Belize City: Capital Confusion

Belize City is not the capital of Belize. The capital city of Belize is Belmopan, a purpose-built capital constructed after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961. Belize City was the former capital of the country, then known as British Honduras, until the government moved to Belmopan in 1970. Belize City is still the country's largest city and remains its commercial and cultural centre.

Belize City was the former capital of Belize

In 1961, Belize City was almost entirely destroyed by Hurricane Hattie, which demolished approximately 75% of the homes and businesses in the city. This prompted the government to propose the construction of a new capital city on better terrain that would be safe from tropical cyclones and storm surges. In 1962, a committee chose a site 82 kilometres (51 miles) west of Belize City, now known as Belmopan, which became the new capital in 1970.

Belize City remains the largest city in Belize, with a population of 61,461 according to the 2010 census. It is also the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub. The city has a tropical monsoon climate, with very warm to hot and humid conditions throughout the year.

Belize City is the largest city in Belize

The city was founded as "Belize Town" in 1638 by English lumber harvesters. It was an ideal location for the English as a central post because it was on the sea and a natural outlet for local rivers and creeks, which the British used to ship logwood and mahogany. Belize Town became the home of thousands of African slaves brought in by the English to work in the forestry industry.

Belize City has a population of 61,461 people according to the 2010 census. It is divided into two areas: Northside, bounded by Haulover Creek and ending in the east at the Fort George area, and Southside, extending to the outskirts of the city and the port area, including downtown. The city is susceptible to hurricanes and flooding in the rainy season. It has been directly struck by two hurricanes since 1900, and at various times, areas of the city have burnt down.

Belize City has more educational institutions at every level than any other city in Belize. It is also home to branches of all the major banks of Belize and the Central Bank, as well as nearly all insurance centres, marketplaces, and the like. The city is served by an international airport, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, located in Ladyville, northwest of Belize City.

Belmopan is the current capital of Belize

In 1962, a committee chose the site now known as Belmopan. Work began in 1967, and the first phase of the new city was completed in 1970, the same year the government moved to the new capital. The name Belmopan is derived from the country's longest river, the Belize River, and the Mopan River, one of the rivers in the area that flows into the Belize River.

Belmopan is the smallest capital city in the continental Americas by population, with a population of 16,451 in 2010, and 20,000 in 2009. It is the third-largest settlement in Belize, after Belize City and San Ignacio. The city is laid out around a Ring Road, just under 4km in circumference, with the majority of government buildings situated within or around it. The National Assembly Building is the focal point of the city's design, with grey stone architecture and broad steps designed to resemble a Mayan temple.

Belmopan is one of the safest cities in Belize and has a thriving economy, with four banks, embassies and consulates, and several supermarkets and nightclubs. The city is also a hub for call centres, with large, four-storey buildings housing thousands of workers. Belmopan is served by Hector Silva Airstrip, a domestic airport located in the northwest of the city.

Belmopan is located 50 miles inland from Belize City

Belize City is not the capital of Belize, despite being the country's most populous city and commercial and cultural centre. The capital of Belize is Belmopan, located 50 miles (80 km) inland from Belize City.

Belmopan is the world's third-largest settlement in Belize, behind Belize City and San Ignacio. It is also the smallest capital city in the continental Americas by population. The city was founded in 1970, making it one of the world's newest national capitals. Belmopan was constructed following the devastation of Belize City by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which destroyed approximately 75% of the houses and businesses in the city. The hurricane caused the government to propose the construction of a new capital city on better terrain that would not require costly land reclamation and would provide an industrial area.

In 1962, a committee chose the site for Belmopan, located 82 kilometres (51 miles) southwest of Belize City. Construction began in 1967, and the first phase of the new city was completed in 1970. The city was designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, with the National Assembly Building as its focal point. The surrounding buildings mirror this design, creating the overall impression of an ancient Mayan plaza. Belmopan is located 76 metres (249-250 feet) above sea level, in the Cayo District, near the Belize River Valley, and enjoys a cool climate at night. The city is laid out around a Ring Road that encircles it, with most government buildings situated within or around it, and a large area of parkland.

Belmopan has a population of over 20,000 people, making it the fastest-growing population centre in Belize. The population is diverse, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asia. The city has seen rapid expansion due to immigrants settling on its outskirts and Belizeans moving from Belize City to escape crime, congestion, and poor infrastructure. Belmopan is one of the safest cities in Belize and has well-laid-out streets, avenues, and paved roads. It is also a hub for call centres, with large four-storey buildings housing thousands of workers.

Belize City is the country's financial and industrial hub

Belize City is the country's principal port and its financial and industrial hub. It is Belize's largest city, with a population of over 70,000 people.

Belize City was founded in 1638 by British loggers, who used it as a central post for shipping logwood and mahogany. It was once the capital of British Honduras (as Belize was then called) until the government was moved to Belmopan in 1970. Belize City's status as the capital was due to its role as a coordination site for the 1798 Battle of St. George's Caye and as the home of local courts and government officials.

Despite no longer being the capital, Belize City remains a crucial hub for both national and international travel, serving as the country's main port facility. It is also a cultural centre, with museums, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life.

Belize City is divided into two areas: Northside and Southside, with the Haulover Creek forming the boundary. The Northside includes the Fort George area, which contains Memorial Park, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and the Museum of Belize. The Southside includes some of the city's poorest areas, such as Lake Independence, Collet, and Port Loyola.

Belize City is susceptible to hurricanes and flooding during the rainy season. In 1961, Hurricane Hattie destroyed a large portion of the city, leading to the decision to move the capital inland to Belmopan. Despite these challenges, Belize City remains a resilient and vibrant urban centre, playing a vital role in Belize's economy and cultural life.

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