This entry provides the population of the capital and up to six major cities defined as urban agglomerations with populations of at least 750,000 people. An urban agglomeration is defined as comprising the city or town proper and also the suburban fringe or thickly settled territory lying outside of, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the city. For smaller countries, lacking urban centers of 750,000 or more, only the population of the capital is presented.

Topic: Afghanistan4.458 million KABUL (capital) (2022)

Topic: Albania512,000 TIRANA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Algeria2.854 million ALGIERS (capital), 922,000 Oran (2022)

Topic: American Samoa49,000 PAGO PAGO (capital) (2018)

Topic: Andorra23,000 ANDORRA LA VELLA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Angola8.952 million LUANDA (capital), 914,000 Lubango, 862,000 Cabinda, Benguela 777,000 (2022)

Topic: Anguilla1,000 THE VALLEY (capital) (2018)

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda21,000 SAINT JOHN'S (capital) (2018)

Topic: Argentina15.370 million BUENOS AIRES (capital), 1.598 million Cordoba, 1.574 million Rosario, 1.209 million Mendoza, 1.014 million San Miguel de Tucuman, 904,000 La Plata (2022)

Topic: Armenia1.092 million YEREVAN (capital) (2022)

Topic: Aruba30,000 ORANJESTAD (capital) (2018)

Topic: Australia5,151 million Melbourne, 5.057 million Sydney, 2.472 million Brisbane, 2.093 million Perth, 1.356 million Adelaide, 467,000 CANBERRA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Austria1.960 million VIENNA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Azerbaijan2.401 million BAKU (capital) (2022)

Topic: Bahamas, The280,000 NASSAU (capital) (2018)

Topic: Bahrain689,000 MANAMA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Bangladesh22.478 million DHAKA (capital), 5.253 million Chittagong, 950,000 Khulna, 942,000 Rajshahi, 928,000 Sylhet, Bogra 864,000 (2022)

Topic: Barbados89,000 BRIDGETOWN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Belarus2.049 million MINSK (capital) (2022)

Topic: Belgium2.110 million BRUSSELS (capital), 1.053 million Antwerp (2022)

Topic: Belize23,000 BELMOPAN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Benin285,000 PORTO-NOVO (capital) (2018); 1.189 million Abomey-Calavi, 709,000 COTONOU (seat of government) (2022)

Topic: Bermuda10,000 HAMILTON (capital) (2018)

Topic: Bhutan203,000 THIMPHU (capital) (2018)

Topic: Bolivia278,000 Sucre (constitutional capital) (2018); 1.908 million LA PAZ (capital), 1.784 million Santa Cruz, 1.369 million Cochabamba (2022)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina344,000 SARAJEVO (capital) (2022)

Topic: Botswana269,000 GABORONE (capital) (2018)

Topic: Brazil22.430 million Sao Paulo, 13.634 million Rio de Janeiro, 6.194 million Belo Horizonte, 4.804 million BRASILIA (capital), 4.220 million Recife, 4.185 million Porto Alegre (2022)

Topic: British Virgin Islands15,000 ROAD TOWN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Brunei241,000 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (capital) (2011)

note: the boundaries of the capital city were expanded in 2007, greatly increasing the city area; the population of the capital increased tenfold

Topic: Bulgaria1.287 million SOFIA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Burkina Faso3.056 million OUAGADOUGOU (capital), 1.074 million Bobo-Dioulasso (2022)

Topic: Burma5.514 million RANGOON (Yangon) (capital), 1.501 million Mandalay (2022)

Topic: Burundi1.139 million BUJUMBURA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Cabo Verde168,000 PRAIA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Cambodia2.211 million PHNOM PENH (capital) (2022)

Topic: Cameroon4.164 million YAOUNDE (capital), 3.927 million Douala (2022)

Topic: Canada6.313 million Toronto, 4.277 million Montreal, 2.632 million Vancouver, 1.611 million Calgary, 1.519 million Edmonton, 1.423 million OTTAWA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Cayman Islands35,000 GEORGE TOWN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Central African Republic933,000 BANGUI (capital) (2022)

Topic: Chad1.533 million N'DJAMENA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Chile6.857 million SANTIAGO (capital), 1.000 million Valparaiso, 902,000 Concepcion (2022)

Topic: China28.517 million Shanghai, 21.333 million BEIJING (capital), 16.875 million Chongqing, 14.012 million Tianjin, 13.965 million Guangzhou, 12.831 million Shenzhen (2022)

Topic: Colombia11.344 million BOGOTA (capital), 4.068 million Medellin, 2.837 million Cali, 2.325 million Barranquilla, 1.366 million Bucaramanga, 1.079 million Cartagena (2022)

Topic: Comoros62,000 MORONI (capital) (2018)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the15.628 million KINSHASA (capital), 2.765 million Mbuji-Mayi, 2.695 million Lubumbashi, 1.593 million Kananga, 1.366 million Kisangani, 1.190 million Bukavu (2022)

Topic: Congo, Republic of the2.553 million BRAZZAVILLE (capital), 1.295 million Pointe-Noire (2022)

Topic: Costa Rica1.441 million SAN JOSE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire231,000 YAMOUSSOUKRO (capital) (2018), 5.516 million ABIDJAN (seat of government) (2022)

Topic: Croatia684,000 ZAGREB (capital) (2022)

Topic: Cuba2.146 million HAVANA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Curacao144,000 WILLEMSTAD (capital) (2018)

Topic: Cyprus269,000 NICOSIA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Czechia1.318 million PRAGUE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Denmark1.370 million COPENHAGEN (capital) (2022)

Topic: Djibouti591,000 DJIBOUTI (capital) (2022)

Topic: Dominica15,000 ROSEAU (capital) (2018)

Topic: Dominican Republic3.458 million SANTO DOMINGO (capital) (2022)

Topic: Ecuador3.092 million Guayaquil, 1.928 million QUITO (capital) (2022)

Topic: Egypt21.750 million CAIRO (capital), 5.484 million Alexandria, 764,000 Bur Sa'id (2022)

Topic: El Salvador1.111 million SAN SALVADOR (capital) (2022)

Topic: Equatorial Guinea297,000 MALABO (capital) (2018)

Topic: Eritrea1.035 million ASMARA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Estonia452,000 TALLINN (capital) (2022)

Topic: Eswatini68,000 MBABANE (capital) (2018)

Topic: Ethiopia5.228 million ADDIS ABABA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)2,000 STANLEY (capital) (2018)

Topic: Faroe Islands21,000 TORSHAVN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Fiji178,000 SUVA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Finland1.328 million HELSINKI (capital) (2022)

Topic: France11.142 million PARIS (capital), 1.748 million Lyon, 1.620 million Marseille-Aix-en-Provence, 1.073 million Lille, 1.049 million Toulouse, 991,000 Bordeaux (2022)

Topic: French Polynesia136,000 PAPEETE (capital) (2018)

Topic: Gabon857,000 LIBREVILLE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Gambia, The470,000 BANJUL (capital) (2022)

note: includes the local government areas of Banjul and Kanifing

Topic: Gaza Strip756,000 Gaza (2022)

Topic: Georgia1.080 million TBILISI (capital) (2022)

Topic: Germany3.571 million BERLIN (capital), 1.788 million Hamburg, 1.566 million Munich, 1.137 million Cologne, 791,000 Frankfurt (2022)

Topic: Ghana3.630 million Kumasi, 2.605 million ACCRA (capital), 1.035 million Sekondi Takoradi (2022)

Topic: Gibraltar35,000 GIBRALTAR (capital) (2018)

Topic: Greece3.154 million ATHENS (capital), 814,000 Thessaloniki (2022)

Topic: Greenland18,000 NUUK (capital) (2018)

Topic: Grenada39,000 SAINT GEORGE'S (capital) (2018)

Topic: Guam147,000 HAGATNA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Guatemala3.036 million GUATEMALA CITY (capital) (2022)

Topic: Guernsey16,000 SAINT PETER PORT (capital) (2018)

Topic: Guinea2.049 million CONAKRY (capital) (2022)

Topic: Guinea-Bissau643,000 BISSAU (capital) (2022)

Topic: Guyana110,000 GEORGETOWN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Haiti2.915 million PORT-AU-PRINCE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)1,000 VATICAN CITY (capital) (2018)

Topic: Honduras1.527 million TEGUCIGALPA (capital), 956,000 San Pedro Sula (2022)

Topic: Hong Kong7.643 million Hong Kong (2022)

Topic: Hungary1.775 million BUDAPEST (capital) (2022)

Topic: Iceland216,000 REYKJAVIK (capital) (2018)

Topic: India32.066 million NEW DELHI (capital), 20.961 million Mumbai, 15.134 million Kolkata, 13.193 million Bangalore, 11.503 million Chennai, 10.534 million Hyderabad (2022)

