What language is spoken in Belize?
Asked by: Dr. Elsie Botsford | Last update: February 14, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (39 votes)
English is the official language of Belize, but Belizean Creole (Kriol) and Spanish are also very common, with many people speaking multiple languages, including Maya, Garifuna, and German dialects like Plautdietsch. Kriol is widely spoken in informal settings, while English dominates government and education, and Spanish is prevalent due to proximity to Latin America.
Do they speak Spanish in Belize?
It is similar to Caribbean Spanish, Andalusian Spanish, and Canarian Spanish. While English is the only official language of Belize, Spanish is the common language of majority (62.8%), wherein 174,000 (52.9% of Belizeans) speak some variety of Spanish as a native language.
Can I live in Belize on $2000 a month?
Yes, you can live comfortably in Belize on $2,000 a month, especially if you live inland or away from prime coastal areas and embrace a local lifestyle, but living on the popular islands (Cayes) will stretch that budget significantly due to higher housing costs and imported goods. Your costs will heavily depend on housing (inland $500-$800 vs. coast $1,200-$1,800), food (eating local is cheap, imports are pricey), and whether you use air conditioning, but expect to spend less than in the US or Canada overall.
What are the top 3 languages spoken in Belize?
The top three languages spoken in Belize are English, Spanish, and Belizean Creole (Kriol), with all three spoken by over 40% of the population, making multilingualism very common in the country. English is the official language for government and education, while Kriol serves as the primary informal language, and Spanish is widespread due to proximity to Central America.
How do you say hello in Belizean?
To say hello in Belize, use the common Kriol phrase "Weh di goan?" (What's going on/What's up?), or simply greet by time of day like "Gud maanin" (Good morning) or "Gud nite" (Good night), with Spanish greetings like "Hola" also common, especially in certain regions, reflecting Belize's diverse cultural mix.
What Language Is Spoken In Belize? - The Language Library
How to respond to wah gwan?
To reply to "wagwan" (What's going on?), you can say "Mi deh yah" (I'm here/chilling), "Nagwan" (Nothing's going on), or simply repeat "Wagwan" back, as it's a casual Jamaican greeting meaning "What's up?", so responses vary from "All good" to "Big things happening" depending on your mood.
What is the etiquette in Belize?
In Belize, casual and friendly interactions are common, but respect for local customs is essential. Greetings are typically warm and often involve a handshake or a nod. It's polite to wait to be invited before using first names. Dining etiquette is informal; however, being punctual for meals is appreciated.
Are Belizeans Latino or black?
Most Belizeans are of multiracial descent. About 43.7% of the population is of mixed Mayan and European descent (Mestizo); 29.8% are of African and Afro-European (Creole) ancestry; about 11.0% are Mayan; and about 6.6% are Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna).
Is Belize expensive to visit?
Yes, Belize can be expensive, especially compared to other Central American countries, due to high import costs, but it's manageable and can be affordable if you budget for local eateries, guesthouses, and public transport, while expensive resorts and private tours drive costs up significantly. Costs vary widely, from budget travelers spending $400-$500/week to luxury travelers spending $2,500-$3,000+, with islands like Ambergris Caye generally pricier than mainland areas like San Ignacio or Caye Caulker.
Are there drug cartels in Belize?
Yes, Belize has significant involvement with drug cartels, particularly Mexican ones like the Sinaloa Cartel and Juarez Cartel, which use the country as a transshipment point for cocaine to the U.S., sometimes with collusion from corrupt officials and local gangs, leading to its description as a "narco-state" in some media, although it primarily faces issues with cartels using it as a route rather than controlling it entirely.
What is the downside of living in Belize?
Belize is a young country, so things like disability regulations, special needs diets, or emergency services are still not available everywhere. For those with serious medical conditions considering moving to Belize this could be a major concern, and should be taken into consideration.
Can a US citizen buy a house in Belize?
Yes, Americans can buy property in Belize with the same rights as citizens, holding fee-simple (outright) title, with no restrictions on foreign ownership, making it a very foreigner-friendly market with an English-based legal system, though due diligence on titles and understanding local procedures is crucial.
What's the average cost of a house in Belize?
