Stories celebrating the people, culture of Belize

Los Angeles has more Belizeans than any city in the world, including cities in Belize?

“Belize has the largest Caribbean population in Los Angeles”
| originally published in Karibbean Expressions Magazine, January 2025

Los Angeles is home to the largest population of Belizeans of any country or state -outside of Belize. It is estimated that between 30,000-60,000 Belizeans live in Los Angeles, a number closely rivaling or perhaps, even more than any town/city in Belize. Natives of the Central American/Caribbean country typically immigrate to the United States for better economic opportunities, or to reunite with family members.

Where in Los Angeles do most Belizeans reside?
A significant portion of LA’s Belizean population reside and/or have commercial interests in a South Los Angeles region, colloquially called, Little Belize. The Belizean enclave includes parts of  Western, Slauson, Avalon Avenues, as well as Crenshaw and Adams Boulevards. A few years ago, there was a movement to rename Jefferson Park in South Los Angeles, Little Belize. We were unable to locate any official documentation to confirm that the name-change occurred. The large Belizean community spans far beyond Jefferson Park, it also includes parts of Inglewood, Gardena, Leimert Park and other cities in Greater Los Angeles. From schools to churches, clubs to cemeteries, Belizean presence is dominant in LA.

Belizeans bring bold personalities and vibrant cultures to California. The diverse mix of descendants from Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Indian, and Mestizo peoples (among other ethnic groups), create a dynamic Belizean blend. The aura of Belize sits over South Los Angeles–it is evident in the tantalizing taste of stew chicken and fry jack, the pulsating sounds of Punta, and the excitement around card games. The blue, red and white flag, proudly sits on so many dashboards in Southern California. It is routine to hear conversations in Kriol (Creole) as you peruse supermarket aisles in South LA. The Belizean language, often confused with its closest cousin, the Jamaican patios, is a fusion of the country’s ethnic influences.

Of all Caribbean countries, Belize arguably has the least challenging access to the United States – when travelling by automobile. Yes, you may drive from Belize, the only English-speaking country in Central America, to the United States.  Belizeans leaving home – more than 2,ooo miles away, would need to drive several days, through Mexico/Central America, then enter the US through its southern border – Arizona/Texas. However, the treacherous journey may not be the most favorable option for many travelers. Belize is located on Central America’s Caribbean coast and is bordered by Mexico (north), Guatemala(south), and the Caribbean Sea(east). The country’s proximity to Mexico somewhat facilitates this ease of access to California.

The Consulate General of Belize, Los Angeles, U.S.A.is located at 4801 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 250, 
California 90010.

California’s immigrant population
A 2022 Pew Research Center study shows that California has the highest immigrant population of any US state. Of the reported 46.1 million immigrants in the US, 10.4 million live in California. Texas (5.2 million), Florida (4.8 million), and New York (4.5 million) are next closest in rank. Reportedly, almost half of California’s children population, has one immigrant parent.