Topic: Indonesia11.075 million JAKARTA (capital), 3.622 million Bekasi, 3.005 million Surabaya, 2.942 million Depok, 2.638 million Bandung, 2.456 million Tangerang (2022)

Topic: Iran9.382 million TEHRAN (capital), 3.318 million Mashhad, 2.219 million Esfahan, 1.699 million Shiraz, 1.644 million Tabriz, 1.587 million Karaj (2022)

Topic: Iraq7.512 million BAGHDAD (capital), 1.737 million Mosul, 1.414 million Basra, 1.052 million Kirkuk, 930,000 Najaf, 878,000 Erbil (2022)

Topic: Ireland1.256 million DUBLIN (capital) (2022)

Topic: Isle of Man27,000 DOUGLAS (capital) (2018)

Topic: Israel4.344 million Tel Aviv-Yafo, 1.164 million Haifa, 957,000 JERUSALEM (capital) (2022)

Topic: Italy4.298 million ROME (capital), 3.149 million Milan, 2.180 million Naples, 1.798 million Turin, 907,000 Bergamo, 850,000 Palermo (2022)

Topic: Jamaica595,000 KINGSTON (capital) (2022)

Topic: Japan37.274 million TOKYO (capital), 19.060 million Osaka, 9.572 million Nagoya, 5.503 million Kitakyushu-Fukuoka, 2.935 million Shizuoka-Hamamatsu, 2.669 million Sapporo (2022)

Topic: Jersey34,000 SAINT HELIER (capital) (2018)

Topic: Jordan2.210 million AMMAN (capital) (2022)

Topic: Kazakhstan1.958 million Almaty, 1.254 million NUR-SULTAN (capital), 1.126 million Shimkent (2022)

Topic: Kenya5.119 million NAIROBI (capital), 1.389 million Mombassa (2022)

Topic: Kiribati64,000 TARAWA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Korea, North3.133 million PYONGYANG (capital) (2022)

Topic: Korea, South9.976 million SEOUL (capital), 3.468 million Busan, 2.834 million Incheon, 2.185 million Daegu (Taegu), 1.573 million Daejon (Taejon), 1.526 million Gwangju (Kwangju) (2022)

Topic: Kosovo216,870 PRISTINA (capital) (2019)

Topic: Kuwait3.239 million KUWAIT (capital) (2022)

Topic: Kyrgyzstan1.082 million BISHKEK (capital) (2022)

Topic: Laos706,000 VIENTIANE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Latvia625,000 RIGA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Lebanon2.433 million BEIRUT (capital) (2022)

Topic: Lesotho202,000 MASERU (capital) (2018)

Topic: Liberia1.623 million MONROVIA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Libya1.176 million TRIPOLI (capital), 953,000 Misratah, 848,000 Benghazi (2022)

Topic: Liechtenstein5,000 VADUZ (capital) (2018)

Topic: Lithuania541,000 VILNIUS (capital) (2022)

Topic: Luxembourg120,000 LUXEMBOURG (capital) (2018)

Topic: Madagascar3.700 million ANTANANARIVO (capital) (2022)

Topic: Malawi1.222 million LILONGWE (capital), 995,000 Blantyre-Limbe (2022)

Topic: Malaysia8.420 million KUALA LUMPUR (capital), 1.065 million Johor Bahru, 842,000 Ipoh (2022)

Topic: Maldives177,000 MALE (capital) (2018)

Topic: Mali2.817 million BAMAKO (capital) (2022)

Topic: Malta213,000 VALLETTA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Marshall Islands31,000 MAJURO (capital) (2018)

Topic: Mauritania1.432 million NOUAKCHOTT (capital) (2022)

Topic: Mauritius149,000 PORT LOUIS (capital) (2018)

Topic: Mexico22.085 million MEXICO CITY (capital), 5.340 million Guadalajara, 5.037 million Monterrey, 3.295 million Puebla, 2.576 million Toluca de Lerdo, 2.221 million Tijuana (2022)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of7,000 PALIKIR (capital) (2018)

Topic: Moldova491,000 CHISINAU (capital) (2022)

Topic: Monaco39,000 MONACO (capital) (2018)

Topic: Mongolia1.645 million ULAANBAATAR (capital) (2022)

Topic: Montenegro177,000 PODGORICA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Morocco3.840 million Casablanca, 1.932 million RABAT (capital), 1.267 million Fes, 1.238 million Tangier, 1.277 million Marrakech, 960,000 Agadir (2022)

Topic: Mozambique1.797 million Matola, 1.139 million MAPUTO (capital), 927,000 Nampula (2022)

Topic: Namibia461,000 WINDHOEK (capital) (2022)

Topic: Nepal1.521 million KATHMANDU (capital) (2022)

Topic: Netherlands1.166 million AMSTERDAM (capital), 1.015 million Rotterdam (2022)

Topic: New Caledonia198,000 NOUMEA (capital) (2018)

Topic: New Zealand1.652 million Auckland, 419,000 WELLINGTON (capital) (2022)

Topic: Nicaragua1.083 million MANAGUA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Niger1.384 million NIAMEY (capital) (2022)

Topic: Nigeria15.388 million Lagos, 4.219 million Kano, 3.756 million Ibadan, 3.652 million ABUJA (capital), 3.325 million Port Harcourt, 1.841 million Benin City (2022)

Topic: Niue1,000 ALOFI (capital) (2018)

Topic: North Macedonia606,000 SKOPJE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Northern Mariana Islands51,000 SAIPAN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Norway1.071 million OSLO (capital) (2022)

Topic: Oman1.623 million MUSCAT (capital) (2022)

Topic: Pakistan16.840 million Karachi, 13.542 million Lahore, 3.625 million Faisalabad, 2.353 million Gujranwala, 2.343 million Peshawar, 1.198 million ISLAMABAD (capital) (2022)

Topic: Palau277 NGERULMUD (capital) (2018)

Topic: Panama1.938 million PANAMA CITY (capital) (2022)

Topic: Papua New Guinea400,000 PORT MORESBY (capital) (2022)

Topic: Paraguay3.452 million ASUNCION (capital) (2022)

Topic: Peru11.045 million LIMA (capital), 947,000 Arequipa, 891,000 Trujillo (2022)

Topic: Philippines14.406 million MANILA (capital), 1.908 million Davao, 1.009 million Cebu City, 931,000 Zamboanga, 925,000 Antipolo, 786,000 Cagayan de Oro City (2022)

Topic: Poland1.795 million WARSAW (capital), 770,000 Krakow (2022)

Topic: Portugal2.986 million LISBON (capital), 1.320 million Porto (2022)

Topic: Puerto Rico2.443 million SAN JUAN (capital) (2022)

Topic: QatarAr-Rayyan 779,000, 652,000 DOHA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Romania1.785 million BUCHAREST (capital) (2022)

Topic: Russia12.641 million MOSCOW (capital), 5.536 million Saint Petersburg, 1.686 million Novosibirsk, 1.521 million Yekaterinburg, 1.286 million Kazan, 1.253 million Nizhniy Novgorod (2022)

Topic: Rwanda1.208 million KIGALI (capital) (2022)

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1,000 JAMESTOWN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis14,000 BASSETERRE (capital) (2018)

Topic: Saint Lucia22,000 CASTRIES (capital) (2018)

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon6,000 SAINT-PIERRE (capital) (2018)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines27,000 KINGSTOWN (capital) (2018)

Topic: Samoa36,000 APIA (capital) (2018)

Topic: San Marino4,000 SAN MARINO (2018)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe80,000 SAO TOME (capital) (2018)

Topic: Saudi Arabia7.538 million RIYADH (capital), 4.781 million Jeddah, 2.115 million Mecca, 1.545 million Medina, 1.305 million Ad Dammam, 860,000 million Hufuf-Mubarraz (2022)

Topic: Senegal3.326 million DAKAR (capital) (2022)

Topic: Serbia1.405 million BELGRADE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Seychelles28,000 VICTORIA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Sierra Leone1.272 million FREETOWN (capital) (2022)

Topic: Singapore3.040 million SINGAPORE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Sint Maarten1,327 PHILIPSBURG (capital) (2011)

Topic: Slovakia439,000 BRATISLAVA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Slovenia286,000 LJUBLJANA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Solomon Islands82,000 HONIARA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Somalia2.497 million MOGADISHU (capital), 1.079 million Hargeysa (2022)

Topic: South Africa10.110 million Johannesburg (includes Ekurhuleni), 4.801 million Cape Town (legislative capital), 3.199 million Durban, 2.74 million PRETORIA (administrative capital), 1.281 million Port Elizabeth, 909,000 West Rand (2022)

