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Photo: Josh Steinitz · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Belize
Belize places highest on Water Stress (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Global Violent Deaths (bottom 8%).
Belize in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
411,106
people
since 1950
Land area
22,810
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
12,789
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
73.57
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.721
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
8.856
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Belize
Key facts about Belize
- Capital
- Belmopan
- Official language
- English
- Currency
- Belize dollar (BZD)
- ISO code
- BLZ · BZ
- Domain · dialling
- .bz · +501
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Belize’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
9thof 177
From 2 of 3 key statistics
58thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
55thof 161
From 2 of 3 key statistics
joint81stof 198
From 2 of 3 key statistics
82ndof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
102ndof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
107thof 201
From 3 of 4 key statistics
83rdof 150
From 2 of 3 key statistics
116thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
130thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint134thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
136thof 147
From 2 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Belize’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Belize in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Belize stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Belize sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Belize does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 2 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 2nd
Position · derived 14th of 181 · 37,891 · 2022
world median 2,528 (better)
Rank 136th of 149 · 1 = worst · 53.52 · 2023
world median 100.66 (better)
Position · derived 25th of 190 · 87.23 · 2024
world median 31.14 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2014
- Working Poverty Ratetop 15%
Not ranked by the publisher · 0.1 · 2025
world median 4.885 (better) · ▲ 15 pts since 2015
Where Belize struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 1 is within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 10thSchool Life Expectancybottom 12%
Position · derived 68th of 77 · 12.28 · 2024
world median 14.59 (worse) · ▼ 20 pts since 2014
- Global Violent Deathsbottom 8%
Position · derived 17th of 206 · 1 = worst · 36.5 · 2021
world median 4.02 (worse) · ▲ 3 pts since 2011
- Liner Shipping Connectivity Indexbottom 14%
Rank 146th of 175 · 17.36 · 2026
world median 56.21 (worse) · ▼ 15 pts since 2016
- Child Marriagebottom 15%
Position · derived 23rd of 143 · 1 = worst · 33.5 · 2025
world median 17.1 (worse)
- Upper Secondary Completion Ratebottom 15%
Position · derived 139th of 164 · 19.45 · 2025
world median 64.87 (worse) · ▼ 13 pts since 1981
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Belize can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
80th
of 141 · 1990
115th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
60th
of 87 · 1994
110th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 30 of 34 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
133rd
of 172 · 2020
158th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Belize has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Livestock Production Index+62 pts since 2012
- Debt Service on External Debt+28 pts since 2014
- Political Stability and Absence of Violence+24 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where Belize has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary-64 pts since 2014
- Crop Production Index-61 pts since 2012
- Food Production Index-51 pts since 2012
05In context
Belize and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Central America
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
- 40
Costa Rica - 58
Panama - 70
Mexico - =92Belize
- =105
El Salvador - =105
Guatemala - =118
Honduras - 132
Nicaragua
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Belize
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions20
Agriculture Orientation Index110th of 132position · derived0.12Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 16% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Belize 0.12 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Civic Space Ratings45th of 198position · derived78.5Civic space score (0–100)2025
Upper middle · top 22% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Belize 78.5 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 39%95.7Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Belize 95.7 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index104th of 181rank36CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
Middle · bottom 43% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Belize 36 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment29th of 78position · derived3.317IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
Upper middle · top 36% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Belize 3.317 · world median 3.246 (better)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2024
Debt Service on External Debt88th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst7.671Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
Top fifth · top 19% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Belize 7.671 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▲ +28 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)50th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst46.04External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
Middle · bottom 45% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Belize 46.04 · world median 43.94 (worse)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2014
Government AI Readiness Index158th of 195rank22.68AI readiness score (0–100)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 19% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Belize 22.68 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness115th of 209position · derived-0.129Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
Middle · bottom 45% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Belize -0.129 · world median 0.01 (worse)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2014
Government Funding per Primary Student30th of 68position · derived18.53Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
Middle · top 43% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
Belize 18.53 · world median 17.81 (better)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2012
Government Spending on Education48th of 123position · derived4.231Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
Upper middle · top 39% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Belize 4.231 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Open Data Inventory104th of 168rank52ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Belize 52 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Public Sector Wage Bill75th of 168position · derived8.411Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
Middle · top 44% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Belize 8.411 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality135th of 209position · derived-0.45Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Belize -0.45 · world median -0.09 (worse)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Rule of Law131st of 211position · derived-0.397Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Belize -0.397 · world median -0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators101st of 188position · derived67.68SPI overall score (0–100)2024
Middle · bottom 47% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Belize 67.68 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density117th of 139position · derived7.435Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
Bottom fifth · bottom 16% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Belize 7.435 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
Voice and Accountability96th of 208position · derived0.104Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Middle · top 46% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Belize 0.104 · world median -0.02 (better)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Women, Business and the Law84th of 190position · derived82.5WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
Middle · top 46% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Belize 82.5 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation16
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution79th of 139position · derived67.97Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
Middle · bottom 43% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Belize 67.97 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings44th of 118position · derived11.99Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
Upper middle · top 37% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Belize 11.99 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
No real change since 2011
Agricultural Land186th of 209position · derived7.979Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
Bottom fifth · bottom 11% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Belize 7.979 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Cereal Yield67th of 179position · derived3,857Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
