Belize City is located in Belize, which is a country on the northeastern coast of Central America. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of over 80,000 people. It is the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub. The city is divided into two areas: the North side, which is considered the safest and most prosperous area, and the South side, which includes some tourist attractions such as the historic St. John's Cathedral. Belize City is known for its narrow streets, colonial-era buildings, and busy downtown area. It is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers and is home to the country's largest sea port and airport.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Country | Belize |
City | Belize City |
Location | 17°15′ North, 88°45′ West |
Population | 61,461 (2010 census); 70,000 (approx.) |
Language | English (official); Spanish; Garifuna; Creole; Mayan dialects |
Religion | 40.1% Roman Catholic; 31.8% Protestant; 1.7% Jehovah's Witnesses; 10.3% other religions; 15.5% non-religious |
Ethnic Groups | Mestizo/Latino/Hispanic (52.9%); Creole (30%); Maya; Garifuna (4.5%); East Indian (3.9%); Mennonite (3%); Chinese; Lebanese; other |
Rivers | Belize River; Haulover Creek; Hondo River; New River; Sarstoon River |
Mountains | Maya Mountains; Maya Mountain Range; Doyle's Delight (highest point); Victoria Peak |
Reef | Belize Barrier Reef (second-largest in the world) |
Airports | Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport; Belize City Municipal Airport |
What You'll Learn
Belize City is not in Mexico
Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, has a rich history and cultural diversity. The country has a population of about 410,990 people, with a mix of Creole, Garifuna, Latino, Chinese, Lebanese, East Indian, Maya, and Mestizo cultures. The official language of Belize is English, but Spanish is also widely spoken, and other languages such as Garifuna, Creole, and Mayan dialects are common.
Belize City, formerly known as Belize Town, was founded in 1638 by English lumber harvesters. It served as a logging camp and export center for mahogany and other hardwoods. The city has a tropical monsoon climate with warm and humid weather year-round. It is prone to hurricanes and flooding during the rainy season.
Belize City is divided into two main areas: the Northside and the Southside. The Northside, including areas such as Freetown and Caribbean Shores, is generally considered safer and more prosperous. The Southside, including areas such as Lake Independence and Collet, is home to some of the city's poorest residents. The city is connected by several bridges, including the Swing Bridge, the BelChina Bridge, and the Belcan Bridge.
Belize City is a bustling metropolitan area with a mix of narrow streets and wider avenues. It is known for its vibrant social scene, with trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The city has a range of educational institutions, including the University of Belize, and cultural events such as the annual Street Art Festival. It is also a transportation hub, with international airports, water taxis, and bus transportation to other districts.
While Belize City is no longer the nation's capital, it remains a significant commercial and cultural center in Belize.
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Belize City is in Belize, which is south of Mexico
Belize City is the largest city in Belize and was once the capital of the former British Honduras. It is the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub. The city is built on both banks of the Haulover Creek, a distributary of the Belize River, which empties into the Caribbean Sea. Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate with warm to hot and humid conditions throughout the year.
Belize City has a rich history. It was founded as "Belize Town" in 1638 by English lumber harvesters and was once a small Maya settlement called Holzuz. It was the site of the 1798 Battle of St. George's Caye, won by the British. Belize Town was the coordination site for the battle and home to local courts and government officials until the 1970s.
Belize City has been struck by hurricanes and fires over the years, including Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which almost entirely destroyed the city. In 1970, the capital was moved to Belmopan, an inland site less vulnerable to flooding.
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Belize City is the largest city in Belize
The city has a population of around 60,000 people and is known for its bustling atmosphere during the daytime. It is home to branches of all the major banks in Belize, as well as most insurance centres, marketplaces, and trade hubs. Belize City also has more educational institutions at every level than any other city in the country.