Topic: South Sudan440,000 JUBA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Spain6.714 million MADRID (capital), 5.658 million Barcelona, 837,000 Valencia (2022)

Topic: Sri Lanka103,000 Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital) (2018), 626,000 COLOMBO (capital) (2022)

Topic: Sudan6.160 million KHARTOUM (capital), 1.012 million Nyala (2022)

Topic: Suriname239,000 PARAMARIBO (capital) (2018)

Topic: Sweden1.659 million STOCKHOLM (capital) (2022)

Topic: Switzerland1.420 million Zurich, 437,000 BERN (capital) (2022)

Topic: Syria2.503 million DAMASCUS (capital), 2.098 million Aleppo, 1.398 million Hims (Homs), 964,000 Hamah (2022)

Topic: Taiwan4.471 million New Taipei City, 2.742 million TAIPEI (capital), 2.296 million Taoyuan, 1.547 million Kaohsiung, 1.354 million Taichung, 863,000 Tainan (2022)

Topic: Tajikistan962,000 DUSHANBE (capital) (2022)

Topic: Tanzania262,000 Dodoma (legislative capital) (2018), 7.405 million DAR ES SALAAM (administrative capital), 1.245 million Mwanza, 766,000 Zanzibar (2022)

Topic: Thailand10.900 million BANGKOK (capital), 1.436 Chon Buri, 1.342 million Samut Prakan, 1.198 million Chiang Mai, 992,000 Songkla, 988,000 Nothaburi (2022)

Topic: Timor-Leste281,000 DILI (capital) (2018)

Topic: Togo1.926 million LOME (capital) (2022)

Topic: Tonga23,000 NUKU'ALOFA (2018)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago545,000 PORT-OF-SPAIN (capital) (2022)

Topic: Tunisia2.439 million TUNIS (capital) (2022)

Topic: Turkey15.636 million Istanbul, 5.310 million ANKARA (capital), 3.056 million Izmir, 2.055 million Bursa, 1.814 million Adana, 1.773 million Gaziantep (2022)

Topic: Turkmenistan883,000 ASHGABAT (capital) (2022)

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands5,000 GRAND TURK (capital) (2018)

Topic: Tuvalu7,000 FUNAFUTI (capital) (2018)

Topic: Uganda3.652 million KAMPALA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Ukraine3.010 million KYIV (capital), 1.423 million Kharkiv, 1.008 million Odesa, 952,000 Dnipropetrovsk, 893,000 Donetsk (2022)

Topic: United Arab Emirates2.964 million Dubai, 1.786 million Sharjah, 1.540 million ABU DHABI (capital) (2022)

Topic: United Kingdom9.426 million LONDON (capital), 2.750 million Manchester, 2.626 million Birmingham, 1.902 million West Yorkshire, 1.681 million Glasgow, 944,000 Southampton/Portsmouth (2022)

Topic: United States18.867 million New York-Newark, 12.488 million Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, 8.901 million Chicago, 6.603 million Houston, 6.488 million Dallas-Fort Worth, 5.434 million WASHINGTON, D.C. (capital) (2022)

Topic: Uruguay1.767 million MONTEVIDEO (capital) (2022)

Topic: Uzbekistan2.574 million TASHKENT (capital) (2022)

Topic: Vanuatu53,000 PORT-VILA (capital) (2018)

Topic: Venezuela2.957 million CARACAS (capital), 2.333 million Maracaibo, 1.959 million Valencia, 1.241 million Barquisimeto, 1.230 million Maracay, 950,000 Ciudad Guayana (2022)

Topic: Vietnam9.077 million Ho Chi Minh City, 5.067 million HANOI (capital), 1.786 million Can Tho, 1.382 million Hai Phong, 1.188 million Da Nang, 1.078 million Bien Hoa (2022)

Topic: Virgin Islands52,000 CHARLOTTE AMALIE (capital) (2018)

Topic: Wallis and Futuna1,000 MATA-UTU (capital) (2018)

Topic: Worldten largest urban agglomerations: Tokyo (Japan) - 37,393,000; New Delhi (India) - 30,291,000; Shanghai (China) - 27,058,000; Sao Paulo (Brazil) - 22,043,000; Mexico City (Mexico) - 21,782,000; Dhaka (Bangladesh) - 21,006,000; Cairo (Egypt) - 20,901,000; Beijing (China) - 20,463,000; Mumbai (India) - 20,411,000;  Osaka (Japan) - 19,165,000 (2020)

ten largest urban agglomerations, by continent:
Africa - Cairo (Egypt) - 20,485,000; Lagos (Nigeria) - 13,904,000; Kinshasha (DRC) - 13,743,000; Luanda (Angola) - 8,045,000; Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) - 6,368,000; Khartoum (Sudan) - 5,678,000; Johannesburg (South Africa) - 5,635,000; Alexandria (Egypt) - 5,182,000; Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire) - 5,059,000; Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) - 4,592,000

Asia - Tokyo (Japan) - 37,435,000; New Delhi (India) - 29,399,000; Shanghai (China) - 26,317,000; Dhaka (Bangladesh) - 20,284,000; Mumbai (India) - 20,185,000; Beijing (China) - 20,035,000; Osaka (Japan) - 19,223,000; Karachi (Pakistan) - 15,741,000; Chongqing (China) - 15,354,000; Istanbul (Turkey) - 14,968,000

Europe - Moscow (Russia) - 12,476,000; Paris (France) - 10,958,000; London (United Kingdom) - 9,177,000; Madrid (Spain) - 6,559,000; Barcelona (Spain) - 5,541,000, Saint Petersburg (Russia) -  5,427,000; Rome (Italy) - 4,234,000; Berlin (Germany) - 3,557,000; Athens (Greece) - 3,154,000; Milan (Italy) - 3,136,000

North America - Mexico City (Mexico) - 21,672,000; New York-Newark (United States) - 18,805,000; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana (United States) - 12,448,000; Chicago (United States) - 8,862,000; Houston (United States) - 6,245,000; Dallas-Fort Worth (United States) - 6,201,000; Toronto (Canada) - 6,139,000; Miami (United States) - 6,079,000; Philadelphia (United States) - 5,705,000; Atlanta (United States) - 5,689,000

Oceania - Melbourne (Australia) - 4,870,000, Sydney (Australia) - 4,859,000; Brisbane (Australia) - 2,372,000; Perth (Australia) - 2,016,000; Auckland (New Zealand) - 1,582,000; Adelaide (Australia) - 1,328,000; Gold Coast-Tweed Head (Australia) - 687,000; Canberra (Australia) - 452,000; Newcastle-Maitland (Australia) - 447,000; Wellington (New Zealand) - 413,000

South America - Sao Paulo (Brazil) - 21,847,000; Buenos Aires (Argentina) - 15,057,000; Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) - 13,374,000; Bogota (Colombia) - 10,779,000; Lima (Peru) - 10,555,000; Santiago (Chile) - 6,724,000; Belo Horizonte (Brazil) - 6,028,000; Brasilia (Brazil) - 4,559,000; Porto Alegre (Brazil) - 4,115,000; Recife (Brazil) - 4,078,000 (2019)

Topic: Yemen3.182 million SANAA (capital), 1.045 million Aden (2022)

Topic: Zambia3.042 million LUSAKA (capital) (2022)

Topic: Zimbabwe1.558 million HARARE (capital) (2022)


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US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens consult its website daily via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances about visiting United Kingdom and Cook Islands.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays of less than 30 days. It is possible to extend visit up to 5 months.
US Embassy/Consulate: None (self-governing in free association with New Zealand); US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the Embassy in New Zealand [64] (4) 462-6000; United States Embassy Wellington, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Telephone Code: 682
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 998; Fire: 996; Police: 999
Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season (April to November) and a more humid season (December to March)
Currency (Code): New Zealand dollars (NZD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I

Major Languages: English 86.4%, Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan) 76.2%, other 8.3%; note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census
Major Religions: Protestant 62.8%, Roman Catholic 17%, Mormon 4.4%
Time Difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: A local license is required.
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Tapuaetai (One Foot Island); Muri Beach; Titikaveka Beach; Te Vara Nui Village; cross-island hike to Te Rua Manga (The Needle); Aroa Marine Reserve
Major Sports: Netball, rugby, soccer
Cultural Practices: Swimwear should be confined to the beach and resort pool areas.
Tipping Guidelines: Don't feel that you need to leave a tip, unless you believe that you have received outstanding service.
Souvenirs: Pareu cloth and quilted items, woven hats and baskets, carved wooden instruments and decorative items,  pearl and shell items, collectible coins and stamps
Traditional Cuisine: Ika Mata — freshly caught fish cooked in lemon juice and then combined with fresh coconut cream, onion, and chilis; typically served with a side salad Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022


This entry records total taxes and other revenues received by the national government during the time period indicated, expressed as a percent of GDP. Taxes include personal and corporate income taxes, value added taxes, excise taxes, and tariffs. Other revenues include social contributions - such as payments for social security and hospital insurance - grants, and net revenues from public enterprises. Normalizing the data, by dividing total revenues by GDP, enables easy comparisons across countries, and provides an average rate at which all income (GDP) is paid to the national level government for the supply of public goods and services.

