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Germany and Belize: Bilateral relations

21.03.2024 - Article

The Federal Republic of Germany staunchly supported Belize’s right to self-determination in the United Nations (UN) and recognised it as an independent state on 21 September 1981, the first country to do so after the UK. Bilateral relations are amicable and untroubled. Belize frequently supports German interests in the UN.

Trade between Belize and Germany was worth approximately 11.7 million euro in 2022 with Belize having a trade deficit (minus 2.7 million euro).

Belize is a partner of German development cooperation in the context of regional projects. The focus here is on the environmental sector. Support is being granted to projects to protect coastlines and marine resources, as well as the Selva Maya, the second-largest expanse of tropical rainforest on the American continent (Belize, Guatemala and Mexico). Moreover, Belize benefits from regional projects agreed with the Central American Integration System (SICA) in the energy and good financial governance sectors.

A group of Mennonites of German origin immigrated to Belize in the 1950s via Canada and Mexico. Originally numbering 3500 but now approximately 10,000 strong, they speak an old German dialect but are not German citizens. They play practically no part in the country’s political life but are highly successful in agriculture, in the artisanal trades and in small-scale industry.

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