What is the capital of Belize?
Belmopan is the capital of Belize, a planned city located in the country's center, which replaced Belize City as the capital in 1970.
Belmopan, capital since 1970
Belmopan became the official capital of Belize in 1970, replacing Belize City which was the former capital. This transition is explained by Belize City's vulnerability to hurricanes and floods, particularly after the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961.
A modern and administrative city
Located at the geographical center of the country, Belmopan is a planned city that houses the country's main government institutions. With around 25,000 inhabitants, it remains smaller than Belize City which remains the economic center and the country's main port.
The city's name comes from the fusion of "Belize" and "Mopan", in reference to the Mopan River which flows nearby.