Topic: Afghanistan11.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Albania27.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Algeria32.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: American Samoa37.8% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Topic: Andorra69% (of GDP) (2016)

Topic: Angola29.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Anguilla46.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda19.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Argentina18.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Armenia22.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Aruba25.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Australia35.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Austria48.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Azerbaijan23.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Bahamas, The17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Bahrain16.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Bangladesh9.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Barbados29.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Belarus40.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Belgium51.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Belize29.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Benin17.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Bermuda16.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Bhutan27.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Bolivia39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina44% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Botswana30.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Brazil35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: British Virgin Islands38.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Brunei18.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Bulgaria35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Burkina Faso21.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Burma13.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Burundi15.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Cabo Verde27.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Cambodia17.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Cameroon15.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Canada39.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Cayman Islands38.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Central African Republic14.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Chad13.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Chile20.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: China21.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Colombia26.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Comoros25.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the11.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Congo, Republic of the22.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Cook Islands29% (of GDP) (2010 est.)

Topic: Costa Rica14.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire19.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Croatia46.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Cuba58.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Curacao16.6% (of GDP) (2012 est.)

Topic: Cyprus39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Czechia40.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Denmark53% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Djibouti35.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Dominica40.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Dominican Republic14.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Ecuador32% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Egypt17.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: El Salvador23.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Equatorial Guinea16.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Eritrea34.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Estonia39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Eswatini28.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Ethiopia13.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: European Union45.2% (of GDP) (2014)

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)32.5% (of GDP) (FY09/10)

Topic: Faroe Islands30.2% (of GDP) (2014 est.)

Topic: Fiji29.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Finland53.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: France53.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: French Polynesia39.4% (of GDP) (2012)

Topic: Gabon17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Gambia, The20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Georgia28.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Germany45% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Ghana20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Gibraltar23.3% (of GDP) (2008 est.)

Topic: Greece48.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Greenland77.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Topic: Grenada25.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Guam21.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Topic: Guatemala10.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Guernsey20.6% (of GDP) (2005)

Topic: Guinea16.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Guinea-Bissau18.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Guyana28.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Haiti18.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)NA

Topic: Honduras20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Hong Kong23.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Hungary44.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Iceland42.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: India9.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Indonesia13% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Iran17.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Iraq35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Ireland26% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Isle of Man14.2% (of GDP) (FY05/06 est.)

Topic: Israel26.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Italy46.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Jamaica29.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Japan35.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Jersey16.6% (of GDP) (2005)

Topic: Jordan23.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Kazakhstan22.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Kenya17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Kiribati76.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Korea, North11.4% (of GDP) (2007 est.)

note: excludes earnings from state-operated enterprises

Topic: Korea, South23.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Kosovo29% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Kuwait41.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Kyrgyzstan28.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Laos18.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Latvia37.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Lebanon21.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Lesotho39.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Liberia16.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Libya51.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Liechtenstein14.9% (of GDP) (2012 est.)

Topic: Lithuania33.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Luxembourg44.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Macau29.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Madagascar15.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Malawi21.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Malaysia16.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Maldives26.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Topic: Mali20% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Malta40.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Marshall Islands52.6% (of GDP) (2013 est.)

Topic: Mauritania27.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Mauritius22.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Mexico22.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of65.2% (of GDP) (FY12/13 est.)

Topic: Moldova30.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Monaco14.9% (of GDP) (2011 est.)

Topic: Mongolia26.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Montenegro37.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Morocco20.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Mozambique26.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Namibia32.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Nauru90.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Nepal23.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Netherlands43.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: New Caledonia20.4% (of GDP) (2015 est.)

Topic: New Zealand36.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Nicaragua28% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Niger21.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Nigeria3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: North Macedonia29% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Northern Mariana Islands31.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Topic: Norway54.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Oman31.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Pakistan15.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Palau66.1% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Topic: Panama20.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Papua New Guinea18.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Paraguay14.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Peru27.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Philippines15.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Poland39.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Portugal42.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Puerto Rico8.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Qatar26.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Romania29.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Russia16.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Rwanda21.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis31.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Saint Lucia23.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon26.8% (of GDP) (1996 est.)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines28.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Samoa28.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: San Marino40.6% (of GDP) (2011 est.)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe26.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Saudi Arabia26.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Senegal19.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Serbia42.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Seychelles39.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Sierra Leone15.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Singapore15.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Slovakia39.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Slovenia43.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Solomon Islands41% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Somalia2.1% (of GDP) (2014 est.)

Topic: South Africa26.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: South Sudan8.5% (of GDP) (FY2017/18 est.)

Topic: Spain37.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Sri Lanka13.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Sudan18.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Suriname16.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: SvalbardNA

Topic: Sweden50.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Switzerland35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Syria4.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Taiwan16% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Tajikistan31.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Tanzania15.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Thailand15.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Timor-Leste10.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Togo21.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Tonga39.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago24.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Tunisia24.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Turkey20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Turkmenistan14.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Tuvalu106.7% (of GDP) (2013 est.)

note: revenue data include Official Development Assistance from Australia

Topic: Uganda14.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Ukraine26.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: United Arab Emirates28.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: United Kingdom39.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: United States17% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

note: excludes contributions for social security and other programs; if social contributions were added, taxes and other revenues would amount to approximately 22% of GDP

Topic: Uruguay29.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Uzbekistan31.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Vanuatu27.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Venezuela44.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Vietnam24.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Virgin Islands28.9% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Topic: Wallis and Futuna16.7% (of GDP) (2015 est.) NA

Topic: West Bank13.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: World26.7% (of GDP) (2016 est.)

Topic: Yemen9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Zambia17.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Topic: Zimbabwe21.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)


This entry, which appears only in the European Union, Introduction category, provides an explanation and justification for the inclusion of a separate European Union geographic entity.


This entry provides the annual inflation rate, as calculated by the percent change in current consumer prices from the previous year's consumer prices.

Topic: Afghanistan5% (2017 est.)

4.4% (2016 est.)

Topic: Albania1.4% (2019 est.)

2% (2018 est.)

1.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Algeria1.9% (2019 est.)

4.2% (2018 est.)

5.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: American Samoa-0.5% (2015 est.)

1.4% (2014 est.)

Topic: Andorra-0.9% (2015 est.)

-0.1% (2014 est.)

Topic: Angola17.2% (2019 est.)

20.3% (2018 est.)

32.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Anguilla1.3% (2017 est.)

-0.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda2.5% (2017 est.)

-0.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Argentina25.7% (2017 est.)

26.5% (2016 est.)

note: data are derived from private estimates

Topic: Armenia1.4% (2019 est.)

2.5% (2018 est.)

0.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Aruba-0.5% (2017 est.)

-0.9% (2016 est.)

Topic: Australia1.6% (2019 est.)

1.9% (2018 est.)

1.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Austria1.5% (2019 est.)

2% (2018 est.)

2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Azerbaijan2.6% (2019 est.)

2.3% (2018 est.)

12.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Bahamas, The1.4% (2017 est.)

-0.3% (2016 est.)

Topic: Bahrain1.4% (2017 est.)

2.8% (2016 est.)

Topic: Bangladesh5.5% (2019 est.)

5.5% (2018 est.)

5.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Barbados4.4% (2017 est.)

1.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Belarus5.6% (2019 est.)

4.8% (2018 est.)

6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Belgium1.4% (2019 est.)

2% (2018 est.)

2.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Belize1.1% (2017 est.)

0.7% (2016 est.)

Topic: Benin-0.8% (2019 est.)

1.7% (2018 est.)

0% (2017 est.)

Topic: Bermuda1.9% (2017 est.)

1.4% (2016 est.)

Topic: Bhutan5.8% (2017 est.)

7.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Bolivia1.8% (2019 est.)

2.2% (2018 est.)

2.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina1.2% (2017 est.)

-1.1% (2016 est.)

Topic: Botswana2.7% (2019 est.)

3.2% (2018 est.)

3.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Brazil3.7% (2019 est.)

3.6% (2018 est.)

3.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: British Virgin Islands1.1% (2017 est.)

1.1% (2016 est.)

Topic: Brunei-0.2% (2017 est.)

-0.7% (2016 est.)

Topic: Bulgaria3.1% (2019 est.)

2.8% (2018 est.)

2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Burkina Faso-3.2% (2019 est.)

1.9% (2018 est.)