Property prices here are generally lower compared to the more popular locations such as Ambergris Caye, Placencia, or Caye Caulker. Based on RE/MAX recent listings, detached houses, cottages, and villas prices range from USD 145,000 to USD 550,000.
Is it safe to travel to Belize right now?
Yes, you can travel to Belize, but ** exercise a high degree of caution due to significant violent crime**, especially gang-related activity in Southside Belize City, which you should avoid. Most tourist areas (like Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, San Ignacio) are generally safer if you stay aware, but always monitor media, stick to tourist areas, take precautions against petty crime and armed robbery, and be mindful of health risks.
What is the main religion in Belize?
Religion in Belize
The majority of Belizeans are Roman Catholic. However, due to the heavy British influence, Belize has a larger Protestant population than any other country in Central America. The Maya and Garifuna practice their own mixture of traditional shamanism and Christianity.
Is Belize English friendly?
Come to Belize and you'll hear familiar words of the English language. In fact, we are the only English language-speaking country in Central America. While English is the official language of Belize, Kriol is the language that we all speak. When you hear us, you know you're in a country unlike any other.
What celebrity owns an island in Belize?
Leonardo Dicaprio — Blackadore Caye, Belize
Leonardo Dicaprio bought this stunning island in the Caribbean Sea back in 2005 for a cool $1.75 million. Blackadore Cay is 42 hectares large, and sits right by the beautiful reef off the coast of Belize.
Can I collect social security and live in Belize?
Yes, as a U.S. citizen, you can generally continue receiving your Social Security benefits while living in Belize, as Belize is not a country with payment restrictions, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers electronic payment options for overseas beneficiaries. You'll need to set up direct deposit to a U.S. bank and then transfer funds or use an international direct deposit option, and you must remain eligible for benefits, which means you can't be receiving them as a dependent or survivor in most cases, and you must meet SSA's requirements for being "outside the U.S.".
What US cities fly nonstop to Belize?
Major U.S. cities with direct flights to Belize (BZE) include Houston, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Newark, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis, Seattle, Orlando, and San Francisco, served by airlines like American, United, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, Frontier, and JetBlue, though availability can vary seasonally and by airline. Key airlines offer routes from hubs like MIA, DFW, IAH, ATL, LAX, DEN, ORD, EWR, and MSP.
Can I live in Belize for $1000 a month?
Yes, you can live in Belize for $1,000 a month, but it will be tight and requires living like a local, focusing on budget areas like Cayo or Corozal, eating local food, and minimizing imported goods, electricity (AC use), and entertainment; popular tourist spots like Ambergris Caye are much more expensive, even with careful budgeting. Success depends on prioritizing needs, avoiding tourist traps, and potentially accepting more basic living conditions.
Is Belize a white country?
Most Belizeans are of multiracial descent. About 52.9% of the population is of mixed Indigenous (mostly Maya) and European descent (or Mestizo), 24.9% are Kriols, about 10.6% are Maya, and about 6.1% are Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna).
Is Belize Mayan or Aztec?
The Maya are the country's indigenous population. They are the direct descendants of the original indigenous inhabitants of the Yucatán peninsula. The three Maya groups in Belize are the Yucatec, Mopan, and Q'eqchi' Maya.
What not to bring to Belize?
You cannot bring illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, counterfeit money, obscene materials, and large quantities of certain food items (fresh produce, some meats/dairy) or plants/seeds into Belize without permits; also restricted are items like certain weapons (switchblins), and you'll need permits for pets, pesticides, and potentially wooden furniture. Be aware of aviation security rules for weapons and sharp objects in carry-on vs. checked bags.
What is the most eaten food in Belize?
The most popular food in Belize is Rice and Beans, often considered the national dish, typically served with stew chicken, coconut rice, and potato salad; other favorites include savory Fry Jacks (fried dough) for breakfast, fresh Ceviche (especially conch or shrimp), hearty seafood like grilled lobster, and snacks like Garnaches and Panades.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Belize?
Facts you should know about water in Belize
Water supplies tend to be suitable for teeth brushing, fruit washing, and hot beverage making, according to residents of popular destinations like Ambergris Caye, home to a desalination plant.