Upper middle · top 37% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Belize 3,857 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
Crop Production Index137th of 195position · derived98.44Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Belize 98.44 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -61 percentile points since 2012
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare16th of 188position · derived337.54Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
Top fifth · top 8% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Belize 337.54 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Food Production Index122nd of 195position · derived102.28Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Belize 102.28 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -51 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth113th of 186position · derived2.748GDP growth (annual %)2025
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Belize 2.748 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)112th of 185position · derived12,789GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Belize 12,789 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)83rd of 146position · derived20.33Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
Middle · bottom 43% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Belize 20.33 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
ICT Goods Exports89th of 119position · derived0.18ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
Lower middle · bottom 26% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
Belize 0.18 · world median 0.975 (worse)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index146th of 175rank17.36LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
Bottom fifth · bottom 14% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Belize 17.36 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Density90th of 188position · derived0.56Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
Middle · top 48% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Belize 0.56 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
Livestock Production Index62nd of 194position · derived117.39Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
Upper middle · top 32% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Belize 117.39 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +62 percentile points since 2012
Net Official Development Assistance Received89th of 130position · derived1.083Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
Lower middle · bottom 32% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Belize 1.083 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)126th of 180position · derived0.523Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Belize 0.523 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2011
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked81st of 182position · derived40.01Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
Middle · top 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Belize 40.01 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture86th of 182position · derived16.13Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
Middle · top 47% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Belize 16.13 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry136th of 182position · derived15.35Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Belize 15.35 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services66th of 182position · derived68.52Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
Upper middle · top 36% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Belize 68.52 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio122nd of 182position · derived53.87Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Belize 53.87 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -28 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate133rd of 182position · derived46.47Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Belize 46.47 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager33rd of 179position · derived27.53Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
Top fifth · top 18% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Belize 27.53 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed104th of 168position · derived32,201GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Belize 32,201 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate110th of 182position · derived59.1Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Belize 59.1 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked112th of 182position · derived15.34Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
Lower middle · bottom 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Belize 15.34 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate87th of 182position · derived35.18Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
Middle · top 48% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Belize 35.18 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate43rd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst8.856Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
Lower middle · bottom 23% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Belize 8.856 · world median 5.084 (worse)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment89th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst29.84Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
Middle · bottom 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Belize 29.84 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 15%0.1Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
Top fifth · top 15% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Belize 0.1 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate51st of 182position · derived · 1 = worst19.32Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
Lower middle · bottom 28% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Belize 19.32 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge12
Adult Literacy Rate110th of 172position · derived87.88Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Belize 87.88 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling137th of 195position · derived11.98Expected years of schooling2023
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Belize 11.98 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2013
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary60th of 75position · derived1.864Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
Belize 1.864 · world median 5.494 (worse)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2022
Mean Years of Schooling117th of 193position · derived8.762Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Belize 8.762 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary31st of 121position · derived · 1 = worst10.68Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 25% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Belize 10.68 · world median 3.691 (worse)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▼ -64 percentile points since 2014
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate84th of 120position · derived42.28Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 30% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Belize 42.28 · world median 65.93 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
No real change since 2014
Primary Completion Rate107th of 165position · derived90.24Primary completion rate (%)2025
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Belize 90.24 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 1981
School Life Expectancy68th of 77position · derived12.28School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
Bottom fifth · bottom 12% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
Belize 12.28 · world median 14.59 (worse)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2014
Secondary School Enrolment75th of 109position · derived86.46Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 31% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
Belize 86.46 · world median 93.19 (worse)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
No real change since 2014
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio68th of 95position · derived24.81Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 29% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
Belize 24.81 · world median 52.77 (worse)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Upper Secondary Completion Rate139th of 164position · derived19.45Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Belize 19.45 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▼ -13 percentile points since 1981
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 40%96.1515–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Belize 96.15 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing14
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff63rd of 86position · derived95.3Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
Lower middle · bottom 27% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Belize 95.3 · world median 98.8 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2009
Dietary Energy Supply97th of 155position · derived2,842Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
Lower middle · bottom 38% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Belize 2,842 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
No real change since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months90th of 136position · derived33.16Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 34% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Belize 33.16 · world median 40.74 (worse)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index110th of 172rank0.428GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
