Belize’s districts are a quirky mix of busy cities, sleepy villages, and wild landscapes.
Whether you’re after the urban feel of Belize City, the laid-back charm of San Ignacio, or the rainforest mysteries of Toledo, there’s a district with its own flavor and a story to tell.
Cities, Industry, Population, and Geography
| District | Main Town/City | Population (2019) | Key Industries | Geography Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belize | Belize City | 124,096 | Tourism, commerce, services | Mainland, cayes, rivers, coast |
| Cayo | San Ignacio | 99,118 | Agriculture, eco-tourism | Hills, rivers, Maya sites |
| Corozal | Corozal Town | 45,310 | Sugar, border trade | Flat, lagoons, near Mexico |
| Orange Walk | Orange Walk Town | 52,550 | Sugar, Mennonite farming | Flat, agricultural, rivers |
| Stann Creek | Dangriga | 48,162 | Citrus, bananas, tourism | Coast, valleys, Maya Mountains |
| Toledo | Punta Gorda | 37,124 | Agriculture, fishing, cacao | Rainforest, hills, southernmost |
Belize District
- Main Cities/Towns: Belize City (largest city and former capital), San Pedro Town (on Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker village.
- Industry: The economic heart of Belize, with commerce, government, tourism (especially on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker), and services dominating. Belize City is the country’s main port and commercial center.
- Population: About 124,000 (2024 estimate), making it the most populous district21.
- Geography: Includes central east mainland and numerous islands (cayes) such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The Belize River and several wildlife sanctuaries wind through mangroves, savannas, and coastal plains. The district is a blend of urban sprawl, rural villages, and island paradises1.
Cayo District
- Main Cities/Towns: San Ignacio (district capital), Belmopan (national capital, but not the district capital), Benque Viejo del Carmen, Spanish Lookout (Mennonite Village).
- Industry: Agriculture (citrus, cattle, vegetables), eco-tourism (caves, Maya ruins, nature reserves), and some government administration (Belmopan).
- Population: Around 99,0002.
- Geography: Western Belize, characterized by rolling hills, river valleys (notably the Macal and Mopan Rivers), pine forests, and Maya Mountains. Home to famous Maya archaeological sites like Xunantunich and Caracol.
Corozal District
- Main Cities/Towns: Corozal Town (district capital), Consejo, Sarteneja.
- Industry: Sugar cane farming, fishing, cross-border commerce with Mexico, and some tourism.
- Population: About 45,0002.
- Geography: Northernmost district, mostly flat with lagoons and low-lying coastal areas. Borders Mexico, with easy access to Chetumal for trade and shopping.
Orange Walk District
- Main Cities/Towns: Orange Walk Town (district capital), Trial Farm, San Estevan.
- Industry: Sugar industry powerhouse, plus other agriculture (rice, beans, citrus), and significant Mennonite farming communities.
- Population: Around 53,0002.
- Geography: North-central, mostly flat and fertile, with the New River running through. Known for vast agricultural lands and proximity to the Lamanai Maya site.
Stann Creek District
- Main Cities/Towns: Dangriga (district capital), Hopkins, Placencia.
- Industry: Citrus (oranges, grapefruit), bananas, fishing, and a growing tourism sector (beaches, reefs, Garifuna culture).
- Population: Roughly 48,0002.
- Geography: Southeastern coast, with valleys, rivers, and part of the Maya Mountains. Home to the scenic Placencia Peninsula and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Toledo District
- Main Cities/Towns: Punta Gorda (district capital), San Antonio, Barranco.
- Industry: Subsistence and commercial agriculture (cacao, rice, beans), fishing, and some tourism (especially nature and cultural tourism).
- Population: About 37,000, making it the least populous district2.
- Geography: Southernmost district, rugged and hilly with dense rainforests, rivers, and coastal lowlands. Known for its rich Maya and Garifuna heritage and remote, unspoiled landscapes.
The Mennonite “District”:
Belize’s Agricultural Powerhouse
(Not an official district, but a cultural/economic force)
- Main Settlements: Spanish Lookout (industrial hub), Shipyard, Blue Creek, Little Belize, Barton Creek, Pine Hill
- Population: ~15,000 ethnic Mennonites + ~3,000 converts (2022 estimates)
- Industries: Agriculture (poultry, dairy, eggs), construction, furniture-making, farming
- Geography: Communities sprawl across Orange Walk, Cayo, Corozal, and Toledo Districts
Key Features
Spanish Lookout: The Industrial Heart
- Role: Produces most of Belize’s eggs, chicken, and dairy
- Modernity: Uses tractors, computers, and cars. Operates banks, stores, and a hydroelectric dam at Blue Creek.
- Economy: Generates dividends for members through communal businesses.
Traditional Counterparts
- Shipyard & Barton Creek: Horse-drawn buggies, no electricity.
- Little Belize: Large-scale farming with limited tech.
- Pine Hill: Subsistence farming in Toledo’s rainforests.
Cultural Unifiers
- Language: Plautdietsch (Low German) + Standard German for worship.
- Autonomy: Self-governed schools, banks, and land use per their 1958 agreement.
- Dress: Conservative clothing across all communities.
Economic Impact
- Agriculture: Supplies ~90% of Belize’s poultry and dairy.
- Construction: Blue Creek Mennonites build roads and countrywide infrastructure.
- Exports: High-quality furniture sold in urban markets.
Why They’re a De Facto “District”
Though scattered, Mennonites function as a unified economic bloc with shared cultural rules. Spanish Lookout’s industrial output rivals entire districts, while their agricultural dominance makes them indispensable to Belize’s food security. Their unique legal status and communal governance further set them apart as a distinct entity.
Fun fact: Mennonite stores in Spanish Lookout pay members dividends based on how much they shop there—capitalism meets collectivism.