1.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Burma8.8% (2019 est.)

6.8% (2018 est.)

4.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Burundi-0.6% (2019 est.)

-2.5% (2018 est.)

15.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Cabo Verde1.1% (2019 est.)

1.2% (2018 est.)

0.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Cambodia2.9% (2017 est.)

3% (2016 est.)

Topic: Cameroon2.4% (2019 est.)

1% (2018 est.)

0.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Canada1.9% (2019 est.)

2.2% (2018 est.)

1.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Cayman Islands2% (2017 est.)

-0.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Central African Republic2.7% (2019 est.)

1.6% (2018 est.)

4.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Chad-0.9% (2019 est.)

4.2% (2018 est.)

-1.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Chile2.2% (2019 est.)

2.7% (2018 est.)

2.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: China2.8% (2019 est.)

2% (2018 est.)

1.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Colombia3.5% (2019 est.)

3.2% (2018 est.)

4.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Comoros1% (2017 est.)

1.8% (2016 est.)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the41.5% (2017 est.)

18.2% (2016 est.)

Topic: Congo, Republic of the2.2% (2019 est.)

1.1% (2018 est.)

0.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Cook Islands2.2% (2011 est.)

Topic: Costa Rica2% (2019 est.)

2.2% (2018 est.)

1.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire-1.1% (2019 est.)

0.3% (2018 est.)

0.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Croatia0.7% (2019 est.)

1.4% (2018 est.)

1.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Cuba5.5% (2017 est.)

4.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Curacao2.6% (2013 est.)

2.8% (2012 est.)

Topic: Cyprus0.2% (2019 est.)

1.4% (2018 est.)

0.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Czechia2.8% (2019 est.)

2.1% (2018 est.)

2.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Denmark0.7% (2019 est.)

0.8% (2018 est.)

1.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Djibouti0.7% (2017 est.)

2.7% (2016 est.)

Topic: Dominica0.6% (2017 est.)

0% (2016 est.)

Topic: Dominican Republic1.8% (2019 est.)

3.5% (2018 est.)

3.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Ecuador0.2% (2019 est.)

-0.2% (2018 est.)

0.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Egypt9.3% (2019 est.)

14.4% (2018 est.)

29.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: El Salvador0% (2019 est.)

1% (2018 est.)

1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Equatorial Guinea1.2% (2019 est.)

1.3% (2018 est.)

0.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Eritrea9% (2017 est.)

9% (2016 est.)

Topic: Estonia2.2% (2019 est.)

3.4% (2018 est.)

3.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Eswatini6.2% (2017 est.)

7.8% (2016 est.)

Topic: Ethiopia15.7% (2019 est.)

13.9% (2018 est.)

10.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: European Union1.1% (2019 est.)

1.7% (2018 est.)

1.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)1.4% (2014 est.)

Topic: Faroe Islands-0.3% (2016)

-1.7% (2015)

Topic: Fiji3.4% (2017 est.)

3.9% (2016 est.)

Topic: Finland1% (2019 est.)

1% (2018 est.)

0.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: France1.1% (2019 est.)

1.8% (2018 est.)

1% (2017 est.)

Topic: French Polynesia0% (2015 est.)

0.3% (2014 est.)

Topic: Gabon2.4% (2019 est.)

4.7% (2018 est.)

2.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Gambia, The7.1% (2019 est.)

6.5% (2018 est.)

8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Gaza Strip0.2% (2017 est.)

-0.2% (2016 est.)

note: excludes the West Bank

Topic: Georgia4.8% (2019 est.)

2.6% (2018 est.)

6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Germany1.4% (2019 est.)

1.7% (2018 est.)

1.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Ghana8.4% (2019 est.)

9.8% (2018 est.)

12.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Gibraltar2.5% (2013 est.)

2.2% (2012 est.)

Topic: Greece0.2% (2019 est.)

0.6% (2018 est.)

1.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Greenland0.3% (January 2017 est.)

1.2% (January 2016 est.)

Topic: Grenada0.9% (2017 est.)

1.7% (2016 est.)

Topic: Guam1% (2017 est.)

0% (2016 est.)

Topic: Guatemala3.7% (2019 est.)

3.7% (2018 est.)

4.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Guernsey3.4% (June 2006 est.)

Topic: Guinea9.4% (2019 est.)

9.8% (2018 est.)

8.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Guinea-Bissau0.2% (2019 est.)

0.3% (2018 est.)

1.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Guyana2% (2017 est.)

0.8% (2016 est.)

Topic: Haiti14.7% (2017 est.)

13.4% (2016 est.)

Topic: Honduras4.3% (2019 est.)

4.3% (2018 est.)

3.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Hong Kong2.8% (2019 est.)

2.4% (2018 est.)

1.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Hungary3.3% (2019 est.)

2.8% (2018 est.)

2.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Iceland3% (2019 est.)

2.6% (2018 est.)

1.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: India3.7% (2019 est.)

3.9% (2018 est.)

3.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Indonesia2.8% (2019 est.)

3.2% (2018 est.)

3.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Iran10% (2017 est.)

9.6% (2017 est.)

9.1% (2016 est.)

note: official Iranian estimate

Topic: Iraq-0.1% (2019 est.)

0.3% (2018 est.)

0.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Ireland0.9% (2019 est.)

0.4% (2018 est.)

0.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Isle of Man4.1% (2017 est.)

1% (2016 est.)

Topic: Israel1.8% (2020 est.)

0.8% (2019 est.)

0.8% (2018 est.)

Topic: Italy0.6% (2019 est.)

1.1% (2018 est.)

1.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Jamaica3.9% (2019 est.)

3.7% (2018 est.)

4.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Japan0.4% (2019 est.)

0.9% (2018 est.)

0.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Jersey3.7% (2006)

Topic: Jordan0.3% (2019 est.)

4.4% (2018 est.)

3.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Kazakhstan5.2% (2019 est.)

6% (2018 est.)

7.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Kenya5.1% (2019 est.)

4.6% (2018 est.)

8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Kiribati0.4% (2017 est.)

1.9% (2016 est.)

Topic: Korea, NorthNANA

Topic: Korea, South0.3% (2019 est.)

1.4% (2018 est.)

1.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Kosovo2.6% (2019 est.)

1% (2018 est.)

1.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Kuwait1.5% (2017 est.)

3.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Kyrgyzstan1.1% (2019 est.)

1.5% (2018 est.)

3.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Laos0.8% (2017 est.)

1.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Latvia2.8% (2019 est.)

2.5% (2018 est.)

2.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Lebanon2.8% (2019 est.)

6% (2018 est.)

4.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Lesotho5.3% (2019 est.)

3.8% (2018 est.)

5.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Liberia12.4% (2017 est.)

8.8% (2016 est.)

Topic: Libya28.5% (2017 est.)

25.9% (2016 est.)

Topic: Liechtenstein-0.4% (2016 est.)

-0.2% (2013)

Topic: Lithuania2.3% (2019 est.)

2.7% (2018 est.)

3.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Luxembourg1.7% (2019 est.)

1.5% (2018 est.)

1.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Macau2.7% (2019 est.)

3% (2018 est.)

1.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Madagascar5.6% (2019 est.)

8.6% (2018 est.)

8.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Malawi9.3% (2019 est.)

12.4% (2018 est.)

11.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Malaysia0.6% (2019 est.)

0.9% (2018 est.)

3.8% (2017 est.)

note: approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled

Topic: Maldives2.3% (2017 est.)

0.8% (2016 est.)

Topic: Mali1.9% (2018 est.)

1.8% (2017 est.)

1.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Malta1.6% (2019 est.)

1.1% (2018 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Marshall Islands0% (2017 est.)

-1.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Mauritania2.2% (2019 est.)

3.1% (2018 est.)

2.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Mauritius0.4% (2019 est.)

3.2% (2018 est.)

3.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Mexico3.6% (2019 est.)

4.9% (2018 est.)

6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of0.5% (2017 est.)

0.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Moldova4.8% (2019 est.)

3% (2018 est.)

6.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Monaco1.5% (2010)

Topic: Mongolia4.6% (2017 est.)

0.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Montenegro0.3% (2019 est.)

2.6% (2018 est.)

2.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Montserrat1.2% (2017 est.)

-0.2% (2016 est.)

Topic: Morocco0.2% (2019 est.)

2% (2018 est.)

0.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Mozambique2.7% (2019 est.)

3.9% (2018 est.)

15.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Namibia3.7% (2019 est.)

4.2% (2018 est.)

6.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Nauru5.1% (2017 est.)

8.2% (2016 est.)

Topic: Nepal4.5% (2017 est.)

9.9% (2016 est.)

Topic: Netherlands2.6% (2019 est.)

1.7% (2018 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: New Caledonia1.4% (2017 est.)

