Home
Belize
PLAN MY VISIT
Belize Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Belize
  3. Travel Guides

Belize's Government and Economy

Belize has a stable, democratic government. Over the years, various officials have been implicated in corruption scandals, but by and large the government is sound. The Belizean economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and aquaculture.

Flag of Belize

Team Anywhere Belize designs awesomepersonalized vacations  using local knowledge and decades of experience.

Not only does Belize boast ample amounts of natural beauty, it also has an extremely long and interesting history. For a seemingly tranquil tourist destination, the country has not been without its share of strife. Relative to having a small population of approximately 332,000 Belize is surprisingly diverse, which has led to the country having a highly blended culture. The national currency is the Belize Dollar, which is based upon the U.S. Dollar.

Government

Belize enjoys a stable government; suffrage is universal (but not compulsory) for everyone over the age of 18. The country has a parliamentary constitutional democracy and is directed by an elected prime minister. Belize is an independent commonwealth realm, and has a government structure that is based on Britain’s parliamentary system and a legal code fashioned after common law in England. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state, and the current prime minister is Dean Barrow. There is a bicameral legislature known as the National Assembly that is made up of a house of representatives and a senate. The house of representatives is elected, while the senate is appointed.

There are two main political parties in Belize — the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s United Party (PUP). A member of the PUP was prime minister prior to Dean Barrow, but in recent years the UDP has been gaining more traction in Belize. This is partly related to a handful of corruption scandals involving the PUP. The two parties are political adversaries, but thankfully political-based violence is uncommon in Belize.

Economy

Belize’s economy has traditionally revolved around trees and wood — mahogany, logwood, and chicle (a substance used in gum that comes from the chicle tree) were the main exports. In recent years, however, tourism has taken the forefront, with fisheries, shrimp farming, and agriculture also adding to the economy. Belize is very small, however, and most of its goods are imported. Current exports include bananas, lobster, sugar, citrus, and timber.

Belize’s economy struggles due to high labor and energy costs, as well as a “brain drain” of professionals to Europe and the U.S. The government has worked to attract foreign companies to Belize, many of which are involved in manufacturing.

Tourism is a huge economic driver in Belize. It’s responsible for nearly 1 in 7 jobs and accounts for some 22 percent of the country’s GDP. Around 250,000 overnight tourists visit Belize each year, with the vast majority coming from the United States. Tourism is, however, a contentious topic in Belize. It negatively impacts Belize’s fragile ecosystems and infrastructure, but also encourages the creation of national parks and nature reserves. It also brings massive amounts of money to the country. Tourism – and ecotourism in particular — has an important place here, but the balance hasn’t been mastered just yet.

Additionally, a heavy reliance on tourism also creates fragility in the economy — if tourists from foreign countries suffer economic setbacks, their ability to travel decreases, in turn, hurting Belize. Furthermore, nearly half of the population lives below the poverty line, making it almost inevitable that you will see poverty during your trip.

Belize AirBnBBelize Entry RequirementsBelize HistoryBelize's Government and EconomyDevelopment and Society in BelizeEnvironmental Issues in BelizeFood and Drink in BelizeGetting Around in BelizeGetting to BelizeHolidays and Festivals in BelizeIs Belize Safe?Money in BelizeMusic and Art in BelizePeople and Culture in BelizeReligion in BelizeThe Geography of BelizeWeather in BelizeWhen to Visit Belize
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
GUA and BZE a success!
Anywhere inc made another trip a delight. I can’t wait for my next Adventure with Anywhere!!
Mar 17, 2020
– Shawn Ng
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com provided the most AMAZING…
Anywhere.com provided the most AMAZING trip. Our rides were always there and we didn't have to worry about anything. We ...
Mar 13, 2020
– Jennifer
Trustpilot Rating
Two Wonderful Trips!!
My husband and I have taken two trips with Anywhere. We were thrilled with their services both times. There is such pers...
Mar 13, 2020
– FAITH HOF.
Trustpilot Rating
Great travel site
Second time we have used anywhere.com and will use them again. Highly recommend them. They figure out the details for yo...
Mar 11, 2020
– Linda A
Trustpilot Rating
Wish every trip could be this easy to plan!
I have told several people about this website- we have used this company twice now for our trip to Costa Rica and to Bel...
Jan 15, 2020
– Britta Bu.
Trustpilot Rating
Great trip and made it so easy
We just had a lovely trip to Belize and thanks to Anywhere it was so easy! I usually like planning my own vacation, but ...
Nov 23, 2019
– Ashley
Trustpilot Rating
Exceeded All Expectations
Exceeded All Expectations My family and I definitely had our concerns prior to this trip, as we had never gone through ...
Oct 16, 2019
– Davidge F.
Trustpilot Rating
DIY versus Letting Someone Else Plan
DIY versus letting others plan We normally research, book, and pay for excursions on our own. Part of the fun is making ...
Jun 28, 2019
– Tony
Trustpilot Rating
I wanted an adventure and I got one
I wanted an adventure and I got one. Katia worked with me, she was accessible and kept in touch. It was also reassuring...
Jun 28, 2019
– customer
Trustpilot Rating
Enrico Estrada of Anywhere.com planned…Great Trip!!
Enrico Estrada of Anywhere.com planned an amazing trip for my husband and me to Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica. The tr...
Jun 24, 2019
– FAITH HOF.
Trustpilot Rating
Mother’s Day mom and son Belize trip
This is the third time I have used Anywhere for a trip. Seamless experience, everything flowed perfectly as usual. The e...
Jun 06, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
Justin and Lisa's Belize trip
This is the third time I have used Anywhere to plan trips. The first two were to Costa Rica; the third my son and I just...
May 31, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
Great company
Great company! They’re more than helpful and they make your trip a time to remember. The customer service is in a class ...
Apr 26, 2019
– Johnny
Trustpilot Rating
Exceeded our expectations
Exceeded our expectations! The entire trip went smoothly, no worries! Every tour was exceptional! Every accommodation be...
Apr 11, 2019
– Judy
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Belize Vacations
  • Adventure
  • All-inclusive
  • Archaeology
  • Beach
  • Bird-watching
  • Family
  • Luxury
  • Nature
  • Romantic
Highlights
  • Beaches
  • Islands
  • Adventure
  • Unique & Authentic
  • Nature
  • Rainforest
PLACES TO GO
  • Gladden Spit and Silk Caye
  • Placencia Village
  • Hopkins
  • Maya Beach
  • Maya Mountains
  • Belize City
  • San Ignacio
  • Belmopan
  • Orange Walk
  • Hopkins
  • Punta Gorda
  • Ambergris Caye
THINGS TO DO
  • Boating
  • Archeology
  • Cave Exploration
  • Ruins
  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba Diving
  • Kayaking
  • Mangroves
  • Sport Fishing
  • Catamaran Cruising
  • Saling
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy