Belize's Captivating Capital: Unveiling The Charm Of Belize City

Belmopan is the capital of Belize, a small city with a population of around 13,000-20,000 people. It is located in the Cayo District, near the Belize River, and is known for its green spaces and parks. The city has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season from June to November and the dry season from February to May. The average annual temperature is around 26°C (78.8°F).

Belmopan was built following the destruction of Belize City, the previous capital, by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The new capital was constructed with British aid and was designed by British architects, featuring a ring-shaped structure with a central core of government buildings. The National Assembly Building, designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, was completed in 1970, the same year Belmopan officially became the capital.

Belmopan is the administrative and political centre of Belize, housing government offices, embassies, and the National Assembly. It is also a hub for transportation, communication, and tourism, providing easy access to the natural and archaeological sites of the Cayo District.

Why was the capital moved from Belize City to Belmopan?

Belize's capital was moved from Belize City to Belmopan due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The hurricane destroyed approximately 75% of the buildings in Belize City, leaving the area without power for months and schools closed. The city was especially vulnerable to the hurricane due to its location in a low-lying coastal area.

In the wake of this disaster, a movement was formed to establish a new capital city further inland, safe from tropical cyclones and storm surges. In 1962, a committee chose the site now known as Belmopan, located 82 kilometres (51 miles) southwest of Belize City. The new capital would be situated on better terrain, with no need for costly land reclamation, and would provide room for an industrial area.

Belmopan was constructed with British aid and funding. In 1964, Belize's Premier George Cadle Price led a delegation to London to seek funds for the project. While the British government did not immediately commit to funding, they showed interest due to the logic of locating the capital on high ground, safe from storms. In 1965, a monument was erected at mile 49 on the Western Highway, dedicating the site for the new capital.

Construction of Belmopan began in 1967 and the first phase was completed in 1970, when most of Belize's government offices were moved to the new capital. The city was designed with hurricane-proof, concrete buildings, centring around the Ring Road and the National Assembly Building, which was designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple.

Belmopan is located in the Cayo District of Belize, 80 kilometres (50 miles) inland from the Caribbean Sea and 76 metres (249 feet) above sea level. It is one of the newest and smallest capital cities in the world, with a population of around 16,451 in 2010.

What is Belmopan known for?

Belmopan is the capital of Belize and is known for its impressive ecotourism industry, Mayan heritage, and thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

Ecotourism

Belmopan and the surrounding Cayo District are the centre of Belize's ecotourism industry. The region boasts numerous national parks and protected areas, including Guanacaste Park, St. Herman's Blue Hole, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and the Chiquibul National Park. The diverse landscapes of pine forests, rainforests, rivers, and dirt roads make it an ideal destination for hiking, birdwatching, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Mayan Heritage

Belmopan showcases a rich Mayan heritage through its architecture and cultural attractions. The National Assembly Building, the focal point of the city, is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Mayan temple, with surrounding buildings mirroring this ancient style. Additionally, Belmopan is home to a giant Olmec head monument, donated by Mexico, which showcases the influence of the Olmec civilisation, a precursor to the Mayans.

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

Belmopan has become a hub for call centres and BPO operations. Large four-storey call centre buildings house thousands of workers, serving international clients in areas such as AI training, cold calls, software support, and more. Belize's low minimum wage and favourable business environment have attracted investors from North America, the Middle East, and Asia to establish these digital workplaces.

Belmopan is also known for its safety, well-planned urban design, and growing population, making it a popular destination for retirees and immigrants seeking a tranquil yet vibrant city to call home.

What is the population of Belmopan?

Belmopan is the capital of Belize and, with a population of 20,000+, is the fastest-growing population centre in the country. In 2010, the population of Belmopan was 16,451. By 2024, this number had risen to an estimated 27,870.

Belmopan was founded as a planned community in 1970, after Hurricane Hattie destroyed approximately 75% of Belize City in 1961. The hurricane demolished houses and businesses in the former port capital, leading the government to propose a new capital city on better terrain. In 1962, a committee chose the site now known as Belmopan, located 82 kilometres (51 miles) west of Belize City.

Belmopan is located in the Cayo District at an altitude of 76 metres (249 feet) above sea level. The city is situated near the Belize River Valley and enjoys a cool climate at night. The population of Belmopan proper is made up of various ethnicities, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asian countries.

There are five zones around Belmopan proper, each with its own distinct population:

• Salvapan, with a population of 3,000, mostly of Central American origin
• San Martin, with 1,694 people of mixed origins (Kriol and Central American Mayan)
• Las Flores, with 453 people of mostly Central American origin
• Maya Mopan, with 241 people, mostly Ketchi/Mopan Maya
• Riviera, with an indeterminate population of Central American immigrants and local people

Belmopan is the third-largest settlement in Belize, after Belize City and San Ignacio. It is also the smallest capital city in the continental Americas by population. The city has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, primarily due to immigrants settling on the outskirts and Belizeans relocating from the old capital due to crime, congestion, and lack of infrastructure.

What are the ethnic groups in Belmopan?

Belmopan is the capital of Belize, a small country on the northeast coast of Central America. It is one of the world's newest capital cities, having been founded in 1970 after the former capital, Belize City, was devastated by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Belmopan has a population of approximately 20,000 people, comprising various ethnic groups.

The population of Belmopan proper includes Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asian countries such as the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. The city is surrounded by five zones, each with its own distinct ethnic makeup:

• Salvapan: This area has a population of 3,000, mostly of Central American origin.
• San Martin: San Martin is home to 1,694 people of mixed origins, including Kriol and Central American Mayan heritage.
• Las Flores: There are 453 residents in Las Flores, primarily of Central American origin.
• Maya Mopan: Maya Mopan has a population of 241 people, mostly Ketchi/Mopan Maya.
• Riviera: The population of Riviera is indeterminate, comprising Central American immigrants and local people.

Belize, as a whole, is known for its ethnically diverse population, with a variety of cultures coexisting within its borders. The country's small population of about 400,000 people includes a large proportion of immigrants, with languages such as English, Spanish, Kriol, Mayan, Garifuna, German, Mandarin, and South Asian languages spoken by different ethnic groups. The ethnic composition of Belize has shifted over time, with Mestizos, people of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry, now making up half of the country's total inhabitants.

What is there to do in Belmopan?

Belmopan is the capital of Belize and is located in the Cayo District. It is not a popular tourist destination, but there are a few attractions in the city and many others just outside it. Here are some things to do when visiting Belmopan:

In the City

• Explore the story of Belize at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development.
• Visit the National Assembly Building, designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple.
• Eat local food or shop for fresh produce at Belmopan's outdoor markets.
• Visit the 96 Orchid Garden.
• Take a walk around the city's Ring Road, which is just under 4km in circumference.
• Visit the Belize Archives and Records Department.
• Check out the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Just Outside the City

• Hike the well-maintained jungle trails and swim in the blue cenote at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.
• Explore the Guanacaste National Park.
• Visit Nohoch Cheʼen Caves Branch for cave tubing and canopy ziplining.
• Take a day trip to Crystal Cave and Blue Hole National Park.
• Explore the Five Blues Lake National Park.
• Visit the Aguacate Lagoon Reserve.
• Take a horseback riding tour at Banana Bank Ranch.

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