Belmopan

Introducing Belmopan

In 1961 Hurricane Hattie all but destroyed Belize City. Certain that a coastal capital would never be secure from further terrible hurricanes, the government decided to move. In 1971 the government declared its intention to build a new capital in the center of the country, which would become Belmopan.

A grand new National Assembly was built to resemble a Maya temple and plaza, with government offices around it. Government needs have since outgrown these core buildings and a variety of less-uniform government offices is spread out around the central green.

The capital was slow to come to life; a lot of people still prefer to commute from Belize City or San Ignacio. But increasing numbers are seeing the plus points of the broad, leafy streets of Belmopan’s quiet suburbia, and the population has increased significantly in recent years. Many government ministries and other organizations are based here, as well as a few embassies, giving the place an unexpected international atmosphere.

There has long been talk of opening a branch of the Museum of Belize in the capital, but there has been little movement on that front. In the meantime, this is a common place to change buses, but there is little reason to linger.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009