Country explorer: Belize

Belize has experienced economic transformations marked by a variable GDP per capita trend, notable inflation fluctuations, and a generally decreasing unemployment rate, positioning it in a unique trajectory of development compared to its regional peers and upper-middle-income countries, indicative of its efforts to stabilize and grow its economy amidst challenges.

Belize has experienced a steady population growth, a gradual decline in fertility rates, a consistent positive net migration, and notable improvements in life expectancy, highlighting its ongoing demographic transition and positive health outcomes that align with broader trends in upper-middle-income countries, yet maintaining a distinct growth pattern and healthier population dynamics compared to its Central American neighbors.

Belize has showcased considerable stability in its population's access to clean cooking fuels, consistently outperforming its Central American neighbors, while also achieving notable improvements in electricity access, exemplifying its stride towards ensuring basic needs amidst regional disparities.

Belize has demonstrated moderate improvements in human development, marked by a gradual increase in its Human Development Index, a significant reduction in child mortality rates, and strides in literacy, reflecting positive societal transformations common among progressing nations.

Belize has shown a commitment to sustainable energy sources and environmental preservation, underscored by a fluctuating yet notable focus on renewable energy in electricity production and a gradual reduction in per capita CO2 emissions from their peak, despite challenges seen in the slow decrease of forest area and the management of its abundant renewable freshwater resources, positioning it as a nation actively engaging with its environmental responsibilities and challenges.

Belize has shown gradual yet significant progress in technological adoption and innovation, highlighted by increased internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, which reflects a broader trend seen among its Central American peers and upper-middle-income countries, even as detailed data on research and development remain sparse.

Belize has showcased significant societal changes, indicated by a steady influx of international migrants, a fluctuating but generally optimistic view on life satisfaction, improving gender equality, and a notably decreasing dependency ratio, distinguishing it as a nation experiencing both cultural diversification and progressive social developments.

Belize has seen a progressive deterioration in press freedom, reflecting broader challenges in governance and rights compared to some of its Central American peers which have shown variable trends.