0.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: New Zealand1.6% (2019 est.)

1.5% (2018 est.)

1.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Nicaragua5.3% (2019 est.)

4.9% (2018 est.)

3.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Niger-2.5% (2019 est.)

6.3% (2018 est.)

2.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Nigeria11.3% (2019 est.)

12.1% (2018 est.)

16.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Niue4% (2005)

Topic: North Macedonia0.7% (2019 est.)

1.4% (2018 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Northern Mariana Islands0.3% (2016 est.)

0.1% (2015 est.)

Topic: Norway2.1% (2019 est.)

2.7% (2018 est.)

1.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Oman0.1% (2019 est.)

0.7% (2018 est.)

1.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Pakistan9.3% (2019 est.)

5.2% (2018 est.)

4.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Palau0.9% (2017 est.)

-1% (2016 est.)

Topic: Panama0.9% (2017 est.)

0.7% (2016 est.)

Topic: Papua New Guinea5.4% (2017 est.)

6.7% (2016 est.)

Topic: Paraguay3.6% (2017 est.)

4.1% (2016 est.)

Topic: Peru2.1% (2019 est.)

1.3% (2018 est.)

2.8% (2017 est.)

note: data are for metropolitan Lima, annual average

Topic: Philippines2.4% (2019 est.)

5.2% (2018 est.)

2.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Poland2.1% (2019 est.)

1.7% (2018 est.)

2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Portugal0.3% (2019 est.)

0.9% (2018 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Puerto Rico1.8% (2017 est.)

-0.3% (2016 est.)

Topic: Qatar-0.6% (2019 est.)

0.2% (2018 est.)

0.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Romania3.8% (2019 est.)

4.6% (2018 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Russia4.4% (2019 est.)

2.8% (2018 est.)

3.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Rwanda3.3% (2019 est.)

-0.3% (2018 est.)

8.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha4% (2012 est.)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis0% (2017 est.)

-0.3% (2016 est.)

Topic: Saint Lucia0.1% (2017 est.)

-3.1% (2016 est.)

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon1.5% (2015)

4.5% (2010)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines2.2% (2017 est.)

-0.2% (2016 est.)

Topic: Samoa1.3% (2017 est.)

0.1% (2016 est.)

Topic: San Marino1% (2017 est.)

0.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe7.8% (2018 est.)

5.6% (2017 est.)

5.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Saudi Arabia-2% (2019 est.)

-4.5% (2018 est.)

-0.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Senegal-0.8% (2019 est.)

0.4% (2018 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Serbia-0.1% (2019 est.)

-1.1% (2018 est.)

2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Seychelles1.8% (2019 est.)

3.7% (2018 est.)

2.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Sierra Leone14.8% (2019 est.)

16% (2018 est.)

18.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Singapore0.5% (2019 est.)

0.4% (2018 est.)

0.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Sint Maarten4% (2012 est.)

0.7% (2009 est.)

Topic: Slovakia2.6% (2019 est.)

2.5% (2018 est.)

1.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Slovenia1.6% (2019 est.)

1.7% (2018 est.)

1.4% (2017 est.)

Topic: Solomon Islands0.5% (2017 est.)

0.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Somalia1.5% (2017 est.)

-71.1% (2016 est.)

Topic: South Africa4.1% (2019 est.)

4.6% (2018 est.)

5.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: South Sudan187.9% (2017 est.)

379.8% (2016 est.)

Topic: Spain0.7% (2019 est.)

1.6% (2018 est.)

1.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Sri Lanka4.3% (2019 est.)

4.2% (2018 est.)

6.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Sudan50.2% (2019 est.)

62.8% (2018 est.)

32.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Suriname22% (2017 est.)

55.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Sweden1.7% (2019 est.)

1.9% (2018 est.)

1.7% (2017 est.)

Topic: Switzerland0.3% (2019 est.)

0.9% (2018 est.)

0.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Syria28.1% (2017 est.)

47.3% (2016 est.)

Topic: Taiwan0.5% (2019 est.)

1.3% (2018 est.)

0.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Tajikistan7.7% (2019 est.)

3.9% (2018 est.)

7.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Tanzania3.4% (2019 est.)

3.5% (2018 est.)

5.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Thailand0.7% (2019 est.)

1% (2018 est.)

0.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Timor-Leste0.6% (2017 est.)

-1.3% (2016 est.)

Topic: Togo0.6% (2019 est.)

0.9% (2018 est.)

-0.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: Tokelau4% (2020 est.)

2.5% (2019 est.)

11% (2017 est.)

note: Tokelau notes that its wide inflation swings are due almost entirely due to cigarette prices, a chief import.

Topic: Tonga7.4% (2017 est.)

2.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago1.9% (2017 est.)

3.1% (2016 est.)

Topic: Tunisia6.7% (2019 est.)

7.2% (2018 est.)

5.3% (2017 est.)

Topic: Turkey15.4% (2019 est.)

16.2% (2018 est.)

11.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Turkmenistan8% (2017 est.)

3.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands4% (2017 est.)

0.7% (2016 est.)

Topic: Tuvalu4.1% (2017 est.)

3.5% (2016 est.)

Topic: Uganda2.8% (2019 est.)

2.6% (2018 est.)

5.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: Ukraine7.9% (2019 est.)

11% (2018 est.)

14.4% (2017 est.)

note: Excluding the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol and part of the anti-terrorist operation zone

Topic: United Arab Emirates-1.9% (2019 est.)

3% (2018 est.)

1.9% (2017 est.)

Topic: United Kingdom1.7% (2019 est.)

2.4% (2018 est.)

2.6% (2017 est.)

Topic: United States1.8% (2019 est.)

2.4% (2018 est.)

2.1% (2017 est.)

Topic: Uruguay7.8% (2019 est.)

7.5% (2018 est.)

6.2% (2017 est.)

Topic: Uzbekistan12.5% (2017 est.)

8% (2016 est.)

note: official data; based on independent analysis of consumer prices, inflation reached 22% in 2012

Topic: Vanuatu3.1% (2017 est.)

0.8% (2016 est.)

Topic: Venezuela146,101.7% (2019 est.)

45,518.1% (2018 est.)

416.8% (2017 est.)

Topic: Vietnam2.7% (2019 est.)

3.5% (2018 est.)

3.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Virgin Islands1% (2016 est.)

2.6% (2015 est.)

Topic: Wallis and Futuna0.9% (2015)

2.8% (2005)

Topic: West Bank0.2% (2017 est.)

-0.2% (2016 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip

Topic: World6.4% (2017 est.)

3.7% (2016 est.)

developed countries: 1.9% (2017 est.) 0.9% (2016 est.)

developing countries: 8.8% (2017 est.) 3.7% (2016 est.)

note: the above estimates are weighted averages; inflation in developed countries is 0% to 4% typically, in developing countries, 4% to 10% typically; national inflation rates vary widely in individual cases; inflation rates have declined for most countries for the last several years, held in check by increasing international competition from several low wage countries and by soft demand due to the world financial crisis

Topic: Yemen24.7% (2017 est.)

-12.6% (2016 est.)

Topic: Zambia9.1% (2019 est.)

7.4% (2018 est.)

6.5% (2017 est.)

Topic: Zimbabwe241.7% (2019 est.)

10.6% (2018 est.)

0.9% (2017 est.)


Topic: Photos of Belize

Topic: Introduction
Background: Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1862. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Both nations have voted to send the dispute for final resolution to the International Court of Justice. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high crime rates, high unemployment combined with a majority youth population, growing involvement in the Mexican and South American drug trade, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Central America.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 45 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 22,966 sq km

land: 22,806 sq km

water: 160 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Massachusetts
Land boundaries: total: 542 km

border countries (2): Guatemala 266 km; Mexico 276 km
Coastline: 386 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south
Elevation: highest point: Doyle's Delight 1,124 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 173 m
Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower
Land use: agricultural land: 6.9% (2018 est.)

arable land: 3.3% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 2.2% (2018 est.)

forest: 60.6% (2018 est.)

other: 32.5% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 35 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: approximately 25% to 30% of the population lives in the former capital, Belize City; over half of the overall population is rural; population density is slightly higher in the north and east
Natural hazards: frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)
Geography - note: only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean
Map description: Belize map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Caribbean Sea.Belize map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Caribbean Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 412,387 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Belizean(s)

adjective: Belizean
Ethnic groups: Mestizo 52.9%, Creole 25.9%, Maya 11.3%, Garifuna 6.1%, East Indian 3.9%, Mennonite 3.6%, White 1.2%, Asian 1%, other 1.2%, unknown 0.3% (2010 est.)

note: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin
Languages: English 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole 44.6%, Maya 10.5%, German 3.2%, Garifuna 2.9%, other 1.8%, unknown 0.5%; note - shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (2010 est.)

