Belize is located in Central America, and its capital is Belmopan. It has a population of approximately 417,072 and covers an area of about 22,966 km². Its official currency is the Belize dollar (BZD).
What stands out
People & place
18.2 /km² across 22,966 km²
Belize has a recorded population of 417,072 and a reported surface area of 22,966 km².
Economic snapshot
$3.20 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $3.20 billion and GDP per capita at $7,681 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Belize dollar (BZD)
Belize uses Belize dollar (BZD), calling code +501, internet domain .bz.
About Belize
Belize, a vibrant Central American gem, blends lush jungles, a world‑class barrier reef, and rich Mayan heritage into one unforgettable tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Situated on the Caribbean coast, Belize is crowned by the world‑famous Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, and the imposing Great Blue Hole. Inland, the country is peppered with karst features, limestone cenotes, and dense tropical rainforests that spill into the Belizean lowlands and highlands, offering diverse landscapes from mangrove swamps to cloud‑forest peaks.
Belize’s cultural mosaic includes Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Miskito influences, reflected in its music, festivals, and cuisine. Traditional drum‑based rhythms accompany celebrations like Garifuna Settlement Day, while dishes such as rice, beans, stews, and fresh conch showcase the nation’s coastal flavors.
A pivotal moment in Belize’s past came in 1973, when it achieved independence from the United Kingdom and became a sovereign nation, a status that paved the way for its democratic governance and active role in regional affairs.
Key facts
Belize was the first Central American country to join the United Nations in 1945.
Its capital, Belize City, is the largest town in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Belize’s Great Blue Hole attracts divers and marine biologists from all over the globe.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Belize has a recorded population of approximately 417,072 people.
How big is Belize?
Belize covers an area of about 22,966 km².
What is the population density of Belize?
Belize has a population density of roughly 18.2 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Belize?
Belize has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $3.20 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Belize?
Belize has a GDP per capita of approximately $7,681.
What currency is used in Belize?
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD), with the symbol $.
Where is Belize located?
Belize is located in Central America, Americas.
What are people from Belize called?
People from Belize are referred to as Belizean.
What is the phone calling code for Belize?
The international dialing code for Belize is +501.
What is the internet domain for Belize?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Belize is .bz.
What time zone is Belize in?
Belize uses the America/Belize time zone.
What is Belize known for?
Belize, a vibrant Central American gem, blends lush jungles, a world‑class barrier reef, and rich Mayan heritage into one unforgettable tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Central America