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