Belmopan, Belize
Region: Belmopan, Belize
Geographic Coordinates: 17.251400, -88.766900
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.
Population: 17222
Language: English
Belmopan is the capital city of Belize, Located in the central region of the country. It was established in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City, Which had been the capital until then. The city covers an area of 20 square miles and has a population of around 20, 000 people. One of Belmopan’s most notable features is its modern and planned layout. Unlike many other Central American cities that developed haphazardly over time, Belmopan was designed from scratch with wide streets and green spaces.
The city’s center is dominated by a large roundabout known as Constitution Park, Which features a fountain and statues commemorating Belize’s history. Belmopan serves as both a political and administrative center for Belize. All government offices are located here, Including those for immigration, Customs, And taxation. The National Assembly Building is also situated in Belmopan; this is where parliament meets to discuss national issues. Despite its small size, Belmopan has plenty to offer visitors. The University of Belize has its main campus here; it offers courses in areas such as business management, Education, Nursing and environmental science among others.
There are also several museums worth visiting such as the Museum of Belize which houses numerous exhibits on Mayan culture and history. For nature lovers looking to explore outdoor activities near Belmopan there are many options available including cave tubing at nearby St Herman’s Cave or hiking through nearby Blue Hole National Park or Guacamallo Creek Forest Reserve. The city also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year including music festivals like MayaFest held every August celebrating indigenous cultures through dance performances food fairs among other activities.
Overall Belmopan stands out as one of Central America’s most unique cities due to its modern layout combined with rich cultural heritage making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to experience something different from typical beach destinations found elsewhere in the region.
- National Assembly Building
- Guanacaste National Park
- Blue Hole National Park
- St Herman’s Cave and Blue Hole National Park
- Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave)
- Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center
- Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins
- Barton Creek Cave
- Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
- Government: Belmopan is home to many government offices, including those of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and other government officials.
- Education: The University of Belize has its main campus in Belmopan, along with several other schools and educational institutions.
- Agriculture: Belmopan is surrounded by fertile farmland that produces a variety of crops such as citrus fruits, bananas, vegetables, and livestock.
- Tourism: Belmopan serves as a gateway to popular attractions like Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Actun Tunichil Muknal cave.
- Retail and services: Several shopping centers offer a range of products from groceries to clothing to electronics.
- Manufacturing: Some small-scale manufacturing takes place in Belmopan such as food processing plants or furniture factories.
- Health care: Several hospitals and clinics located in or near Belmopan serve both locals and tourists alike.
- Construction: With an increasing number of people moving into this area there has been an increase in construction activities over time which also provides employment opportunities for locals.
- The capital city of Belize was established in 1970 as Belmopan, following the destruction of the former capital, Belize City, by Hurricane Hattie in 1961.
- British architect Colin Thornley and American urban planner Richard Roark oversaw the construction and development of Belmopan.
- George Cadle Price, a prominent Belizean politician and statesman who served as the country’s first prime minister from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1989 to 1993, played a key role in establishing Belmopan as the new capital.
- In September 2018, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 hit Belmopan causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure across the city.
- The main campus of University of Belize is located in Belmopan.
- Notable landmarks in Belmopan include National Assembly Building which is home to Belize’s parliament, Governor General’s House which is official residence of Belize’s head of state & Independence Plaza which is public park commemorating Belize’s independence from Britain.
- Numerous government agencies, international embassies & foreign aid organizations working on development projects across Belize are based out of this city.
- Belmopan is known for its vibrant cultural scene with events such as National Agriculture & Trade Show held annually at show grounds just outside town every April along with other festivals like Carnival which takes place during September Celebrations.
- Guatemalan claim over part or all territory eastward on Sarstoon River includes areas around southern border towns including Benque Viejo del Carmen close proximity to San Ignacio where many tourists visit Maya ruins such as Xunantunich or Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve among others.
- The area surrounding Belmopan boasts natural beauty with nearby attractions including Blue Hole National Park Guanacaste National Park and St. Herman’s Cave.
- Belize Archives and Records Service
- National Assembly Building
- Guanacaste National Park
- George Price Center for Peace and Development
- Belmopan Market Square
- Isidoro Beaton Stadium
- St Herman’s Cave
- Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing & Jungle Zipline
- Blue Hole National Park
- Belmopan Bandits FC – A football (soccer) team that participates in the Premier League of Belize. They were established in 2011 and have won multiple championships.
- Belmopan Blaze – A basketball team that competes in the National Elite Basketball League of Belize. They were founded in 2014 and have enjoyed some success.
- Belmopan Jaguars – A youth football (soccer) team created to develop young talent within the region.
- Belmopan Red Hawks – Another youth football (soccer) team operating within the city.
In conclusion, despite a lack of significant professional sports teams based out of Belmopan, locals can still participate in various levels and age groups of sports activities available to them.
- Belmopan Day Celebration: This annual event is held on August 1st to celebrate the founding of Belmopan as the capital city of Belize.
- National Agriculture and Trade Show: Held annually in April, this event showcases Belizean agriculture, livestock, and products.
- Independence Day Celebrations: September 21st marks Belize’s Independence Day, which is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural events throughout the country.
- Garifuna Settlement Day: November 19th is a national holiday that celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize and their contributions to Belizean culture.
- International Costa Maya Festival: This festival takes place in San Pedro but has events in Belmopan as well. It features music, dance performances, food vendors and more from around Central America and Mexico.
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Held annually at the Governor General’s Field in December to kick off the holiday season with caroling and lighting of a giant Christmas tree.
- Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic Finish Line Festivities – The biggest cycling race takes place on Holy Saturday each year ending with festivities at Marion Jones Sports Complex including food stalls, live music etc..
- Belmopan Art Festival – A yearly festival showcasing local art talent through exhibitions, workshops, performances etc..
- Marie Sharp’s Factory is famous for its hot sauces and condiments.
- Karko’s Restaurant is known for its Belizean and Mexican cuisine.
- Chef Rob’s Gourmet Café offers a fusion of Belizean, Caribbean, and international dishes.
- The Garden Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on fresh ingredients.
- Jambel Jerk Pit specializes in Jamaican-style jerk chicken and other Caribbean-inspired dishes.
- Belmopan Street Food Market offers local street food such as tacos, tamales, pupusas, and more.
- Guava Limb Cafe serves contemporary Belizean cuisine with an emphasis on seafood.
- Pop’s Restaurant offers homemade Belizean meals such as stewed chicken or fish served with rice & beans.
- Hode’s Place serves traditional Garifuna cuisine including hudut (fish soup) and cassava bread.
- Taco Stop is a popular spot for tacos made with local ingredients like stewed pork or chicken topped with cabbage slaw.
- Guanacaste National Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of wildlife.
- Isidoro Beaton Stadium is home to the national football team and hosts many sporting events.
- The George Price Center for Peace and Development has a museum, library, and conference rooms for events.
- Belmopan Civic Center hosts concerts, basketball games, and other community events.
- Roaring River Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course with beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
- Blue Hole National Park is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking with crystal clear water in a natural pool surrounded by jungle foliage.
- Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve offers hiking trails to explore the pine forests, waterfalls, and streams in this protected area.
- St Herman’s Cave & Blue Hole National Park allows visitors to explore underground caves filled with stalactites & stalagmites or swim in the crystal clear waters of Blue Hole National Park.
- Belmopan Market Square is a bustling market square where locals sell fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, fish, etc.
- Riverwalk Trail allows visitors to enjoy scenic walks along the Belize River while exploring local flora & fauna.
