Living in Belize guide for expats

All the information you need to relocate and live in Belize.

Our selection of articles for expatriation in Belize

Banking in Belize

Belize was once known to be a real banking haven, a place where banking secrecy was guaranteed. The situation changed somewhat ...

The healthcare system in Belize

Belize has a multiple layer healthcare system, including public and private hospitals, as well as regional and rural clinics ...

Finding work in Belize

It may be harder to find work in Belize than you imagine. With high unemployment and a low minimum wage, job hunting presents ...

Customs in Belize

Every country regulates what can and cannot cross its borders to prevent the spread of disease, adhere to local laws, and protect ...

Moving with your pet to Belize

If you have pets and are planning to move to Belize or make an extended visit, you will almost certainly want to bring along your ...

Childcare and education in Belize

If you are moving to Belize with your family, you likely have questions about child care and education. There are few child care ...

Sports in Belize

Sport has always been a part of Belizean life. Although the country does not have a lot in terms of professional sport ...

Leisure activities in Belize

Belize is one of Central America's most attractive destinations. The country offers countless treasures to discover during ...

Using phones in Belize

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia, Limited, and several mobile phone companies providing fairly ...

Connecting to the internet in Belize

Belize enjoys decent internet coverage. Unfortunately it is slow and expensive. The country has many internet service providers ...

Relocating to Belize

Moving is always a big project, but an international move requires special considerations. If you have decided to move to Belize ...

How to drive in Belize

In Belize, you can drive with an international driver's license, and you can often drive with a license from your country of ...

Travelling around Belize

Belize's varied landscape means you will likely be using multiple modes of transportation. From golf carts and scooters to yachts ...

The tax system in Belize

Taxes get a bad rap, but every country needs them to sustain infrastructure and government functioning. Unfortunately, they tend ...

Study in Belize

Belize can be an ideal destination to pursue your higher education. The ecological, anthropological, and archaeological richness ...

About Belize

Belize is a developing country which is found in Central America, south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. It borders the Caribbean Sea to the east. It stretches over some 22,966 km2 and is divided into six districts: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek and Toledo. Belize's capital city is Belmopan. Its largest cities are Belize City, San Ignacio, Orange Walk Town, Dangriga, Corozal Town and San Pedro.

Demographics

In 2016, the country's population amounted to some 380,010 inhabitants. Belize has been attracting expatriates from around the world for many years. The official language is English, but many other languages, such as Spanish, Belizean Kriol, German, Chinese, and some Mayan languages are also spoken. In fact, due to immigration from surrounding Central American countries, there are more native Spanish speakers than native English speakers, and Mestizos make up the largest portion of the population. German is spoken primarily within the Mennonite communities.

Economy

Belize is a developing country, and the economy reflects that. Significant loans, poor management, large numbers of imports, low numbers of exports, the size of the country, and significant tax and duty breaks to large corporations all have an impact. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amounted to more than $3.4 billion in 2015. Economic growth revolved around 2.9%. However, the unemployment rate among Belizeans stood at 11.1% as of September 2016.

Some of the largest contributors to Belize's economy are agriculture, fishing, retail, telecommunications, the government, and manufacturing.

Belize's main economic allies are the United States, Mexico, the European Union, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Politics

Belize is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State of Belize and is represented by the Governor General, Sir Colville Young. The government's executive branch is exercised by the Cabinet under Prime Minister Dean Barrow's guidance. Belize's National Assembly consists of 31 elected members in the House of Representatives and 12 appointed members in the Senate.

Belize is a member of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean Community, CARICOM.

Climate

Belize has a sub-tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season generally begins in January and ends in May, while the wet season lasts from June to December. Though it varies by region, June, July, and September tend to be the wettest months. Hurricanes and flooding can occur during this season. Temperatures vary between 18ºC and 35 ºC, with April and May registering as the hottest months.

Quick Information

Official Languages : English , Spanish; Castilian
Currency : Dollar
Area : 22966 Km2
Population : 314522
Calling Code : +501
Timezone : America/Belize