Belize's Population: A Diverse And Dynamic Community

Belize is a Central American country with a population of around 416,964 as of July 2024. It is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and Honduras to the southeast. The Maya civilisation flourished in the region from 1500 BC to around 1200 AD, and European contact began in the early 16th century. Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 and is now a Commonwealth realm with King Charles III as its monarch. The country has a diverse society and is known for its September celebrations and punta music.

Population size and growth

Belize is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America. As of July 2024, the population of Belize is 416,964, with a population density of 18 people per square kilometre. The median age in Belize is 26 years, and the population growth rate is 1.87% per year (as of 2018). Belize's population growth rate is the second-highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

Belize's population has been steadily increasing over the years, with a 1.42% increase from 2023 to 2024, a 1.37% increase from 2022 to 2023, and so on. The total fertility rate in Belize is 2.05 children per woman, and the birth rate is 17.7 births per 1,000 people. The death rate is 5 per 1,000 people, and the infant mortality rate is 11.3 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Belize has a relatively young population, with 27.7% of the population being under the age of 14, and only 5.5% of the population being over the age of 65. The life expectancy at birth in Belize is 74.3 years, with men having a life expectancy of 72.6 years and women having a life expectancy of 76.1 years.

In terms of urbanisation, Belize has an urban population of 47.8% (196,317 people in 2023). The rate of urbanisation is 2.3% per year, and the urban population growth rate is higher than the total population growth rate. The largest city in Belize is Belize City, with a population of 67,169 as of the 2010 census.

Belize has a high emigration rate, with about 16% of Belizeans living abroad, mainly in the United States. At the same time, immigration constitutes about 15% of Belize's population growth, with Central American immigrants, mainly from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, making up a significant portion. This influx of Central American immigrants has changed the ethnic composition of Belize, with Mestizos becoming the largest ethnic group, and Spanish becoming the most commonly spoken language in the country.

Population density and distribution

Belize is the most sparsely populated country in Central America, with a population of around 416,964 as of 2024. The population density is 18 people per square kilometre (47 per square mile). The population is distributed across the country's six districts, with approximately 25-30% living in the former capital, Belize City, and over half of the population living in rural areas. Belize City is the most populous city, with 67,169 inhabitants, followed by San Ignacio (27,878) and Belmopan (19,931).

The population density is slightly higher in the north and east of the country. Belize's total land area is 22,810 square kilometres (8,807 square miles), with 47.8% of the population living in urban areas (196,317 people in 2023). The median age in Belize is 26 years, and the country has a relatively young population, with 27.7% under 15 years old.

Belize is a diverse country, with Mestizos being the largest ethnic group, making up around 52.9% of the population. Other significant groups include Creoles (25.9%), Maya (11.3%), Garifuna (6.1%), East Indians (3.9%), Mennonites (3.6%), and Whites (1.2%). The population is predominantly Christian (around 80%), with a variety of religious denominations represented.

Belize has a low population density compared to other countries, and its population is spread across urban and rural areas, with a significant proportion living in the former capital, Belize City. The country's diverse population is distributed across different ethnic and religious groups, contributing to its cultural richness.

Ethnic composition

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with many ethnic groups, languages, and cultures coexisting in the country. The population of Belize is growing at a rate of 2.5% per year and is currently estimated to be around 416,799. The country has the lowest population density in Latin America and is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America.

Belize's population is predominantly multiracial, with about 52.9% of the population being of mixed Indigenous (Maya) and European (Spanish and British) descent, also known as Mestizos. Mestizos are the largest ethnic group in Belize, and most of them speak Spanish as their main language, although many also speak Belize Kriol and English fluently.

Creoles, or Kriols, make up about 24.9% to 25.9% of the population. They are the descendants of African slaves brought to the country during the colonial era, mainly from West and Central Africa. Over time, the Creole community intermarried with other groups brought to Belize as laborers, including Jamaicans, Miskitos, and East Indians. Belize Kriol is the primary language of this ethnic group, and it is spoken by almost 75% of Belize's total population.

The Maya people, who have inhabited the region since the second millennium BC, make up about 10.6% to 11.6% of Belize's population. The Maya population today consists of three main language groups: Mopan Maya, Q'eqchi' Maya, and Yucatec Maya. The Maya people primarily speak Spanish and their native language, and many are also fluent in Belize Kriol and English.

The Garinagu, or Garifuna, people constitute about 6.1% of the population. They are the descendants of Island Caribs and Africans and have sometimes been incorrectly referred to as Black Caribs. The Garinagu people speak the Garifuna language, which is a mix of Arawakan/Maipurean, Carib, French, and Spanish.

Other ethnic groups in Belize include Mennonites of German descent (3.6%), East Indians (3.9%), and smaller numbers of White people, Asians, and people of other ethnicities.

Language and literacy

Belize is a linguistically diverse country with a wide range of languages spoken across its various districts. While English is the official language, Belizean Creole (or Kriol) is the most widely spoken language in day-to-day communication and serves as the country's lingua franca.

Language Diversity in Belize

Belize's language diversity is a result of its rich cultural heritage and history of immigration and colonisation. The country's linguistic landscape includes English, Spanish, Mayan dialects, Germanic languages spoken by Mennonite settlers, and the Garifuna language.

English: The Official Language

English is the cornerstone of Belize's administration, education system, and international diplomacy, reflecting its history as a former British colony. It is the primary medium of instruction from primary to tertiary education and is used in government processes, legislation, and judicial affairs.

Belizean Creole: The Lingua Franca

Belizean Creole, with its rhythmic cadence, is the most widely spoken language in Belize, serving as a symbol of national identity and cultural cohesion. It emerged from the intermixing of African languages with English and Spanish during the colonial era. Today, it is integral to Belizean culture, permeating music, storytelling, and daily communication.

Spanish: Widespread and Growing

Spanish is widespread in Belize due to historical and demographic factors. It is commonly used in local communities, particularly those with high concentrations of Hispanic residents, and plays a significant role in commerce. For many Belizeans, Spanish is a second language, and its prevalence reflects a broader Latin American influence.

Mayan Languages: A Living Heritage

The Mayan languages of Q'eqchi', Mopan, and Yucatec Maya are vital expressions of indigenous identity and cultural heritage. These ancient tongues are a means of daily communication and a repository of collective memory and traditional knowledge. They are spoken in the southernmost district of Toledo and other Mayan-dominated regions.

Germanic Languages: Mennonite Contributions

The Mennonite communities in Belize speak Plautdietsch and Standard German, contributing to the country's linguistic diversity and playing a role in its agrarian economy. They maintain their linguistic and cultural heritage while also learning English or Spanish for trade and communication outside their settlements.

Garifuna: A UNESCO-Recognized Language

The Garifuna language is an integral part of the Afro-Amerindian Garifuna community's cultural heritage. It is a blend of Indigenous Arawak and Carib languages with French, English, and Spanish influences. The language is primarily spoken along the Caribbean coast of Central America and is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Literacy in Belize

Belize faces challenges in addressing the educational needs of its linguistically diverse student population. The country's educational policy incorporates bilingual and multilingual education models to respect linguistic heritage while ensuring proficiency in English. As of 2021, the literacy rate in Belize for those aged 15 or older was 82.68%.

Religion

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, religions, languages, and ethnicities. The population is highly diverse, with people of many different backgrounds living together in relative peace.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Belize, with around 74.3% of the population adhering to one of the Christian denominations. The single largest denomination is the Catholic Church, with about 40.1% of the population, although this is a reduction from 49.6% in 2000 and 61.9% in 1980. Other major Christian groups include Pentecostals (8.4%), Seventh-day Adventists (5.4%), Anglicans (4.7%), Mennonites (3.7%), Baptists (3.6%), Methodists (2.9%), and Nazarenes (2.8%).

The Garifuna, who make up around 4.5% to 6.1% of the population, have their own religion, as do some of the Maya. The Mennonites, although Christian, follow their own church. There are also small pockets of other religions in Belize, such as Hinduism, Islam, and the Baha'i faith.

The Constitution of Belize establishes the freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination on religious grounds. The Belize Council of Churches and the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches appoint one senator to the senate of Belize. The law also requires that the religious beliefs of prisoners in jails be respected and accommodated.

The public school curriculum for primary schools includes nondenominational "spirituality" classes that introduce world religions, as well as ethics and morals associated with religion. Most public schools are managed by Christian churches, while a few schools are run by non-Christian religious groups.

Frequently asked questions