U.S. Relations With Belize
More information about Belize is available on the Belize Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-BELIZE RELATIONS
The United States and Belize traditionally have had close and cordial relations. The United States is home to the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated to be more than 70,000. Belize's economic growth, democratic political stability, and environmental stewardship are important U.S. objectives. The United States and Belize are working as partners to address the issues of citizen security and transnational crime. The two countries have mutual legal assistance treaties with each other covering stolen vehicles and extraditions. Both governments seek to control the flow of illegal migrants to the United States through Belize.
U.S. Assistance to Belize
The United States works closely with the Government of Belize to fight illicit narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), the U.S. Government seeks to strengthen citizen security and improve the government’s capacity to confront and disrupt criminal organizations. CARSI programs are assisting Belize in professionalizing its police force, assisting with judicial reform, building its capacity to secure its borders, and strengthening its Coast Guard and Defence Force. The Belize Defence Force receives military assistance from the United States including training, medical assistance programs, and programs to construct and renovate schools. The U.S. military was also instrumental in establishing Belize’s Coast Guard. The Peace Corps operates public health programs in Belize, and Belize benefits from regional USAID HIV/AIDS programs funded through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States is Belize's principal trading partner and major source of investment funds. According to the latest available trade data, in 2013 the United States exported more than $US 298 million of goods to Belize, accounting for 32 percent of Belize’s total imports, and accounted for nearly $US 123 million, or 39 percent, of Belize's exports. Some 185 U.S. companies have operations in Belize. Tourism attracts the most foreign direct investment, although U.S. investment also is found in the telecommunications, petroleum, and agricultural sectors. A Country Commercial Guide for Belize is available from the U.S. Embassy's Economic/Commercial section.
Belize's Membership in International Organizations
Belize became a member of the United Nations following its 1981 independence from the United Kingdom. Belize and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Belize maintains an embassy in the United States at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel: 202-332-9636).
More information about Belize is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Belize Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Belize Page
U.S. Embassy: Belize
History of U.S. Relations With Belize
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information