major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)

La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
Religions: Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.6%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 10.5% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Church of Jesus Christ, Muslim, Rastafarian, Salvation Army), unspecified 0.6%, none 15.5% (2010 est.)
Demographic profile: Migration continues to transform Belize's population. About 16% of Belizeans live abroad, while immigrants constitute approximately 15% of Belize's population. Belizeans seeking job and educational opportunities have preferred to emigrate to the United States rather than former colonizer Great Britain because of the United States' closer proximity and stronger trade ties with Belize. Belizeans also emigrate to Canada, Mexico, and English-speaking Caribbean countries. The emigration of a large share of Creoles (Afro-Belizeans) and the influx of Central American immigrants, mainly Guatemalans, Salvadorans, and Hondurans, has changed Belize's ethnic composition. Mestizos have become the largest ethnic group, and Belize now has more native Spanish speakers than English or Creole speakers, despite English being the official language. In addition, Central American immigrants are establishing new communities in rural areas, which contrasts with the urbanization trend seen in neighboring countries. Recently, Chinese, European, and North American immigrants have become more frequent.Immigration accounts for an increasing share of Belize's population growth rate, which is steadily falling due to fertility decline. Belize's declining birth rate and its increased life expectancy are creating an aging population. As the elderly population grows and nuclear families replace extended households, Belize's government will be challenged to balance a rising demand for pensions, social services, and healthcare for its senior citizens with the need to reduce poverty and social inequality and to improve sanitation.Migration continues to transform Belize's population. About 16% of Belizeans live abroad, while immigrants constitute approximately 15% of Belize's population. Belizeans seeking job and educational opportunities have preferred to emigrate to the United States rather than former colonizer Great Britain because of the United States' closer proximity and stronger trade ties with Belize. Belizeans also emigrate to Canada, Mexico, and English-speaking Caribbean countries. The emigration of a large share of Creoles (Afro-Belizeans) and the influx of Central American immigrants, mainly Guatemalans, Salvadorans, and Hondurans, has changed Belize's ethnic composition. Mestizos have become the largest ethnic group, and Belize now has more native Spanish speakers than English or Creole speakers, despite English being the official language. In addition, Central American immigrants are establishing new communities in rural areas, which contrasts with the urbanization trend seen in neighboring countries. Recently, Chinese, European, and North American immigrants have become more frequent.Immigration accounts for an increasing share of Belize's population growth rate, which is steadily falling due to fertility decline. Belize's declining birth rate and its increased life expectancy are creating an aging population. As the elderly population grows and nuclear families replace extended households, Belize's government will be challenged to balance a rising demand for pensions, social services, and healthcare for its senior citizens with the need to reduce poverty and social inequality and to improve sanitation.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 32.57% (male 66,454/female 63,700)

15-24 years: 19% (male 39,238/female 36,683)

25-54 years: 37.72% (male 73,440/female 77,300)

55-64 years: 6.18% (male 12,235/female 12,444)

65 years and over: 4.53% (2020 est.) (male 8,781/female 9,323)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 52

youth dependency ratio: 44.4

elderly dependency ratio: 7.6

potential support ratio: 13.1 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 23.9 years

male: 23 years

female: 24.8 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.64% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 21.28 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 3.94 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: approximately 25% to 30% of the population lives in the former capital, Belize City; over half of the overall population is rural; population density is slightly higher in the north and east
Urbanization: urban population: 46.4% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 23,000 BELMOPAN (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.12 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 36 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 11.15 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 12.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.82 years

male: 74.23 years

female: 77.5 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.62 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 51.4% (2015/16)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 99.4% of population

total: 99.7% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 0.6% of population

total: 0.3% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 6% (2019)
Physicians density: 1.08 physicians/1,000 population (2018)
Hospital bed density: 1 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.1% of population

rural: 95.7% of population

total: 97.3% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.9% of population

rural: 4.3% of population

total: 2.7% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.2% (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 3,800 (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <200
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 24.1% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 8.5% (2020 est.)

male: 15.1% (2020 est.)

female: 1.8% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 4.6% (2015/16)
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 6.3%

women married by age 18: 33.5%

men married by age 18: 22.2% (2016 est.)
Education expenditures: 7.9% of GDP (2020)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2020)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.3%

male: 12.7%

female: 28.5% (2019 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: deforestation; water pollution, including pollution of Belize's Barrier Reef System, from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; inability to properly dispose of solid waste
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 21.23 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.57 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.55 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
Land use: agricultural land: 6.9% (2018 est.)

arable land: 3.3% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 2.2% (2018 est.)

forest: 60.6% (2018 est.)

other: 32.5% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 46.4% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.31% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 101,379 tons (2015 est.)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 11.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 68.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 21.734 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Belize

former: British Honduras

etymology: may be named for the Belize River, whose name possibly derives from the Maya word "belix," meaning "muddy-watered"
Government type: parliamentary democracy (National Assembly) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital: name: Belmopan

geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the decision to move the capital of the country inland to higher and more stable land was made in the 1960s; the name chosen for the new city was formed from the union of two words: "Belize," the name of the longest river in the country, and "Mopan," one of the rivers in the area of the new capital that empties into the Belize River
Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo
Independence: 21 September 1981 (from the UK)
National holiday: Battle of St. George's Caye Day (National Day), 10 September (1798); Independence Day, 21 September (1981)
Constitution: history: previous 1954, 1963 (preindependence); latest signed and entered into force 21 September 1981

amendments: proposed and adopted by two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly House of Representatives except for amendments relating to rights and freedoms, changes to the Assembly, and to elections and judiciary matters, which require at least three-quarters majority vote of the House; both types of amendments require assent of the governor general; amended several times, last in 2017
Legal system: English common law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes

citizenship by descent only: yes

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Froyla TZALAM (since 27 May 2021)

head of government: Prime Minister Juan Antonio BRICENO (since 12 November 2020); Deputy Prime Minister Cordel HYDE (since 16 November 2020)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among members of the National Assembly

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Assembly consists of:
Senate (14 seats, including the president); members appointed by the governor general - 6 on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 1 each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, non-governmental organizations in good standing, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; Senate president elected from among the Senate members or from outside the Senate; members serve 5-year terms
House of Representatives (31 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms)

elections:
Senate -  last appointed 11 November 2020 (next appointments in November 2025)
House of Representatives - last held on 11 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2025)

election results: Senate - all members appointed; composition as of March 2022 - composition - men 9, women 5, percent of women 35.7%
House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PUP 59.6%, UDP 38.8%, other 1.6%; seats by party - PUP 26, UDP 5; composition as of March 2022 -  men 27, women 4, percent of women 12.9%; note - total percent of women in the National Assembly 20%

Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Judicature (consists of the Court of Appeal with the court president and 3 justices, and the Supreme Court with the chief justice and 10 justices); note - in 2010, Belize acceded to the Caribbean Court of Justice as the final court of appeal, replacing that of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London

judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and justices appointed by the governor-general upon advice of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; justices' tenures vary by terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the prime minister and the National Assembly opposition leader; other judges appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Section of the Public Services Commission and with the concurrence of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; judges can be appointed beyond age 65 but must retire by age 75; in 2013, the Supreme Court chief justice overturned a constitutional amendment that had restricted Court of Appeal judge appointments to as short as 1 year

subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts; Family Court
Political parties and leaders: Belize Progressive Party or BPP [Wil MAHEIA] (formed in 2015 from a merger of the People's National Party, elements of the Vision Inspired by the People, and other smaller political groups)
People's United Party or PUP [Juan Antonio BRICENO]
United Democratic Party or UDP [Patrick FABER]
Vision Inspired by the People or VIP [Hubert ENRIQUEZ]
International organization participation: ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lynn Raymond YOUNG (since 7 July 2021)

chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008-2826

telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888

email address and website:
reception.usa@mfa.gov.bz

https://www.belizeembassyusa.mfa.gov.bz/

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York (consular services temporarily suspended beginning 18 December 2020)

consulate(s): Miami
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Leyla MOSES-ONES (since August 2021)

embassy: Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo

mailing address: 3050 Belmopan Place, Washington DC  20521-3050

telephone: (501) 822-4011

FAX: (501) 822-4012

email address and website:
ACSBelize@state.gov

https://bz.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: royal blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland of 50 mahogany leaves; the colors are those of the two main political parties: blue for the PUP and red for the UDP; various elements of the coat of arms - the figures, the tools, the mahogany tree, and the garland of leaves - recall the logging industry that led to British settlement of Belize

note: Belize's flag is the only national flag that depicts human beings; two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, also depict humans
National symbol(s): Baird's tapir (a large, browsing, forest-dwelling mammal), keel-billed toucan, Black Orchid; national colors: red, blue
National anthem: name: Land of the Free

