Where Do People Live in Belize? Population Centers

Belize has a low population density (~17/km²), but distribution is highly uneven.

Urban Concentration (~46% Urban)

• Belize City: Former capital, largest metro (~60,000+). Commercial hub, port. ~25-30% of national population in metro area.
• San Pedro (Ambergris Caye): Tourism boomtown. Fastest growing. ~15,000+ residents.
• Belmopan: Planned capital since 1970 (inland, hurricane-safe). ~20,000. Government employment anchor.

Other Notable Towns

• Orange Walk Town: Sugar industry hub (North).
• Corozal Town: Near Mexico border, retirement destination.
• Dangriga: Cultural capital (Garifuna), Stann Creek District.
• Punta Gorda: Southernmost town, Toledo District, Maya & Garifuna communities.

Rural Distribution

Remaining population lives in villages along the Northern Highway, Southern Highway, and river valleys (Belize River, New River), engaged in agriculture (citrus, sugar, bananas), fishing, and subsistence farming.