Belize/Society

Society in Belize

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
411.1K(2023)
Population Growth
2.1%(2023)
Fertility Rate
2.01(2023)
Death Rate
4.9 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
+490(2024)

Public Health

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Life Expectancy
73.6 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
12.7 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
67 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
4.2%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

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Literacy Rate
90.9%(2015)
Primary Enrollment
95.9%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
83.4%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
22.7(2023)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
4.3%(2023)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
72.4%(2023)
Access to Electricity
99.6%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
98.4%(2022)
Urban Population
191.6K(2023)
Rural Population
219.5K(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Belize

  • Belize has an estimated population of 411K
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.1%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. A below-replacement fertility rate of 2.0 births per woman
    2023
    suggests gradual population aging and potential future workforce shortages. Positive net migration of approximately 490 individuals annually (or 1.2 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    contributes to population stability and growth.
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 73.6 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 12.7 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality at 67 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    , indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 4.2% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 91%
    2015
    , which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 96% primary enrollment
    2018
    and 83% secondary participation rates
    2023
    . This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 4.3% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2023
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, a still balanced urban-rural distribution (47% urban population
    2023
    ) creates diverse economic opportunities but necessitates coordinated infrastructure development to bridge potential disparities. Furthermore, infrastructure development shows strong progress with 100% electricity access
    2023
    and 72% internet penetration
    2023
    , supporting ongoing modernization efforts and enhancing quality of life.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Immigration is a key factor in stabilizing the population and offsetting low native birth rates, supporting economic continuity.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.