Belize: immigration

How many immigrants live in Belize?

45,644 people living in Belize at the 2022 census were born abroad, 11.5% of the population of 397,483, according to the Census Migration Report of the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), published in October 2025. That was 8% fewer than the 49,819 counted in 2010, when the share was 15.5%.

People born in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras made up 76% of the foreign-born population, and many live in Cayo and Belize districts. SIB notes the fall reverses the upward trend seen in every census since 1980. The main reasons given for migrating were family reunification and employment.

Official sources: SIB: Migration Report, 2022 Census (PDF)

Where do Belizeans emigrate to?

The United States remains the main destination for people emigrating from Belize, mainly for education, according to the Census Migration Report of the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), based on the 2022 Population and Housing Census.

The census also measured movement within the country: 59,365 people moved internally, 15% of the population, and Cayo district was a popular destination for both Belize-born and foreign-born movers. The census was held from May 2022 to January 2023 with a household response rate of 88%.

Official sources: SIB: Migration Report, 2022 Census (PDF)

How many immigrants live in Belize?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Belize was 16.5%, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 15.3%. Latin America & Caribbean median: 4.8%; Belize is 4th highest of 33. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 37th highest.

What is net migration in Belize?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is 360. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 5,936; its low point was 2019, at -606. It is 9th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is -967. World rank, highest first: 67th of 193.

How many refugees live in Belize?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees in the country in Belize was 347 in 2025. The peak was 624 in 2005 and the low 0 in 2016. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 1,306, and Belize placed 16th highest of 28. Worldwide: 133rd of 169.

How many refugees come from Belize?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Belize at 108 in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 29th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 710. Worldwide: 149th of 189.

How big are remittances in Belize's economy?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Belize was 3.7% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 5.9% of GDP; its low point was 2005, at 3.0% of GDP. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 3.3% of GDP, and Belize placed 11th highest of 27. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 43rd highest.