Lexi Webster
San Pedro, Belize, is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, a popular Caribbean island. San Pedro is the only town on the island and is home to around 11,510 people. The town's inhabitants, known as 'San Pedranos', are mostly of Mexican origin and speak both Spanish and English fluently. San Pedro has grown from a small fishing village to a bustling tourist destination, offering scuba diving, snorkelling, and other attractions. The town serves as a hub for the 20,000 expats and locals living on the island, providing amenities such as shopping, banking, and social activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 11,510 |
| Population in 2015 | 16,444 |
| Population of original "San Pedranos" | 10,000+ |
| Population density | 165.7 /km² |
| Population density | 429.2 /sq mi |
What You'll Learn
Population of San Pedro, Belize in 2024
San Pedro, a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye in Belize, has experienced population growth over the years. The town, which was once a small fishing village, was granted township status in 1984 and has since become a popular tourist destination.
Population of San Pedro in 2024
Estimates for the population of San Pedro, Belize, in 2024 vary. Some sources state the population is around 11,500, with one source giving a figure of 11,510 and another 11,576. Another source, which appears to be regularly updated, gives a figure of 9,462.
San Pedro is one of nine cities in Belize and ranks fourth in terms of population. The town's population has grown due to newcomers from the mainland and abroad. The original "San Pedranos" are Mestizo and speak both Spanish and English.
Demographics
The average age of a resident in San Pedro is 26 years. The town has a diverse population, with people of various ethnicities, cultures, and traditions calling it home.
Economic Significance
San Pedro is an important economic hub for Belize, with tourism being its primary industry. The town is known for its excellent fishing and diving facilities, and its protected areas such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley attract visitors worldwide.
Cultural Significance
San Pedro is also culturally significant, with its famous festival, El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, dating back to the 1870s. The festival centres around the legend of "Juan Carnaval," an island god who, according to legend, had relations with over a thousand women from eight different countries.
In summary, San Pedro, Belize, has an estimated population of around 11,500 people in 2024, contributing to its cultural and economic significance in the country.
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Population estimates from 2015
San Pedro, Belize, is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye in the Belize District. San Pedro's inhabitants are known as San Pedranos and most of them originally came from Mexico. They speak both Spanish and English fluently.
According to the 2015 mid-year estimates, the town had a population of about 16,444. It is the second-largest town in the Belize District and the largest in the Belize Rural South constituency.
San Pedro has grown to be the major settlement on the island, with a populace of over 10,000 year-round inhabitants, including newcomers from the mainland and abroad. The town has the island's largest concentration of visitor accommodations, and its hotels, fishing, and diving facilities are among the best in Belize.
The once sleepy fishing village officially gained township status in 1984. The first permanent settlers of San Pedro arrived between 1848 and 1849, consisting of the relatives of fishermen who had previously built fishing camps on the cayes. They moved their families to the safety of the island when the Santa Cruz Maya revolted.
Over the years, San Pedro has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, with attractions such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Bacalarchico. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, is one of San Pedro's most prized possessions.
The primary industries in the town are tourism and scuba diving. The clear turquoise sea, white sand beaches, and tropical weather make San Pedro a desirable destination for visitors seeking a relaxing seaside vacation.
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Population growth
San Pedro, a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye in Belize, has experienced population growth over the years, transforming it from a small fishing village into a thriving settlement.
According to the 2015 mid-year estimates, San Pedro's population was approximately 16,444. This number has continued to grow, and as of June 2024, the population of San Pedro, Belize, is estimated to be 11,510 people. This growth can be attributed to its appeal as a tourist destination and the migration of newcomers from the mainland and abroad.
San Pedro's inhabitants, known as San Pedranos, have a rich cultural heritage, with most of them originally descending from Mexico. The town has a unique blend of languages, with most San Pedranos being fluent in both Spanish and English. The influence of English-based Kriol has also contributed to the linguistic diversity of the town.
The growth of San Pedro can be partly attributed to its thriving tourism industry. Once a sleepy fishing village, San Pedro has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Its protected areas, such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, along with its diverse marine life and the Belize Barrier Reef, attract divers and nature enthusiasts alike. The town's infrastructure has developed to accommodate this influx of tourists, with a range of accommodations, including hotels, guest houses, and resorts.
In addition to tourism, San Pedro also offers a range of amenities for its residents, making it a desirable place to live. The town has reliable utilities, such as power, water, cable, and internet. It also boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and a monthly gourmet farmers' market. Social events and parades are frequently held, contributing to a sense of community.
The cost of living in San Pedro is relatively affordable, especially for those living a simple lifestyle. However, the convenience of having amenities close by can lead to higher spending on dining out and social activities. Overall, San Pedro's population growth reflects its transformation from a small village to a vibrant town, attracting both tourists and new residents alike.
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Population density
San Pedro, Belize, has a population density of 165.7 people per square kilometre or 429.2 per square mile. The town, located on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, has an estimated population of 11,510 people as of June 2024.
San Pedro has experienced significant population growth over the years. It was once a small fishing village with only a few families, but it gained township status in 1984 and has since become a popular tourist destination. The town's population has grown from an estimated 16,444 people in 2015 to over 10,000 year-round inhabitants, with many newcomers from the mainland and abroad.
The original "San Pedranos" are Mestizo and fluently bilingual in Spanish and English. However, due to the influence of English-based Kriol, most residents can also speak an intermediate form between English and Spanish known as "Kitchen Spanish".
San Pedro is the largest town in the Belize Rural South constituency and the second-largest town in the Belize District. It is the only town on Ambergris Caye, an island with a total population of 20,000 expats and locals. As a hub for amenities, San Pedro attracts residents from across the island who come to shop, bank, and socialise.
The town's population density is influenced by its role as a tourist destination and its limited geographical area. With a land area of 71 square kilometres, the town's population density reflects the concentration of residents and visitors within its boundaries.
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Population compared to other Belize towns
San Pedro, Belize, has a population of around 11,765 people, according to the 2010 census. However, other sources place the population at 10,000 or more, and one source states that the town had a population of about 16,444 in 2015. San Pedro is the only town on the island of Ambergris Caye, and it serves as a hub for the 20,000 expats and locals who live there.
San Pedro is the second-largest town in the Belize District and the largest in the Belize Rural South constituency. It is the largest settlement on the island, with a growing population due to newcomers from the mainland and abroad.
Compared to other towns in Belize, San Pedro's population falls in the middle range. Belize City, the nation's largest city and former capital, has a population of around 60,000-67,000. Belmopan, the current capital, has a smaller population of about 20,000 people, making it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas. Other towns with larger populations than San Pedro include San Ignacio (27,878), Orange Walk Town (16,709), and Corozal Town (13,400). Towns with smaller populations include Dangriga (9,591), Benque Viejo del Carmen (6,148), and Punta Gorda (6,351).
It is worth noting that Belize has the lowest population and population density in Central America, with just under 400,000 residents. Slightly more than half of the people live in rural areas, and about one-fourth reside in Belize City.
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Frequently asked questions
The population of San Pedro, Belize, was estimated to be 11,510 in June 2024.
San Pedro's population has grown over time. It was estimated to be around 16,444 in 2015 and now stands at 11,510 as of June 2024. The town has seen an influx of newcomers from the mainland and abroad.
The population density of San Pedro is approximately 165.7 people per square kilometer or 429.2 per square mile.
San Pedro is the second-largest town in the Belize District and the largest in the Belize Rural South constituency. It has a higher population than the capital city of Belmopan, which has around 20,000 residents.
