Belize is a country in Central America, with a population of just under 400,000 people. It has the lowest population and population density in Central America. Belize has two cities: Belize City, with a population of around 60,000, and Belmopan, with a population of around 20,000. Belize City is the largest city and the economic centre of the country, as well as its former capital. Belmopan is the smallest capital city in the Americas. In addition to the two cities, Belize is home to many towns and villages, with over sixty per cent of the country covered in forest.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of cities | 452 |
Capital city | Belmopan |
Largest city | Belize City |
Population of Belmopan | 20,000 |
Population of Belize City | 60,000-61,461 |
What You'll Learn
Belize has two cities: Belize City and Belmopan
Belize is a small country in Central America, with a population of under 400,000 people. It has two cities: Belize City and Belmopan.
Belize City is the country's largest city, with a population of around 60,000-67,000 people. It is the country's economic centre and its principal port. Belize City is also a popular destination for cruise ships sailing around the Caribbean. The city has a rich cultural offering, including museums, galleries, and festivals. Belize City was once the capital of Belize, then known as British Honduras, until it was moved to Belmopan following the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961.
Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm to hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The city experiences a lengthy wet season from May to February and a short dry season for the remaining two months.
Belmopan, the capital of Belize, has a population of around 20,000 people, making it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas. The city was established as the new capital in 1970, following the destruction of Belize City by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Belmopan is located in the Cayo district and is home to around sixty percent of Belize's residents.
Belize has a diverse society, with many different cultures and languages. English is the official language, but Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect, with Spanish being the second most commonly spoken language.
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Belize City is the largest city in Belize
Belize is a country in Central America with a population of around 400,000 people. It has the lowest population and population density in Central America. The country's capital is Belmopan, which is in the district of Cayo. However, Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 60,000 people. It is also the country's economic centre and is home to the main port.
Belize City is located on the east coast of Belize, at the mouth of the Belize River. The city sits on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea and serves as a hub for cruise ships. It boasts the only manual swing bridge in the world and the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America.
The city is divided into two areas: North Side Belize City and South Side Belize City. The North Side is considered the safest and most prosperous area, with good hotels, casinos, and the Museum of Belize. The South Side has a few tourist attractions, such as the historic St. John's Cathedral and the House of Culture.
Belize City is the country's commercial capital and is known for its trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It has a rich cultural history, with a mix of Creole, Garifuna, Latino, Chinese, Lebanese, Hindu, and Maya populations.
The city has a range of tourist attractions, including the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, Crystal Auto Rental Belize, and the Altun Ha & The Olde Belize River. It is also a popular jumping-off spot for excursions to other parts of Belize, such as the Cayo District's caves and Maya archaeological sites.
In summary, Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 60,000 people. It is a cultural and economic hub, offering a mix of historical attractions, natural beauty, and modern amenities.
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Belmopan is the capital of Belize
Belmopan is the third-largest settlement in Belize, with a population of around 20,000 people, making it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas. The city is home to many of Belize's government buildings, foreign embassies and NGOs. The National Assembly Building is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, reflecting the nation's cultural heritage. The city's layout centres on the Ring Road, which is just under 4 km (2.5 miles) in circumference, and the majority of government buildings are situated either within or around this road.
Belmopan is one of the most ethnically diverse places in Belize, with residents of various ethnicities, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asian countries. The city has a tropical monsoon climate, with a lengthy wet season from May to January and a short dry season covering the remaining three months.
Belmopan is not a popular tourist destination, as it mainly consists of office buildings. However, it does have a few attractions, and there are several top jungle attractions just outside the city. The city has a bustling local economy, and there are approximately 589 business establishments.
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Belize City is the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub
Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 60,000 people. It is the country's principal port and its financial and industrial hub. The city is also a popular destination for cruise ships sailing around the Caribbean.
Belize City's role as the country's main port is evidenced by the presence of the Port of Belize, the country's main port facility. The Port of Belize has seen a constant flow of investment in infrastructure, equipment, and technology since 2012, making it a top choice for Belizean importers and exporters. The port offers high-value services such as 24-hour port operation, direct container import and export, and medical emergency services.
As the financial hub, Belize City is home to branches of all the major banks in Belize, the Central Bank, insurance centres, and marketplaces. The city's financial sector also includes credit unions and four commercial bank groups: Belize Bank, Heritage Bank, Atlantic Bank, and Scotiabank (Belize).
In terms of industry, Belize City has a diverse range of economic activities. The city's industrial infrastructure includes electric utilities, such as Belize Electricity Limited, and electric generation businesses like Belize Electric Company Limited, which operates hydroelectric facilities. Additionally, Belize City has a thriving tourism industry, cultural attractions such as museums and galleries, and a range of educational institutions.
Overall, Belize City's status as the country's principal port, financial centre, and industrial hub makes it a vital contributor to Belize's economy and development.
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Belize City has a population of 61,461 people
Belize is a country in Central America with a population of just under 400,000 people, making it the least populous Central American country. It has two cities, the largest of which is Belize City, with a population of 61,461. Belize City is the country's economic centre and principal port, as well as its former capital.
Belize City is located at the mouth of the Haulover Creek, a distributary of the Belize River. The city is divided into two areas: Northside, which is bounded by Haulover Creek and ends in the east at the Fort George area, and Southside, which extends to the city's outskirts and port area, including downtown. Politically, Belize City is divided into ten constituencies and is governed by a mayor-council form of government. The mayor, Bernard Wagner of the People's United Party, is elected alongside ten councillors every three years in municipal elections.
Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm to hot and humid conditions year-round. The wet season lasts from May through February, and the short dry season covers the remaining two months. Even during the dry season, however, the city typically sees some precipitation.
The city has a rich cultural offering, including museums, galleries, and festivals. It is also home to the country's main port, making it a popular destination for cruise ships sailing in the Caribbean.
In addition to being the economic centre of Belize, Belize City is also a hub for national and international travel by air, sea, and road. The city has two airports: the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, located in Ladyville to the northwest of the city, and the Belize City Municipal Airport, which is within the city itself.
Belize City has a diverse history, having been founded as Belize Town in 1638 by English lumber harvesters. It was once a small Maya settlement called Holzuz and served as the capital of British Honduras (now Belize) until 1970, when the capital was moved to Belmopan following the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961.
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