Belmopan's Population: A Snapshot Of Belize's Capital

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize, with a population of around 16,500. It is the smallest capital city in the continental Americas by population and the third-largest settlement in Belize. The population of Belmopan is rapidly expanding, with an influx of immigrants and Belizeans fleeing crime and congestion in the former capital, Belize City. The city has a diverse ethnic makeup, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asia.

Belmopan is the capital of Belize

Belmopan was founded as a planned community in 1970 and is one of the newest national capital cities in the world. The name "Belmopan" is derived from the combination of two words: "Belize," the name of the country's longest river, and "Mopan," one of the rivers that flow into the Belize River. The city is located about 80 kilometres (50 miles) inland from the former capital and was designed with a Ring Road as its central feature. The National Assembly Building, modelled after a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, is the focal point of the city's design.

Belmopan has a tropical monsoon climate with a lengthy wet season from May to January and a short dry season covering the remaining months. The city experiences relatively constant temperatures throughout the year, ranging from 23°C to 28°C. As of 2009, the population of Belmopan proper was estimated to be around 20,000 people, with various ethnicities represented, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asian countries.

Belmopan has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, primarily due to immigrants settling on its outskirts and Belizeans moving from the old capital to escape crime, congestion, and infrastructure issues. The city has a thriving economy centred around call centres, also known as business process outsourcing (BPO). Belmopan is also a hub for ecotourism, with numerous national parks and protected areas nearby. It is known for its safe and quiet environment, making it attractive to retirees seeking a peaceful location with easy access to essential services.

Belmopan's population is around 16,500

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, has a population of around 16,500. This makes it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas by population. It is also the third-largest settlement in Belize, behind Belize City and San Ignacio.

Belmopan was founded as a planned community in 1970, making it one of the newest national capital cities in the world. The city is located in the Cayo District, 80km inland from the former capital, Belize City. The construction of Belmopan was a response to the destruction wrought by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which devastated approximately 75% of the houses and businesses in low-lying and coastal Belize City. The new capital was built on higher ground, safe from storm surges, and provided an industrial area.

Belmopan's population has been growing, with an influx of immigrants and Belizeans relocating from the old capital. The population of Belmopan proper is estimated to be around 20,000, with a further five zones surrounding the city: Salvapan, San Martin, Las Flores, Maya Mopan, and Riviera. These zones have a combined population of approximately 5,400 people, bringing the total population of the Belmopan area to around 25,400.

Belmopan is a thriving city with banks, embassies, consulates, supermarkets, and a growing nightlife scene. It is also a hub for call centres, taking advantage of Belize's low minimum wage. The city has good infrastructure, with well-laid-out streets, avenues, and paved roads. It is also known for its green spaces and focus on concrete buildings to reduce the risk of fires.

In summary, Belmopan, the capital of Belize, has a population of around 16,500, but when including the surrounding areas, the population is closer to 25,400. The city is growing and developing, with a diverse population and a range of economic activities.

Belmopan is the third-largest settlement in Belize

Belmopan is the capital of Belize and its third-largest settlement, with a population of 16,500. The population of the country's capital was 16,451 in 2010 and is estimated to have reached 20,000 by 2009. Belmopan is the fastest-growing population centre in Belize, with immigrants settling on the outskirts and Belizeans moving there from the old capital, Belize City, to escape crime, congestion, poor infrastructure, and a lack of land for housing.

Belmopan was founded as a planned community in 1970 and is one of the world's newest capital cities. It was constructed with British aid following the devastation of Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which destroyed approximately 75% of homes and businesses in Belize City. The government of then-Premier George Price promoted the building of a new capital city inland, in a safer location away from tropical cyclones. The new capital would also be on better terrain and provide an industrial area.

Belmopan is located in Cayo District, 82 kilometres (51 miles) inland from Belize City, at an altitude of 76 metres (249-250 feet) above sea level. The city is centred around a Ring Road, just under 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) in circumference, with most government buildings situated within or around it. The National Assembly Building is the focal point of the city's design, resembling a Pre-Columbian Maya temple. The city's population is diverse, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asian countries.

Belmopan is one of the safest cities in Belize, with a thriving economy centred around call centres and business process outsourcing. It has well-laid-out streets and paved roads, several banks, embassies, consulates, and supermarkets, and a growing nightlife scene. The city is also a hub for ecotourism, with nearby national parks and protected areas, including Guanacaste Park, St. Herman's Blue Hole, and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Belmopan is the fastest-growing population centre in Belize

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is the fastest-growing population centre in the country. With a population of over 20,000, Belmopan has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, primarily driven by immigration and an influx of Belizeans leaving the former capital, Belize City.

Belmopan's growth can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the city has seen an increase in immigrants settling in the outskirts, with new suburbs such as Salvapan, San Martin, Las Flores, and Maya Mopan forming to accommodate the growing population. Additionally, Belizeans are increasingly drawn to Belmopan due to its reputation as one of the safest cities in Belize, offering a respite from the crime, congestion, and inadequate infrastructure of Belize City.

The development of Belmopan as a thriving city has also contributed to its population growth. The city boasts four banks, embassies, consulates, well-laid-out streets, and a growing number of supermarkets and entertainment options. It has become a hub for call centres, attracting investors from North America, the Middle East, and Asia due to Belize's low minimum wage and favourable business environment. This has led to the springing up of large, four-storey call centre buildings, providing employment opportunities for thousands of workers.

Furthermore, Belmopan's location in the foothills of the Belize Maya Mountains and its proximity to natural attractions such as the Guanacaste Park, St. Herman's Blue Hole, and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve make it a centre for ecotourism in Belize. The city's central location also makes it a convenient stopover point for travellers exploring other destinations within the country.

Belmopan's population growth has resulted in the establishment of various social and cultural organizations, such as the Belmopan Choral Society, and the development of educational institutions, including pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, and a campus of the University of Belize. The city's growth has also led to improvements in infrastructure, with plans for a light rail system currently undergoing a feasibility study.

In summary, Belmopan's status as the fastest-growing population centre in Belize can be attributed to a combination of factors, including immigration, the relocation of Belizeans from the former capital, the development of thriving industries, its natural attractions, and its central location within the country.

Belmopan is located in the Cayo District

Belmopan was founded in 1970 as a planned community, making it one of the world's newest capital cities. The city was constructed 80km inland from the former capital, Belize City, which was devastated by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The new capital was built on higher ground, safe from storm surges and floods. The name Belmopan is derived from the country's two longest rivers, the Belize River and the Mopan River, which empties into the Belize River.

Belmopan is situated 76 metres (249 feet) above sea level, near the Belize River Valley, with a view of the Mountain Pine Ridge foothills. The city is centred around the Ring Road, which is just under 4km in circumference. The majority of government buildings are located within or around the Ring Road, and a large area within it is dedicated to parkland. The National Assembly Building is the focal point of the city's design, resembling a Pre-Columbian Maya temple.

Belmopan is the administrative centre of Belize, with many of its inhabitants working for the national government. The city has a bustling local economy, with approximately 589 business establishments, including five international banks and several local financial institutions. Belmopan is also a hub for call centres, with large four-storey buildings housing thousands of workers.

The population of Belmopan is diverse, with various ethnicities, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asia. There are five zones around Belmopan, including Salvapan, San Martin, Las Flores, Maya Mopan, and Riviera, each with its own unique demographic makeup.

Frequently asked questions