Belize Population

Population Distribution

As of 2023, the latest population of Belize is 399,598, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).

People in Belize

Among the residents of Belize, descendants from connections between white Europeans and indigenous peoples are the most strongly represented at 52.9 percent. They live mainly in the north and west of the country.

The second largest group are the Creoles with 25.9 percent. They are descendants of African slaves brought to Belize and English settlers. They can be black or lighter in color, and they are united by their culture and language, Belizean Creole, which developed from English with African influences.

The indigenous population only makes up 11.3 percent. They belong to the Mayaat. Three groups of Maya, each with their own language, live in Belize. In the north it is the Yucateco, in the middle and south west the Mopan and in the southeast the Kekchí (Q’eqchi ‘).

6 percent of the population belong to the Garifuna. They are the descendants of black slaves from West Africa who mixed with the residents of the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. In 1635 two slave ships ran aground there. In 1795 the British took possession of the island and relocated the Garifuna to islands off Honduras, from where they spread to Belize and Guatemala. They live in Belize mainly on the southern coast.

• Children: Each woman in Belize has an average of 2.7 children. With us, every woman has an average of 1.4 children.
• Urban and rural areas: Slightly less than half of the population (46 percent) live in cities. So 54 percent live in the country.

Languages in Belize

English is the official language in Belize. It is the only country in Latin America where English is the official language. The reason is that Belize was a British colony, even until 1981. So classes are also in English and English is used in all documents and forms. 62.9 percent of the population speaks English – so not all of them.

Almost as many people speak Spanish, 56.6 percent. 44.6 percent speak Creole as their mother tongue, namely Belizean Creole. But not only the Creoles themselves, but also many Garifuna and even Mestizos and Maya speak Creole, at least as a second language. 10.5 percent speak Maya languages. 3.2 percent, namely the Mennonites, speak German.

Religions in Belize

71.6 percent of Belizeans belong to Christianity. 40.1 percent are Catholic and 31.5 percent are Protestants. 4 percent of the Protestants are Mennonites. 15.5 percent do not belong to any church. The rest are Jehovah’s Witnesses, Buddhists, Hindus or Muslims.

Belize Overview

Belize, located on the northeastern coast of Central America, is famous for its stunning barrier reef, ancient Mayan ruins, and lush rainforests teeming with biodiversity. The country’s rich cultural heritage, with influences from Mayan, Caribbean, and Garifuna traditions, is reflected in its vibrant music, dance, and cuisine. Belize’s azure waters offer some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving opportunities, while its vast protected areas, like the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and Jaguar Preserve, attract nature lovers and eco-adventurers from around the globe.

• Capital City: Belmopan
• Population: Approximately 419,000
• Area: 22,966 square kilometers
• Full Country Name: Belize
• Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
• Language: English
• ISO Country Codes: BZ, BLZ

Bordering Countries of Belize

Belize is a small Central American country located on the Caribbean coast, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It has a total area of 22,966 square kilometers and is home to approximately 400,000 people. Belize is known for its diverse culture and geography, as well as its long history of settlement from various groups including Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo, Creole and Kriol.

The northern border of Belize is shared with Mexico for a total length of 250 kilometers. This border was established in 1859 after the signing of a treaty between both countries that recognized Mexico’s sovereignty over what would become modern-day Belize. The most populated city along this border is Chetumal in Mexico’s Quintana Roo state which serves as an important trading hub between both countries.

The southern border of Belize is shared with Guatemala for a total length of 266 kilometers. This border was established in 1859 after the signing of a treaty between both countries that recognized Guatemala’s sovereignty over what would become modern-day Belize. Along this border lies the town of Melchor de Mencos which serves as an important trading hub between both countries.

The western border of Belize is shared with Guatemala for a total length of 266 kilometers as well and runs through some dense jungles and mountainous terrain. This border was established in 1859 after the signing of a treaty between both countries that recognized Guatemala’s sovereignty over what would become modern-day Belize. The most populated cities along this border are San Ignacio in Belize and Flores in Guatemala which serve as important trading hubs between both countries.

The eastern border of Belize is shared with the Caribbean Sea for a total length of 386 kilometers stretching from Corozal Bay all the way down to Punta Negra near Honduras’s Bay Islands. This coastline provides access to some beautiful beaches such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker that attract tourists from all around the world looking for sun-soaked fun or simply just some rest & relaxation away from their everyday lives!

Belize has four bordering countries: Mexico to its north; Guatemala to its south & west; and finally, the Caribbean Sea on its eastern side providing access to some stunning beaches & islands! Each country brings something unique & special to this small Central American nation making it such an interesting place culturally & geographically speaking – from its diverse cultures through its varied terrains right up until it reaches out into those crystal clear waters lapping against its shores!