Lower middle · bottom 36% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Belize 0.428 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index72nd of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.017MPI (0–1)2025
Upper middle · top 34% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Belize 0.017 · world median 0.039 (better)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2018
Global Violent Deaths17th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst36.5Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
Bottom fifth · bottom 8% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Belize 36.5 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2011
Human Development Index115th of 193rank0.721HDI score (0–1)2023
Middle · bottom 40% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Belize 0.721 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth122nd of 222position · derived73.57Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
Middle · bottom 45% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Belize 73.57 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio82nd of 195position · derived · 1 = worst66.8Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
Middle · bottom 42% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Belize 66.8 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare27th of 178position · derived11Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
Top fifth · top 14% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Belize 11 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Undernourishment66th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst7Population undernourished (%)2023
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Belize 7 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five77th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst14.96Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
Middle · bottom 47% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Belize 14.96 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate111th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst12.66Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
Middle · top 45% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Belize 12.66 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children62nd of 90position · derived · 1 = worst65.1Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
Upper middle · top 31% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Belize 65.1 · world median 75.8 (better)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital9
Access to Electricitybottom 40%99.6Population with electricity access (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 40% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Belize 99.6 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Arable Land per Person41st of 206position · derived0.243Arable land (hectares per person)2023
Top fifth · top 20% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Belize 0.243 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 26%13.2Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
Lower middle · bottom 26% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Belize 13.2 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
No real change since 2012
Child Marriage23rd of 143position · derived · 1 = worst33.5Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
Bottom fifth · bottom 15% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Belize 33.5 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Development Index64th of 184position · derived0.981Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
Upper middle · top 34% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Belize 0.981 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production143rd of 179position · derived41,522Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Belize 41,522 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area104th of 150position · derived0.24Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
Lower middle · bottom 33% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Belize 0.24 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI82nd of 156position · derived0.67PHDI (0–1)2023
Middle · bottom 48% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Belize 0.67 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector75th of 171position · derived67.72Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
Middle · top 43% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Belize 67.72 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability7
Agricultural Emissions157th of 193position · derived564.86Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
Lower middle · bottom 21% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Belize 564.86 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Forest Area40th of 210position · derived54.52Forest area (% of land area)2023
Top fifth · top 18% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Belize 54.52 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster92nd of 160position · derived · 1 = worst2,700New displacements by disaster (people)2024
Middle · top 43% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Belize 2,700 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -30 percentile points since 2015
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita14th of 181position · derived37,891Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
Top fifth · top 7% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Belize 37,891 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation25th of 190position · derived87.23Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
Top fifth · top 13% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Belize 87.23 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress176th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst0.12Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
Top fifth · top 1% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Belize 0.12 · world median 10 (better)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
World Risk Index68th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst7.31WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
Lower middle · bottom 35% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Belize 7.31 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality1
Social Institutions and Gender Index99th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst18.2SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
Upper middle · top 29% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Belize 18.2 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security4
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
Upper middle · top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Belize 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index136th of 149rank · 1 = worst53.52GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
Top fifth · top 9% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Belize 53.52 · world median 100.66 (better)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Risk Index90th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst3.8INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
Middle · bottom 48% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Belize 3.8 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence57th of 211position · derived0.785Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
Upper middle · top 27% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Belize 0.785 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▲ +24 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Belize. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Coefficient of Human Inequality
- Container Port Traffic · last seen 2023
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Ecological Footprint
- Economic Complexity Index
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Fatal Occupational Injuries · last seen 2022
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2016
- Gender Social Norms Index
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2024
- Gini Index · last seen 2018
- Global Innovation Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Household Consumption · last seen 2024
- Human Capital Index
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2018
- Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index
- INFORM Severity Index
- Informal Employment Rate
- Logistics Performance Index
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Physical Violence Index
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2018
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2018
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2018
- Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity · last seen 2021
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2018
- Public Sector Employment
- Research and Development Spending
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2022
- V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index
- World Energy Trilemma Index
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2019
07Keep reading
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08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Belize can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 25 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Belize on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Belize: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/belize