Belize City was founded as "Belize Town" in 1638 by English lumber harvesters. It served as the capital of the former British Honduras until 1970 when, after the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the capital was moved inland to the city of Belmopan. Belize City has since been directly struck by two hurricanes and has also suffered damage from fires and flooding.
Despite these challenges, Belize City remains a cultural hub, offering museums, galleries, and festivals such as Garifuna Settlement Day, Belize City Carnival, and Baron Bliss Day. It is also the country's main transport hub, serving as the centre for national and international air, sea, and road travel.
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Belize City is the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub
Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the country's principal port and financial and industrial hub. It is located at the mouth of the Haulover Creek, a distributary of the Belize River, which empties into the Caribbean Sea. The city's port, the Port of Belize, is the largest and premier port facility in the country, handling the majority of Belize's commercial imports and exports. It is situated in the commercial district, making it vital for the country's import and export operations. The port handles containers, breakbulk, tankers, ro-ro cargo, and cruise ships.
Belize City's role as the country's principal port is further emphasised by its infrastructure and the services it provides. The city has more educational institutions than any other city in Belize, and it is home to branches of all the major banks, insurance centres, marketplaces, and other financial institutions. Additionally, the city is served by two airports: the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and the Belize City Municipal Airport.
The historical significance of Belize City as the former capital of British Honduras (now Belize) and its central location have contributed to its status as the country's financial and industrial hub. The city was founded as "Belize Town" in 1638 by English lumber harvesters and served as a strategic post for the British due to its access to the sea and local rivers. It was the site of the 1798 Battle of St. George's Caye, where the British defeated Spanish forces, and it remained the capital until 1970 when the government was moved to Belmopan.
Today, Belize City remains a crucial transport hub, serving as the centre for national and international air, sea, and road travel. The city's port is essential for both commercial and tourism activities, with cruise ships anchoring offshore and local tenders ferrying passengers to the city. Belize City's position as the country's principal port and its diverse economic activities make it the financial and industrial centre of Belize.
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Belize City is not the capital of Belize
Belize City is located in Belize, not Mexico. Belize is a country on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize City is the largest population center in Belize, with over 80,000 inhabitants. It is a bustling metropolitan area with trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. However, it is not the capital of Belize.
The capital of Belize is Belmopan, a planned community founded in 1970. Belmopan is located in the Cayo District, about 50 miles (80 km) inland from Belize City. The decision to move the capital from Belize City to Belmopan was made after Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which destroyed approximately 75% of the houses and businesses in low-lying and coastal Belize City. The new capital was built on higher ground, making it safer from storm surges and other natural disasters.
Belmopan is the smallest capital city in the continental Americas by population, with just over 16,000 inhabitants in 2010. It is home to government buildings, embassies, and cultural institutions such as the National Assembly Building, which is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple. Belmopan has a tropical monsoon climate and is known for its cool climate conditions at night. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Belize River Valley and the Mountain Pine Ridge foothills.
While Belize City is no longer the nation's capital, it remains a significant commercial and cultural center. It is home to the country's largest seaport and airport and is a popular destination for cruise ships. Belize City has a rich history, having originated as a logging camp and export center for mahogany in the 1600s. The city also has a diverse cultural mix, with inhabitants from various ethnic backgrounds, including Creole, Garifuna, Latino, Chinese, Lebanese, Hindu, East Indian, and Maya.
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Frequently asked questions
Belize City is located on the northeast coast of Central America, in the country of Belize.
Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of over 80,000 people.
There are several things to do in Belize City, including visiting the Museum of Belize, St. John's Cathedral, and the House of Culture. The city also has several beaches, including Old Belize Beach, which is a couple of miles outside the city.
Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm to hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The city has a lengthy wet season from May to February and a short dry season for the remaining two months.
Belize City was founded as "Belize Town" in 1638 by English lumber harvesters. It was once the capital of British Honduras (now Belize) until the government was moved to the new capital of Belmopan in 1970. The city has a rich history and was a logging camp and export center for mahogany in the 1600s.