Why Belize?

Population

417,634

As of July 2025

Belize’s population is youthful and diverse, offering a multilingual workforce with English as the offical language

Labour Force

191,728 (58.7%)

Belize’s active workforce supports diverse sectors including tourism, agriculture, and emerging industries.

GDP Growth

10.5% ($1.98B)

Belize’s GDP rebounded strongly post-pandemic, driven by tourism, construction, and exports.

Exchange Rate

BZD 2 = USD 1

The Belize dollar has been pegged to the U.S. dollar at a stable rate since 1978, offering currency confidence for investors.

Inflation Rate

0.6%

As of September 2025

Inflation has been influenced by global prices, but Belize’s economy remains regionally competitive.

Domestic Exports

$31M BZD

As of September 2025

Belize exports key commodities such as sugar, citrus, bananas, and seafood to international markets.

Total Imports

$251.4M BZD

As of September 2025

Imports support industrial, retail, and tourism sectors—key areas for investment substitution and growth.

Land Area

8,867 sq. miles

Belize’s land area spans 8,867 sq. miles

Minimum Wage

BZD 6.00 / hour

Belize maintains a standardized national minimum wage, ensuring fair pay across industries.

Business Tax

1.75%

Belize’s competitive business tax rate encourages entrepreneurship and SME growth.

Electricity

$0.33 per KWH

Reliable nationwide supply through BEL, with renewable energy forming a growing share of the grid.

Water

BZ $4.37 / 1,000 gal

Belize Water Services provides clean portable water at affordable rates for businesses and households.

Bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Belize is a unique and vibrant Central American country with strong Caribbean ties stemming from its British colonial history. Its hardworking, diverse, friendly, bilingual (English is the official language), and well-educated workforce supports a growing economy. Belize is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its pristine natural resources, year-round tropical climate, and extensive coastlines. These natural assets create an attractive and sustainable environment for developing niche products and services that add value derived from nature.

Key Competitive Advantages

Language ENG / ES

Language Skills

English (official) + Spanish

Belize boasts multilingual capabilities, English being the official language followed by Spanish, making it unique in Central America and the Caribbean. The country is also home to a diverse range of native languages, such as Kriol, Garifuna, Mayan, German, and Chinese.

Globe with clock

Time Zone Advantage

US Central overlap

Belize observes Central Standard Time (CST) year-round

Belize map

Proximity & Connectivity

2–4 hr flights

Proximity & International Connectivity: Within 2 to 4 hours of flying time from key US cities with direct flights from Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and New York.

Dollar sign

Stable Currency

BZD 2 : 1 USD

Pegged rate provides pricing certainty for investors.

Investment growth

Investment

Incentives & growth

The Government of Belize offers a suite of Incentive Programs

Skilled labour hard hats

Skilled Labour Force

Abundant & capable

An abundant pool of skilled and vibrant workforce. Ease of Employment: Availability of work permit for non–residents. (Subject to eligibility).

Trade agreements icon

Multiple FTAs

Trade & tax agreements

EU, CARICOM, CARIBCAN, Central America, and along multiple partial scopes and economic cooperation agreements

Balance scale

Stable Environment

Political & business stability

Belize offers one of the most stable political, social, and business environments in Central America, with strong government support for priority industry sectors.

Useful Links

Skilled Labour Force
Strategic Location
Pro-Business Environment
Taxes In Belize
Investment Incentives
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