Belmopan: Belize's New Capital

Belmopan became the capital of Belize in 1970, nine years after Hurricane Hattie destroyed approximately 75% of Belize City, the country's former capital. The hurricane prompted the government to propose a new capital city on better terrain, safe from storm surges. The site for Belmopan was chosen in 1962, and construction began in 1967.

Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961

Hurricane Hattie was the strongest and deadliest tropical cyclone of the 1961 Atlantic hurricane season. It originated from an area of low pressure that slowly developed over the Caribbean Sea on October 27, 1961. Moving generally northward, the storm quickly became a hurricane and later a major hurricane the following day.

On October 31, the hurricane made landfall outside Belize City, the former capital of Belize. The storm turned southwestward and weakened rapidly over the mountainous terrain of Central America, dissipating on November 1.

Belize City was buffeted by strong winds and flooded by a powerful storm surge. The governor estimated that 70% to 75% of the buildings in the city had been damaged or destroyed, leaving more than 10,000 people homeless. The destruction was so severe that it prompted the government to relocate inland to a new city, Belmopan.

Hattie caused about $60 million (US$370 million in today's dollars) in losses and 307 deaths in the territory. The death toll was considerably lower than previous hurricanes due to early warnings. Belize City declared martial law after the hurricane, and doctors provided typhoid vaccinations to 12,000 residents in two days to prevent the spread of disease.

Belmopan was constructed with British aid following the devastation of Hurricane Hattie. The government of then-Premier George Price promoted the building of a new capital city more inland, safe from tropical cyclones. In 1962, a committee chose the site now known as Belmopan, located 82 kilometres (51 miles) west of Belize City.

Belmopan became the capital of Belize in 1970. The government was moved to Belmopan in the same year, and the city is now the administrative and diplomatic centre of Belize.

The new capital was designed in 1962

Belmopan was designed with a focus on safety and modernity. The city was built with modern construction codes, ensuring that both residential and commercial buildings were resilient in the face of natural disasters. The city was also designed with extensive ventilation to accommodate the tropical climate, and its layout centred around a Ring Road to divert non-local traffic.

The National Assembly Building is a focal point of Belmopan's design, resembling a Pre-Columbian Maya temple. The surrounding buildings mirror this design, creating the impression of an ancient Mayan plaza. The city's architecture also has a strong British influence, with hurricane-proof, Brutalist buildings.

Belmopan's location was chosen not only for safety but also for its potential as a transportation hub. Located on the main road to Guatemala, the capital has flourished as a popular travel junction. The city's infrastructure has also contributed to its growth, with excellent road signage, pedestrian ramps, and ample green spaces.

Construction took place from 1966/1967 to 1970

Construction of Belmopan began in 1966 or 1967, with funds from a UK grant. The first phase of the new city was completed in 1970, at a cost of 24 million Belize dollars (US$12 million).

Belmopan was designed in 1962, a year after Hurricane Hattie destroyed approximately 75% of the houses and businesses in Belize City, the former capital. The hurricane prompted the government to propose the building of a new capital city, which would be on safer terrain and include an industrial area. A committee chose the site, located 80km inland from Belize City, in 1962.

In 1964, Premier George Cadle Price led a delegation to London to seek funding for the project. Although the British government did not commit to funding, they showed interest in the project due to the logic of locating the capital on high ground, safe from storms. In 1965, Anthony Greenwood, the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth and Colonies, dedicated the site for the new capital.

Belmopan was designed to protect vital government services. Modern construction codes ensure that buildings are better able to resist natural disasters. The city is centred around a Ring Road that diverts non-local traffic around the city, and most government buildings are located within or around it. The city's National Assembly Building is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, with surrounding buildings mirroring this design.

Belmopan is one of the smallest capital cities in the Americas

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize. It is one of the smallest capital cities in the Americas by population, with around 16,451 residents as of 2010, and less than 20,000 inhabitants as of 2024.

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 former capital. A committee chose the site for Belmopan in 1962, and construction took place between 1967 and 1970. The new capital was designed to be on better terrain, less prone to flooding, and to provide an industrial area.

Belmopan is located in the Cayo District, 80 kilometres (50 miles) inland from the former capital, Belize City. It sits 76 metres (249-250 feet) above sea level, in the Belize River Valley, and enjoys a cool climate in the evenings. The city is designed around a Ring Road, which diverts non-local traffic and encircles the city. The Ring Road also provides good road signage, pedestrian ramps, and exercise paths.

Belmopan's National Assembly Building is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple, with grey stone architecture and broad steps. The surrounding buildings mirror this design, creating the impression of an ancient Mayan plaza. The city's building codes require the use of concrete to reduce the risk of fires, a common issue in the former capital due to its wooden structures.

Belmopan is the fastest-growing population centre in Belize, attracting immigrants and Belizeans seeking a safer city with modern infrastructure and improved access to essential services. The city has a thriving economy, with banks, embassies and consulates, supermarkets, and a growing call centre industry. It is also a hub for ecotourism, providing access to nearby national parks and ancient Maya sites.

The city is hurricane-proof and Mayan-inspired

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is a hurricane-proof city. It was constructed after Hurricane Hattie wreaked havoc on the former capital, Belize City, in 1961, demolishing approximately 75% of the homes and business places. The new capital city was intentionally built inland, on higher ground, to protect it from future hurricanes. Belmopan's buildings are made of concrete, in compliance with building codes, to reduce the risk of fires, a common problem in the congested former capital. The city's elevation of 76 meters (249 feet) above sea level further contributes to its hurricane-resistance.

The city's National Assembly Building is a testament to its hurricane-proof design. This iconic structure, inspired by ancient Mayan temples, reflects Belize's cultural heritage. The grey stone architecture and broad steps of the National Assembly Building evoke the grandeur of Mayan plazas. The surrounding buildings, including the East and West Wings, complement this design, creating an impressive governmental complex.

Belmopan's hurricane-proof characteristics extend beyond its prominent government buildings. The city's layout is centred around the Ring Road, which encircles Belmopan, providing easy navigation and accessibility. The well-planned infrastructure includes paved roads, avenues, and streets, enhancing the city's resilience against extreme weather events.

In addition to its hurricane-proof design, Belmopan also draws inspiration from the Mayan culture. The name "Belmopan" itself combines "Belize," the country's longest river, and "Mopan," one of the rivers flowing into the Belize River. This choice of name showcases a connection to the natural landscape valued by the Mayans.

The architectural style of Belmopan's buildings further reflects Mayan influences. The National Assembly Building, with its grey stone exterior and broad steps, resembles a Pre-Columbian Mayan temple. The surrounding structures, including the East and West Wings, contribute to the overall impression of an ancient Mayan plaza, creating a sense of harmony between the modern city and its ancient cultural roots.

Belmopan's Mayan-inspired elements extend beyond its central governmental complex. The city's multiculturalism is evident in the diverse languages spoken, including Maya languages, reflecting the influence of Mayan culture and history in the region. Belmopan's market, a melting pot of cultures, showcases the city's vibrant multicultural fabric.

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