Belize has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades, though at a moderate pace compared to some of its Central American neighbors. In 1980, the population was just over 145,000, but by 2023, it had grown to approximately 441,000 people. This growth is driven by a combination of natural increase—more births than deaths—and immigration, particularly from neighboring countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Despite its relatively small size, Belize is characterized by a young and ethnically diverse population, with significant communities of Mestizo, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna people. The country’s growth rate has slowed somewhat in recent years, but Belize continues to see gradual increases in its population, which impacts its economy, infrastructure, and social services.
Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
---|---|---|
1950 | 65,797 | 2.9 |
1955 | 76,892 | 3.4 |
1960 | 91,863 | 4 |
1965 | 106,965 | 4.7 |
1970 | 122,070 | 5.4 |
1975 | 135,611 | 5.9 |
1980 | 144,416 | 6.3 |
1985 | 168,796 | 7.4 |
1990 | 198,220 | 8.7 |
1995 | 226,774 | 9.9 |
2000 | 252,258 | 11.1 |
2005 | 288,111 | 12.6 |
2010 | 326,646 | 14.3 |
2015 | 364,042 | 16 |
2020 | 398,890 | 17.5 |
2022 | 412,387 | 18.1 |
2023 | 419,137 | 18.4 |
2024 | 425,877 | 18.7 |
2025 | 432,605 | 19 |
2030 | 466,151 | 20.4 |
2035 | 499,528 | 21.9 |
2040 | 532,186 | 23.3 |
2045 | 563,238 | 24.7 |
2050 | 592,243 | 26 |
2055 | 619,068 | 27.1 |
2060 | 643,738 | 28.2 |
2065 | 666,165 | 29.2 |
2070 | 686,021 | 30.1 |
2075 | 702,831 | 30.8 |
2080 | 716,208 | 31.4 |
2085 | 725,924 | 31.8 |
2090 | 731,871 | 32.1 |
2095 | 734,037 | 32.2 |
2100 | 732,608 | 32.1 |
Data from US Census International Database