Belize: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Belize 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Belize: na
  • Happiness Score Belize:na

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Belize. BZ.

    Belize is a small country located in Central America.

  • It is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy as the head of state.
  • Belize is known for its diverse culture, including a mix of Caribbean, Creole, and Mayan influences.
  • The country’s economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and a rapidly growing offshore financial industry.
  • Belize – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History

    The Maya civilization flourished in present-day Belize from around 1500 BC to 900 AD, establishing major cities like Caracol and Xunantunich. The Maya were known for their advanced writing system, architecture, and astronomical knowledge.

    Colonial Period

    In the 16th century, the area was claimed by Spain as part of the colony of Yucatán. British settlers established logging camps in the 17th century, leading to conflicts with the Spanish. In 1862, Belize became a British colony known as British Honduras.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, becoming a Commonwealth realm. The country has maintained political stability, with a democratic parliamentary system.

    Current Political Situation

    Belize is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state, represented by a governor-general. The current prime minister is John Briceño, who took office in 2020.

    International Relations

    Belize has long-standing territorial disputes with Guatemala over parts of its territory. It has friendly relations with the United States, Mexico, and other Central American nations, and is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    Human Development and Economy

    The economy of Belize relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, and construction. Major industries include sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, and petroleum. The country has made progress in reducing poverty and improving education and healthcare.

    Cultural Highlights

    Belize is a multicultural society with diverse ethnic groups, including Mestizos, Creoles, Maya, Garifuna, and others. English is the official language, but Spanish, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna languages are also spoken. The country is known for its rich Maya heritage, vibrant music, and delicious cuisine.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Key challenges facing Belize include environmental conservation, sustainable development of tourism, and addressing income inequality. Opportunities lie in the potential for renewable energy, eco-tourism, and leveraging its cultural diversity and natural resources.

Main facts

1. Location

Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea between Mexico and Guatemala. The country lies south of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and east of Guatemala, with a coastline along the Caribbean Sea in the east.

2. Map References

Belize is situated in the Central America region, located on the isthmus connecting North and South America.

3. Area – Comparative

Belize has a total area of approximately 22,966 sq km, slightly smaller than the state of Massachusetts in the United States.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Belize has a total land boundary of 516 km, with Mexico to the north (242 km) and Guatemala to the west and south (276 km).

5. Coastline

Belize has a coastline of 386 km along the Caribbean Sea, which features the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world.

6. Maritime Claims

Belize claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin.

7. Climate

Belize has a subtropical climate with a rainy and dry season. The climate is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C. The coastal regions and cayes (islands) have a more moderate climate due to the cooling effects of the Caribbean Sea.

8. Terrain

Belize has diverse terrain, including flat and swampy coastal plains, low mountains in the interior, and the Maya Mountains in the south. The interior regions feature rolling hills and valleys, as well as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a region of rugged and forested mountains.

9. Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Belize is the Caribbean Sea at 0 m, while the highest point is Doyle’s Delight at 1,124 m above sea level, located in the Cockscomb Range in the south.

10. Natural Resources

Belize’s natural resources include arable land, timber, fish, clay, and hydropower potential.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Belize include the Caribbean Sea, the Hondo River (shared with Mexico), the Belize River, and the New River. Belize also has several lagoons and cayes along its coastline.

12. Natural Hazards

The main natural hazards in Belize are hurricanes and coastal flooding along the Caribbean coast, as well as frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding.

13. Geography – Notes

Belize is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the longest barrier reefs in the world. The country is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, with significant efforts being made to preserve its natural resources and ecosystems.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 59.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 568. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 7.00%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  17.189877-88.49765.
  • Capital: The capital of Belize is  Belmopan
  • Major Cities:
    • Belize City – Population: 57,169
    • San Ignacio – Population: 16,812
    • Orange Walk Town – Population: 13,400
    • Belmopan – Population: 20,169
    • Dangriga – Population: 9,000
  • Population: 390,353
  • Area(Km2): 22966
  • Population Density( P/Km²):17. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:501
  • Official Language(s):Belize is English (62.9%) and Spanish (56.6%).
  • Currency: BZD