lyrics/music: Samuel Alfred HAYNES/Selwyn Walford YOUNG

note: adopted 1981; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner in this small economy, followed by exports of sugar, bananas, citrus, marine products, and crude oil.   The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led to GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007, but GPD growth has averaged only 2.1% from 2007-2016, with 2.5% growth estimated for 2017. Belize’s dependence on energy imports makes it susceptible to energy price shocks.   Although Belize has the third highest per capita income in Central America, the average income figure masks a huge income disparity between rich and poor, and a key government objective remains reducing poverty and inequality with the help of international donors. High unemployment, a growing trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden continue to be major concerns. Belize faces continued pressure from rising sovereign debt, and a growing trade imbalance.Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner in this small economy, followed by exports of sugar, bananas, citrus, marine products, and crude oil. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led to GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007, but GPD growth has averaged only 2.1% from 2007-2016, with 2.5% growth estimated for 2017. Belize’s dependence on energy imports makes it susceptible to energy price shocks. Although Belize has the third highest per capita income in Central America, the average income figure masks a huge income disparity between rich and poor, and a key government objective remains reducing poverty and inequality with the help of international donors. High unemployment, a growing trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden continue to be major concerns. Belize faces continued pressure from rising sovereign debt, and a growing trade imbalance.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.43 billion (2020 est.)

$2.83 billion (2019 est.)

$2.78 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 0.8% (2017 est.)

-0.5% (2016 est.)

3.8% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $6,100 (2020 est.)

$7,300 (2019 est.)

$7,300 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $1.854 billion (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.1% (2017 est.)

0.7% (2016 est.)
Credit ratings: Moody's rating: Caa3 (2020)

Standard & Poors rating: CCC+ (2020)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 10.3% (2017 est.)

industry: 21.6% (2017 est.)

services: 68% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 75.1% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 15.2% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 22.5% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.2% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 49.1% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -63.2% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: sugar care, oranges, bananas, maize, poultry, rice, sorghum, papayas, grapefruit, soybeans
Industries: garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil
Industrial production growth rate: -0.6% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 120,500 (2008 est.)

note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 10.2%

industry: 18.1%

services: 71.7% (2007 est.)
Unemployment rate: 9% (2017 est.)

8% (2016 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.3%

male: 12.7%

female: 28.5% (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line: 41% (2013 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 553.5 million (2017 est.)

expenditures: 572 million (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 99% of GDP (2017 est.)

95.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 29.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Current account balance: -$143 million (2017 est.)

-$163 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $710 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$1.1 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$1.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: United Kingdom 27%, United States 24%, Spain 6%, Jamaica 5%, Ireland 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities: raw sugar, bananas, fruit juice, fish products, crude petroleum (2019)
Imports: $900 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$1.2 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$1.16 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: United States 36%, China 13%, Mexico 12%, Guatemala 10% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cigarettes, recreational boats, natural gas, cars (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $312.1 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$376.7 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $1.315 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$1.338 billion (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar -

2 (2017 est.)

2 (2016 est.)

2 (2015 est.)

2 (2014 est.)

2 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 99.5% (2018)

electrification - urban areas: 98.2% (2018)

electrification - rural areas: 100% (2018)
Electricity - production: 280 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 453 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports: 243 million kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 198,000 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 51% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 27% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 22% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 2,000 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 1,220 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 6.7 million bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 36 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 4,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 4,161 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 19,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 264,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 66 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Belize’s fixed-line teledensity and mobile subscriptions remain lower than average for the region, a legacy of insufficient market competition and low investment in telecoms services, exacerbated by lax managerial standards within the incumbent telco Digi; Digi has undertaken significant investment in infrastructure, launching an LTE-A service at the end of 2016 and in mid-2017 completing a submarine cable to Ambergris Caye, enabling it to launch an FttP service in San Pedro; loans secured since 2017 enabled the company to migrate its infrastructure from legacy copper to fiber; BTL invested BZ$93 million dollars to provide high speed broadband to 80% of residences across Belize; the telecom market was liberalized in 2003 yet Digi continues to hold a monopoly in fixed-line services, and it remains the dominant provider of mobile and broadband services; the government has undertaken some measures to improve competition, notably by obliging Digi in mid-2013 to open its networks to VoIP services. (2021)

domestic: roughly 5 per 100 fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity of 65 per 100 persons; mobile sector accounting for over 90% of all phone subscriptions (2019)

international: country code - 501; landing points for the ARCOS and SEUL fiber-optic telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 8 (Intelsat - 2, unknown - 6) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: 8 privately owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV provides access to foreign stations; about 25 radio stations broadcasting on roughly 50 different frequencies; state-run radio was privatized in 1998 (2019)
Internet country code: .bz
Internet users: total: 202,787 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 51% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 36,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 28

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,297,533 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 3.78 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: V3
Airports: total: 47 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 3 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 41

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 29 (2021)
Roadways: total: 3,281 km (2017)

paved: 601 km (2017)

unpaved: 2,680 km (2017)
Waterways: 825 km (2011) (navigable only by small craft)
Merchant marine: total: 813

by type: bulk carrier 54, container ship 1, general cargo 428, oil tanker 70, other 260 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Belize City, Big Creek

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, Air Wing; Belize Coast Guard (2022)

note - the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security is responsible for oversight of the BDF and the Coast Guard, while the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has responsibility for police and prisons
Military expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)

1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)

1.4% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $35 million)

1.4% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $35 million)

1.4% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $30 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 1,300 BDF personnel; approximately 300 Belize Coast Guard (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the BDF's inventory is limited and consists mostly of UK- and US-origin equipment (2022)
Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient, but conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1; initial service obligation 12 years (2022)
Military - note: the BDF was established in 1978 from the disbanded Police Special Force and the Belize Volunteer Guard to assist the resident British forces with the defense of Belize against Guatemala; the BDF traces its history back to the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer force established in 1817 the British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence; as of 2022, the presence consisted of a small training support unit that provides jungle training to troops from the UK and international partnersthe BDF was established in 1978 from the disbanded Police Special Force and the Belize Volunteer Guard to assist the resident British forces with the defense of Belize against Guatemala; the BDF traces its history back to the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer force established in 1817the British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence; as of 2022, the presence consisted of a small training support unit that provides jungle training to troops from the UK and international partners

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Belize-Guatemala: Demarcated but insecure boundary due to Guatemala’s claims to more than half of Belizean territory.  Line of Adjacency operates in lieu of an international boundary to control influx of Guatemalan squatters onto Belizean territory. Smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation and debt bondage are all problems. Belize lacks resources to detect and extradite impoverished Guatemalan peasants squatting in Belizean rain forests in the remote border areas.  Belize-Mexico: Belize and Mexico are working to solve minor border demarcation discrepancies arising from inaccuracies in the 1898 border treaty. Transshipment of illegal narcotics, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigration, and the growing of marijuana in very low population areas are all issues in the region today.Belize-Guatemala: Demarcated but insecure boundary due to Guatemala’s claims to more than half of Belizean territory.  Line of Adjacency operates in lieu of an international boundary to control influx of Guatemalan squatters onto Belizean territory. Smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation and debt bondage are all problems. Belize lacks resources to detect and extradite impoverished Guatemalan peasants squatting in Belizean rain forests in the remote border areas. Belize-Mexico: Belize and Mexico are working to solve minor border demarcation discrepancies arising from inaccuracies in the 1898 border treaty. Transshipment of illegal narcotics, smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigration, and the growing of marijuana in very low population areas are all issues in the region today.
Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims and Belizeans abroad; Belizean and foreign women, men, and girls and LGBTI persons, mainly from Central America, are sex trafficked in bars, nightclubs, hotels, and brothels; men, women, and children from Central America, Mexico, and Asia may migrate voluntarily to Belize seeking work and then are subjected to forced labor in restaurants, shops, domestic work, and agriculture; foreign child sex tourists exploit children in tourist areas

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Belize does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; authorities initiated more trafficking investigations, convicted a trafficker, screened for potential trafficking victims during labor inspections, and continued to implement a 2018-2020 national anti-trafficking action plan; anti-trafficking training was provided to the anti-trafficking police unit, immigration officers, prosecutors, judges, prison officials, and social workers; however, the government did not initiate any new trafficking prosecutions and continued to apply victim identification procedures inconsistently; corruption and official complicity in trafficking remained concerns, but no investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government employees were reported (2020)
Illicit drugs: Belize is a transit country for illegal drugs, mainly cocaine, originating from countries in South America; low domestic drug consumption problem outside of recreational cannabisBelize is a transit country for illegal drugs, mainly cocaine, originating from countries in South America; low domestic drug consumption problem outside of recreational cannabis