Exploring The Historic Capital City Of Belize

Belize is a country located on the northeast coast of Central America. Its capital city is Belmopan, a planned community founded in 1970 and one of the newest national capital cities in the world. Belmopan is located in the Cayo District, 80km inland from the former capital, Belize City, which was devastated by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. With a population of around 20,000-25,000 people, Belmopan is the smallest capital city in the continental Americas by population and the third-largest settlement in Belize. The city is known for its Brutalist architecture, with buildings designed to be hurricane-proof, and its National Assembly Building, which resembles a Pre-Columbian Maya temple.

Why was the capital moved from Belize City to Belmopan?

Belize's capital city was moved from Belize City to Belmopan due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The hurricane destroyed approximately 75% of the houses and businesses in low-lying and coastal Belize City, leaving over 10,000 people homeless.

In the wake of this disaster, the government proposed the construction of a new capital city on better terrain, away from the coast, and less vulnerable to natural disasters. In 1962, a committee chose the site now known as Belmopan, 51 miles (82 kilometres) inland, south-west of the old capital.

Belmopan was constructed with British aid and funding. Work began in 1967, and the first phase was completed in 1970, the same year the government was moved to the new capital. Belmopan is one of the world's newest capital cities and is the smallest capital in the Americas by population.

The National Assembly Building in Belmopan is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, reflecting the nation's cultural heritage. The city is laid out around a Ring Road, with most government buildings situated within or around it, and large areas of parkland.

What is the population of Belmopan?

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize. In 2010, the population of Belmopan was 16,451. By 2009, the population had risen to an estimated 20,000 people. As of 2024, Belmopan's population is over 20,000, and the city is the fastest-growing population centre in Belize.

Belmopan is the smallest capital city in the Americas by population. It is the third-largest settlement in Belize, behind Belize City and San Ignacio. The population of Belmopan is made up of people from various ethnicities, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and recent immigrants from Asian countries such as the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan).

There are five zones around Belmopan: Salvapan, San Martin, Las Flores, Maya Mopan, and Riviera. Salvapan has a population of 3,000, mostly of Central American origin. San Martin is home to 1,694 people of mixed origins (Kriol and Central American Mayan). Las Flores has a population of 453, mostly of Central American origin. Maya Mopan is home to 241 people, mostly Ketchi/Mopan Maya. Riviera has an indeterminate population of Central American immigrants and local people.

Belmopan was founded as a planned community in 1970, making it one of the newest national capital cities in the world. The city was constructed following the devastation of Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which destroyed approximately 75% of the homes and businesses in Belize City. The new capital was built on better terrain, located 80km inland from the former capital, and provided an industrial area.

Belmopan has been described as a thriving and safe city, with four banks, embassies, consulates, supermarkets, a lively nightlife, and well-laid-out streets and roads. The city has become a hub for call centres, also known as business process outsourcing (BPO). Belmopan is also a centre for ecotourism, with many national parks and protected areas nearby.

What is the National Assembly building in Belmopan designed to resemble?

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize. It is one of the world's newest national capital cities, having been founded in 1970. The city is located in Cayo District, 80km inland from the former capital, Belize City, and is the third-largest settlement in Belize.

Belmopan's National Assembly Building is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple. The building, which opened in 1971, is flanked by two three-storey buildings that house offices. It is the focal point of the city's design, with grey stone architecture and broad steps reflecting the nation's cultural heritage. The surrounding buildings mirror this design, with the East and West Wings contributing to the overall impression of an ancient Mayan plaza.

The National Assembly Building is home to Belize's two houses of Parliament: the House of Representatives (lower house) and the Senate of Belize. It is situated within a complex of government buildings at Melhado Parade on Independence Plaza.

What is the climate like in Belmopan?

Belmopan, the capital city of Belize, has a tropical monsoon climate (Am) under the Köppen climate classification. The city experiences a lengthy wet season that runs from May through January and a short dry season covering the remaining three months.

The average annual temperature in Belmopan is 25.2 °C (77.4 °F), with a recorded high of 34°C and a low of 17.2 °C (63.01 °F). The average monthly temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from 23 to 28 °C (73.4 to 82.4 °F). The hottest month is typically May, with an average high of 34°C and a low of 22.4°C, while the coolest month is January, with an average high of 29°C and a low of 17.8°C.

Belmopan's geographical position near the equator contributes to its warm and humid weather. The city's relative humidity remains high throughout the year, varying from 77% to 88%. The wettest month is typically June, with an average rainfall of 127mm, while the driest months are March and April, with approximately 45mm of precipitation. The number of rainy days also varies, with September seeing the highest average of 27.3 rainy days, while the driest months record around 15 rainy days.

The climate in Belmopan is characterised by distinct seasonal patterns, with the dry season offering milder temperatures and less rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The wet season, from June to September, experiences excessive rainfall, with a persistent monthly average of 127mm in June and 27.3 rainy days in September.

Belmopan's location also influences its sunshine hours, with May offering the most daily sunshine, at approximately 8.43 hours, while January experiences the least, with an average of 5.71 hours of sunshine.

What is there to do in Belmopan?

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is not a typical tourist destination. However, there are still plenty of things to do in this ethnically diverse city. Here is a list of some of the best attractions and activities that Belmopan has to offer:

Explore Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch

Located just 30 minutes southeast of Belmopan, Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch is an extensive network of limestone caves surrounded by dense jungle. This archaeological reserve is a popular destination for cave tubing as the Caves Branch River flows through some of its caves. You can also add a zip-line canopy tour to your visit for a 2-in-1 adventure.

Visit the George Price Centre for Peace and Development

The George Price Centre for Peace and Development is a museum and educational centre established to honour Belize's first prime minister, George Price. Here, you can explore the story of Belize and its journey towards peaceful development. While in the area, you can also visit the National Assembly Building, a brutalist representation of ancient Maya Temples.

Swim and Hike at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park

St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is located just 20 minutes south of Belmopan. This park features a blue hole cenote, well-maintained hiking trails, and a cave. Cenotes are water-filled sinkholes that form when the limestone roof of an underground cave collapses. The park is a popular spot for locals to go for a swim and is also great for hiking and birding.

Try Local Food at Outdoor Markets

Belmopan has several outdoor markets where you can stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables or try local dishes. The most popular market area is near the bus terminal in downtown Belmopan. Across the terminal, on both sides of Bliss Parade, is a popular spot for government workers to have lunch or buy vegetables. The Belmopan Market Plaza, located just a 10-minute walk away, operates as a flea market on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Venture into the Guanacaste National Park

Guanacaste National Park is located at the entrance to Belmopan, making it one of the most accessible parks in Belize. Despite its small size of only 50 acres, the park offers over two miles of hiking trails where you can experience the diverse flora and fauna of Belize. It is a particularly popular spot for birdwatching, with an easily accessible bird-watching deck overlooking the Roaring Creek.

In addition to these attractions, Belmopan also offers exhilarating activities such as zip-lining, kayaking, and jungle treks. The city is often used as a connecting point for travellers exploring other parts of Belize, and there are plenty of tour options available for day trips to nearby destinations.

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