Belize Dollar flag

Belize Dollar

Belize Dollar

Currency Code

BZD

ISO 084

Symbol

BZD

Native: $

Decimal Digits

2

Rounding: 0

Countries

BZ

Using this currency

Currency Units

Major Unit

Name: dollar

Symbol: $

Minor Unit

Name: cent

Symbol:

Value: 0.01

Banknotes

Frequently Used

$2$5$10$20$50$100

Coins

Frequently Used

1 cent5 cent10 cent25 cent50 cent$1$2

Plural Forms

English Plural

Belize dollars

Native Plural

Belize Dollars

Overview

The Belize Dollar is the currency of Belize, pegged to the US dollar at 2:1 since 1976. It is managed by the Central Bank of Belize and serves the country's tourism and agricultural economy.

Economy

  • Belize is a member of CARICOM, OAS, Commonwealth, SICA, ACS.
  • Main industries include: Garment production, Food processing, Tourism, Construction, Oil.
  • Belize is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are machinery, transport equipment, manufactures, fuels, chemicals, oil.
  • Major exports include sugar, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood, oil.
  • GDP: $2.3 billion (2023 est.).
  • GDP per capita: $5,568 (2023 est.).
  • Unemployment rate: 8.1% (2019 est.).
  • Inflation rate: 6.2% (2023 est.).
  • Main trading partners: United Kingdom, United States, Jamaica, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy.
  • Trade agreements: CARICOM Single Market, EPA with EU, Various bilateral agreements.

History

  • Previous currencies used: British Honduras dollar, British pound.
  • The Belize dollar was introduced in 1973, replacing the British Honduras dollar. It was pegged to the US dollar in 1976 at the current rate of 2:1.
  • 1973: BZD introduced, replacing British Honduras dollar
  • 1976: Pegged to USD at 2:1 ratio
  • 1982: Central Bank of Belize established
  • 1998: Hurricane Mitch economic impact
  • 2020: COVID-19 tourism sector impact
  • Exchange rate peg: USD (1976-present) at 2 BZD = 1 USD.
  • Currently pegged to USD at 2 BZD = 1 USD.

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: BZD
  • Symbols: BZD/BZ$
  • Currency Subunits: 100 cents
  • Central Bank: Central Bank of Belize
  • Monetary Policy: Currency board system maintaining USD peg. Focus on price stability and supporting tourism-dependent economy.
  • Bills: 2 BZD, 5 BZD, 10 BZD, 20 BZD, 50 BZD, 100 BZD
  • Coins: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, 1 dollar
  • USD Exchange Rate: 2.00
  • Pegged To: USD at 2 BZD = 1 USD
  • Capital: Belmopan
  • Population: 412,387 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 22,966 km²
  • Languages: English (official), Spanish, Kriol, Maya, Garifuna
  • Time Zones: UTC-6 (Central Standard Time)
  • Government Type: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy
  • Head of Government: Prime Minister (head of government), Governor-General (representing British Crown)
  • Independence: September 21, 1981 (from United Kingdom)
  • Ethnic Groups: Mestizo 52.9%, Creole 25.9%, Maya 11.3%, Garifuna 6.1%, East Indian 3.9%, Mennonite 3.6%, White 1.2%, Asian 1%, Other 1.2%, Unknown 0.3%
  • Religions: Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.7%, Other 10.5%, Unknown 0.6%, None 15.5%
  • Literacy Rate: 82.7% (2015 est.)
  • Transport: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, limited road network, coastal and river transport
  • Communications: Adequate telecommunications, 58% internet penetration, mobile network coverage
  • Energy: Biomass and waste 31%, Hydroelectric 28%, Petroleum products 41%
  • Countries Using This Currency: Belize
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: Central Bank of Belize (centralbank.org.bz), Economic Data: Statistical Institute of Belize, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: Belize Trade and Investment Development Service, Demographic Data: Statistical Institute of Belize, Geographic Data: National Meteorological Service, Historical Data: Central Bank of Belize archives
  • Last Updated: 2025