Economy Overview
Although Belize has the third highest per capita income in Central America, the average income figure masks a huge income disparity between rich and poor, and a key government objective remains reducing poverty and inequality with the help of international donors. High unemployment, a growing trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden continue to be major concerns. Belize faces continued pressure from rising sovereign debt, and a growing trade imbalance.
Agriculture Products
bananas, cacao, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber
Industries
garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil
Industrial Production Growth Rate
0.1% (2016 est.)
Labor Force by Occupation
Agriculture: 10.2%
Industry: 18.1%
Services: 71.7% (2007)
Unemployment Rate
14.1% (2013 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line
41% (2013 est.)
Household Income or Consumption by Percentage Share
Lowest 10%: NA%
Highest 10%: NA%
Budget
Revenues: $550 million
Expenditures: $600 million (2016 est.)
Public Debt
81.7% of GDP (2015 est.)
Central Bank Discount Rate
10.01% (31 December 2015)
Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate
Stock of Narrow Money
$764.3 million (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Broad Money
$1.437 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Domestic Credit
$1.174 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Market Value of Publicly Traded Shares
$NA
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
$437.2 million (31 December 2015 est.)
Debt External
$1.33 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Direct Foreign Investment at Home
Stock of Direct Foreign Investment Abroad
Exchange Rates
2 (2012 est.)
