Belize City's Urban Limits And Growth

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 75,000 people. It is a former capital of the country, which was moved to Belmopan after a hurricane in 1961. The city is divided into two main parts: the North, which is more affluent, and the South, which is a beaten-down area where most of the crime occurs. Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm to hot and humid conditions throughout the year. It is the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub.

Population

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 60,000 people. It was founded as Belize Town in 1638 by English lumber harvesters and was once the capital of British Honduras (as Belize was then called). It ceased to be the capital in 1970 when the government was moved to Belmopan, following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Hattie in 1961.

Belize City is the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub. It is divided into two areas: Northside, bounded by Haulover Creek and ending in the east at the Fort George area, and Southside, which extends to the outskirts of the city and the port area, including downtown. Politically, it is divided into ten constituencies.

Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm to hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The city has a lengthy wet season that runs from May through February and a short dry season covering the remaining two months. The average monthly temperature ranges from 24°C to 28°C.

The population of Belize City is ethnically diverse. Belizean Creoles, or Kriols, account for 21% of the population but almost 75% of the country's diaspora. They are descendants of the Baymen slave owners and slaves brought to the region for logging. Mestizos, or people of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry, account for 50% of the country's population. The Garinagu, who are a mix of West/Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib, make up around 4.5% of the population. There are also large communities of Asians, East Indians, and expatriate Americans and Africans residing in Belize.

Geography

Belize City is located on the Caribbean coast of Belize, a country in Central America. It is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 61,461 people as of the 2010 census. The city is situated on both banks of the Haulover Creek, a distributary of the Belize River, which empties into the Caribbean Sea about 8 kilometres (5 miles) away.

Belize City is divided into two main areas: the Northside and the Southside. The Northside, bounded by Haulover Creek, includes neighbourhoods such as Freetown, Caribbean Shores, and Fort George. Fort George is known for its colonial-era landmarks, including Memorial Park, the Baron Bliss Grave and Lighthouse, and the Museum of Belize. The Southside, in contrast, includes some of the city's poorest areas, such as Lake Independence, Collet, and Port Loyola.

The city is prone to flooding during the rainy season and has been struck by hurricanes and fires over the years. In 1961, Hurricane Hattie caused widespread destruction, leading to the decision to move the country's capital to the inland city of Belmopan.

Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm to hot and humid conditions year-round. The city experiences a lengthy wet season from May through February and a short dry season from March to April.

History

Belize City, the country's largest city, was founded as Belize Town in 1638 by English lumber harvesters. It was once a small Maya settlement called Holzuz. Belize Town was ideal for the English as a central post because it was on the sea and a natural outlet for local rivers and creeks, down which the British shipped logwood and mahogany. Belize Town also became the home of the thousands of African slaves brought in by the English to work in the forestry industry.

In 1798, Belize Town was the coordination site for the Battle of St. George's Caye, won by the British against would-be Spanish invaders. Belize Town was the capital of British Honduras (as Belize was then named) until the government was moved to the new capital of Belmopan in 1970. Belize Town was renamed Belize City in 1973.

Belize City has been directly struck by two hurricanes since 1900: the 1931 hurricane and Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The latter devastated the city, leading to the capital being moved inland to Belmopan. At various times, areas of the city have also burnt down, most recently in 1999 and 2004. The city has also been hit by other hurricanes, including Hurricane Richard in 2010 and Hurricane Earl in 2016.

Climate

Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm to hot and humid conditions all year round. The city has a long wet season lasting from May to February, and a short dry season covering the remaining two months. However, like many cities with tropical monsoon climates, Belize City does experience some precipitation during the dry season.

The average monthly temperatures in Belize City remain relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from 24°C to 28°C. The temperature rarely falls below 65°F or rises above 91°F. The climate is hot, oppressive, and mostly cloudy.

The clearest month of the year is February, when the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 78% of the time. The cloudiest month is June, when the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 83% of the time.

October is the wettest month, with an average of 11.9 days of precipitation. April is the driest month, with an average of 3.0 days of precipitation.

Hurricanes have devastated Belize City twice since 1900, in 1931 and 1961. The city has also been hit by hurricanes Richard in 2010 and Earl in 2016.

Economy

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of 61,461 as of the 2010 census. It is the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub.

Belize's economy is a small, developing, free-market economy that is based primarily on agriculture, tourism, and services. The country has a land area of 8,867 square miles and an estimated population of 441,471 as of July 2022.

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing

Belize's economy was historically dependent on forestry, with logwood being the country's initial main export. However, loggers later shifted their focus to mahogany, which was prized for its use in cabinetry and shipbuilding. While mahogany exports experienced fluctuations due to the slow growth of the trees and increasing labour costs, they remained a significant part of the economy until the 20th century.

Today, only a small proportion of Belize's land is actively used for agriculture, which employs about one-fifth of the population. Most farms are smaller than 100 acres, and traditional shifting cultivation is practised due to the nutrient-poor soils of the lowlands. The main agricultural exports include sugarcane, citrus fruits, bananas, corn, kidney beans, rice, and vegetables. Belize is also a significant exporter of seafood, including lobster, shrimp, and fish.

Manufacturing and Industry

The manufacturing industry in Belize has been in decline in recent years due to high utility costs. Exports of manufactured products as a share of total exports have decreased significantly. However, the country does produce food products, fertilisers, textiles, footwear, rum, beer, soft drinks, and cigarettes.

Trade and Services

Belize has a trade deficit, largely due to low export prices for sugar and bananas. The country's main exports include seafood, sugar, citrus products, bananas, and clothing, while its major imports include machinery, transport equipment, food, fuels, lubricants, and chemicals. The United States is Belize's primary trading partner, followed by the United Kingdom, China, Mexico, and other members of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM).

The service sector, including tourism, has become the dominant economic activity in Belize, accounting for approximately 40% of the country's economy. International tourism has surged after a COVID-related decline, with revenues surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The country's natural attractions, such as the Belize Barrier Reef, its diverse ecosystems, and Mayan ruins, make it a popular destination for tourists.

Energy and Natural Resources

Belize has limited natural resources, and its mineral production includes clays, limestone, marble, sand, and gravel. The country relies heavily on imports for its mineral fuels and fossil fuels but also generates some of its electricity through renewable sources, such as biomass products and hydroelectric power.

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