Belize
Belize
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Central America, Belize has a population of approximately 417.6k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 22,966 km², translating to a density of 18 people per km². Its capital is Belmopan, and official languages include Belizean Creole, English, and Spanish, while the Belize dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
417,634
Area
22,966 km²
Density
18/km²
World Rank
#177
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 18 per thousand against deaths at 4.9 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 26.6% of residents under 15 and 5% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Belmopan
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- Central America
- Continent
- North America
- Languages
- Belizean Creole, English, Spanish
- Currencies
- Belize dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +501
- Top-Level Domain
- .bz
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-06:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 417,634
- Land Area
- 22,966 km²
- Population Density
- 18 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +3,675 people
- Daily Growth
- +10 people
- World Population Share
- 0.01%
- Coordinates
- 17.25°, -88.75°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $7.7k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 8.9%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 39.9 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
73.6 years
GDP per Capita
$7,681
Birth Rate
18.0 per 1,000
Death Rate
4.9 per 1,000
Urban Population
41.8%
Fertility Rate
2.01 births/woman
Infant Mortality
10.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
8.9%
Literacy Rate
87.9%
Internet Users
72.4%
Under 15
26.6%
Over 65
5.0%
Health Spending
4.2% GDP
Gini Index
39.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
111K
15-64 years
286K
65+ years
21K
Urbanization
About 41.8% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Belmopan serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net inward migration of 360.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
174,362
41.8%
243,272
58.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 73.6 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 10.8 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 87.9% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Belize is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 2.0 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Belize participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 417,634 |
| 2030 | 432,430 |
| 2035 | 451,452 |
| 2040 | 471,098 |
| 2045 | 491,407 |
| 2050 | 512,420 |
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Belize?
The population of Belize is approximately 417,634 as of 2026, making it #177 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Belize?
The capital of Belize is Belmopan.
What languages are spoken in Belize?
The main languages spoken in Belize are Belizean Creole, English, Spanish.
How big is Belize?
Belize covers an area of 22,966 km² with a population density of 18 people per km².
Is Belize growing or shrinking?
Belize is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 3,675 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Belize?
The average life expectancy in Belize is 73.6 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Belize?
The GDP per capita of Belize is $7,681.