belize.

Belize's population growth rate is steadily falling due to fertility decline. The country's declining birth rate and increased life expectancy are contributing to an ageing population. Belize's median age is 26.0 years.

Migration continues to transform Belize's population. About 16% of Belizeans live abroad, while immigrants constitute approximately 15% of the population. Belizeans have been emigrating to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and English-speaking Caribbean countries in search of better opportunities. It is estimated that there are 160,000 Belizeans in the United States. The emigration of Creoles and other ethnic groups, along with the influx of Central American immigrants, has changed Belize's ethnic composition. Mestizos have become the largest ethnic group, and Belize now has more native Spanish speakers than English or Creole speakers, despite English being the official language.

Language and culture

Belize is a diverse country with a wide range of cultures and languages. While the official language is English, many Belizeans are multilingual, speaking a variety of languages including Spanish, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna.

The country's population is predominantly Mestizo, a mix of Spanish and Maya, followed by Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Chinese, and Mennonite communities. The Maya civilisation, which spread to Belize around 1500 BC, is still present in the country today, with three distinct Maya groups: the Yucatec, the Mopan, and the Q'eqchi. The Belizean Creoles, or Kriols, are descendants of West and Central Africans, as well as European settlers, and make up about 21% of the population. The Garinagu, or Garifuna, are a mix of West/Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib ancestry, and account for around 4.5% of the population.

Belize's religious landscape is also diverse, with a majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic, followed by Protestants, and smaller groups such as Mormons, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Baháʼís, and Rastafarians. The Maya and Garifuna communities practice a mixture of traditional shamanism and Christianity.

Belize's cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, with a variety of seafood, fresh fruit, Caribbean classics, and savoury treats. A staple dish is rice and beans, often served with meaty additions. Other popular dishes include stewed chicken, chimole, and tamales. Belize is also known for its national cocktail, Rum Punch, and its local beer, Belikin.

Religion

Belize's society is highly diverse, with a blend of many cultures, religions, languages, and ethnicities. The population of Belize is around 416,964 as of July 22, 2024, and the country is known for its religious freedom and tolerance.

Christianity

Christianity is the dominant religion in Belize, with around 74.3% of the population identifying as Christians. The single largest denomination is the Catholic Church, with about 40.1% of the population adhering to this faith. Other major Christian groups include Pentecostals (8.4%), Seventh-day Adventists (5.4%), Anglicans (4.7%), and Baptists (3.6%). The Mennonite community, which makes up about 3.7% of the population, mostly lives in the rural districts of Cayo and Orange Walk.

No Religious Affiliation

Interestingly, the group that has seen the most growth in recent years is those who claim no religious affiliation, with about 15.5% of the population identifying as non-religious in 2010, more than double the number from the 2000 census.

Other Religions

Belize is home to a variety of other religious groups, including Maya religion, Garifuna religion, Obeah, Myalism, Mormons, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Baháʼís, Rastafarians, and others. The Garifuna, for instance, have their own distinct religion, as do some of the Maya people. The Mennonites, while Christian, also follow their own church traditions.

Belize also has small but notable communities of Hindus, Muslims, and Baháʼís. The Muslim population, while small, has a long history in Belize, dating back to the 18th century. The Baháʼí Faith is estimated to have a significant following, with one source claiming it is the second most common religion in the country after Christianity.

Health and life expectancy

Belize's population has the lowest population in Central America, with 385,854 people. The country's life expectancy has been on an upward trajectory, increasing from an average of 71.1 years in 1990 to 74.79 years in 2024. This positive trend is attributed to technological advancements, improved living standards, and increased healthcare availability.

In 2024, males in Belize have a life expectancy of 71.86 years, while females have a higher life expectancy of 78.06 years. This discrepancy between genders is also present in 2022 statistics, where males have a life expectancy of 67.72 years compared to 74.68 years for females. The overall life expectancy for Belize in 2022 is 74.68 years, ranking 81st in the world according to the World Health Organization.

Belize has made significant strides in reducing the burden of infectious diseases, which has contributed to its aging population. In 1980, 4.5% of the population was 65 or older, and this number is predicted to rise to 16.8% by 2060. However, Belize continues to face challenges such as widespread poverty, with 41% of the population living below the poverty line and higher mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, injuries, and communicable diseases like HIV.

Access to clean water and sanitation facilities is relatively high in Belize, with 99.5% and 90.5% of the population having access, respectively. This contributes to better overall health and supports the country's life expectancy. Additionally, public health expenditure accounted for 4.2% of GDP in 2019, while out-of-pocket spending on health made up 21.8% of total health expenditure.

Crime and safety

Belize is a small country on the northeastern coast of Central America, with a population of around 416,799 as of July 2024. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize has a diverse society, with many different cultures and languages. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, although many other languages are spoken, including Spanish, Belizean Creole, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna.

Belize has moderate rates of violent crime, and the US State Department and the Canadian government suggest travellers exercise increased caution due to the high rate of violent crime. The country has consistently been named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults are common during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang violence is a significant issue, particularly in Belize City, with the south side of the city considered especially dangerous and to be avoided at all times. However, the majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans themselves, and tourists are more often victims of theft and burglary.

Drug trafficking and border tensions with Guatemala have contributed to the high levels of violence in the country. The US Travel Advisory classifies Belize as a level 2 country, recommending that tourists exercise increased caution. The former capital, Belize City, is considered the most dangerous place in Belize, with high rates of assault, break-ins, and murder. However, these crimes usually do not target tourists, and it is possible to visit Belize City safely with the appropriate precautions.

To stay safe in Belize, it is recommended to avoid walking in secluded urban areas, avoid displaying wealth, and always be aware of your surroundings. It is also advised to use only licensed and registered taxis, and to avoid travelling at night, especially in isolated areas. Petty crime is common, so it is important to keep valuables secure and out of sight. Additionally, sexual assaults and harassment are common, particularly against women, and it is recommended that women travellers take extra precautions and avoid travelling alone.

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