Main Economic Indicators

Belize has a small, open economy highly dependent on external trade with the United States as its principal trading partner. It has a diverse economy, with major sectors including agriculture, agribusiness, construction, oil drilling operations, and tourism. Key economic challenges include high unemployment, increasing public debt, and vulnerability to natural disasters. Notable economic policies have focused on fiscal discipline, debt management, and streamlining government operations.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

3.9% (2021 est.)
0.7% (2020 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Moody’s: Ba3
Standard & Poor’s: BB-

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 10.8% (2017 est.)
Industry: 18.3% (2017 est.)
Services: 70.9% (2017 est.)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Bananas, Cane Sugar, Oranges, Grapefruit, Papayas
Industrial Products: Clothing, Food Products, Crude Oil, Wood Products, Construction Materials

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 129,500 (2017 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 181st in the world

Current Account Balance

-$81 million (2021 est.)
-$74 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 177th in the world (2021)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $404 million (2019)
Key Partners: United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Jamaica
Main Commodities: Sugar, Bananas, Clothing, Crude Oil, Fish Products

Imports: $1.1 billion (2019)
Key Partners: United States, Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, China
Main Commodities: Machinery, Transport Equipment, Manufactured Goods, Fuels

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $429 million (2021 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,879,613,600. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 26.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 31.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.13. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $1.65. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 6.41%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality (Noun): Belizean(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Belizean

2. Ethnic Groups

  • Mestizo (mixed Maya and European ancestry): 49.8%
  • Creole (mixed African and European ancestry): 24.9%
  • Maya: 11.3%
  • Garifuna (mixed West African and Indigenous Caribbean): 6.1%
  • Mennonite: 3.6%
  • East Indian: 3.2%
  • Other: 1.1%

3. Religions

  • Roman Catholic: 40.1%
  • Protestant: 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.5%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%, and other 0.2%)
  • Other: 1.9% (includes Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarian, Jehovah’s Witness)
  • None: 15.5%
  • Unspecified: 11%

4. Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 28.49%
  • 15-64 years: 64.51%
  • 65 years and over: 7%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total Dependency Ratio: 54.8

Youth Dependency Ratio: 43.9

Elderly Dependency Ratio: 10.9

6. Median Age

Total: 25.1 years

Male: 24.6 years

Female: 25.7 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity Rate: 24.1% of the adult population (2016)
  • Alcohol Consumption: 4.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
  • Tobacco Use: 9.2% of adults (2020)
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 74.5. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 76.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:20.79. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.31. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 43.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 179,039. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):22.70%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Belize has a small military force known as the Belize Defence Force (BDF), which serves as the country’s army and air force. The BDF comprises the following components:

  • Light Infantry Battalion
  • Air Wing
  • Maritime Wing (operating small patrol vessels)

Belize also maintains a National Coast Guard, responsible for maritime security and search and rescue operations. The Belize Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining internal security.

Military Expenditures

Belize’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2018: 1.1%
  • 2019: 1.0%
  • 2020: 1.1%
  • 2021: 1.2%
  • 2022: 1.1%

Globally, Belize’s military spending ranks among the lowest in the world.

Personnel Strengths

Belize’s total active-duty military personnel strength is approximately 1,100, with the following breakdown:

  • Army (Belize Defence Force): 1,050
  • Maritime Wing (Belize Coast Guard): 50

The Belize Police Department has a strength of around 1,500 officers.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Belize’s military equipment inventory primarily consists of light infantry weapons and a limited number of armored vehicles and patrol craft. Notable equipment includes:

  • Small arms and light weapons
  • Armored personnel carriers
  • Patrol boats and coastal patrol vessels

Belize does not operate any fighter aircraft or major combat systems and primarily relies on imported equipment from the United States and other allies.

Military Service Age and Obligation

In Belize, military service is voluntary, and there is no compulsory military service obligation. The minimum age for enlistment is 18 years.

Military Deployments

Belize does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments. However, it has contributed a small number of personnel to various United Nations peacekeeping missions in the past.

Strategic Military Notes

Belize’s defense strategy primarily focuses on territorial defense, border security, and counter-narcotics operations. The country’s military plays a vital role in combating drug trafficking and other transnational organized crime activities, in collaboration with regional and international partners.

Belize is a member of the Regional Security System (RSS), a collective defense organization comprising several Caribbean nations. The country also maintains close security ties with the United States, the United Kingdom, and other regional allies.

  • Armed Forces Size: 1500. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.12
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 65.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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