Belmopan, Belize

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, was founded in 1970, making it one of the newest capitals in the world. It was developed in a forested area in the interior of the country after a hurricane devastated the coastal capital of Belize City. The name derives from "Bel," for Belize, and "Mopán," the name of a Maya tribe that has lived in the region for centuries.

Belize has undergone many changes over the course of the past several decades. In response, the government has been forced to make many decisions about the future of important ecosystems while also taking into consideration domestic economic problems. As a result, Belize has become one of the premier ecotourism destinations in the world and is visited by over a million tourists each year. Belmopan is the seat of government where such important decisions are made.

Landscape

Belmopan is located in the geographical center of Belize. The northern border of Belize is shared with Mexico, while the southern border is shared with Guatemala. The western side of Belize borders both countries. To the east lies the Caribbean Sea, where the Belize Barrier Reef, a 300-kilometer (186-mile) stretch of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, extends along the coast, and many cays and islets dot the horizon.

The Caribbean trade winds that moderate the subtropical temperatures along the coast do little for the interior of the country, where Belmopan reaches highs of over 37.7 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer. A wet season runs from May through November; hurricanes often cause flooding during the wet season. Belmopan serves as an important hurricane refugee site for coastal communities.

The Belize River carved the valley in which Belmopan is located, and flows through the Cayo District, a 5,338 square kilometer (2,060 square mile) region comprised of villages, farmland, rainforests, and mountains. The river offers scenic appeal and recreational opportunities, and is an important commercial waterway because it can be navigated from the Caribbean to the Guatemalan border. Besides the new capital, the Cayo District is home to the popular resort of San Ignacio. While Belmopan is the smaller of the two, its population is approaching that of San Ignacio.

Belize City, the original capital located less than 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the east, dwarfs Belmopan in size and stature, but Belmopan has the advantage of being a planned community whose growth can be accommodated systematically.

People

The Statistical Institute of Belize estimated the population of Belmopan was 23,038 in 2018, making Belmopan one of the smallest capitals in the world. It is the second-largest city in Belize, after Belize City, which had an estimated 2018 population of 63,423.

The official language of Belize is English, but Spanish is the most commonly spoken first language due to the large population of Mestizo (Spanish Maya) people and Latino refugees and immigrants from nearby countries. Spanish has become a mandatory part of many school curriculums, and many Belizeans value bilingualism.

Other ethnic groups represented in Belize include Creoles (African Europeans), who represent about one quarter of the country's population and speak English Creole, and the Mayas and Garifuna (African Caribs), who speak their indigenous languages. Small populations of East Indians, Arabs, Africans, Chinese, Americans, and Europeans also live in the area. In addition, there is a sizeable population of Mennonites who are of German Dutch origin and speak a German dialect. Belmopan does not necessarily represent this ethnic makeup. Rather, the city is comprised heavily of Creole citizens who work for the federal government.

In Belmopan, the most popular religion is Roman Catholicism, followed by Pentecostalism, Anglicanism, and other Protestant denominations.

Belize offers many specialty dishes that reflect its various heritages, but beans, rice, chicken, maize (corn), and fried plantains are standard fare. Meats include armadillo and iguana, with an abundance of seafood, including conch.

Holidays include Saint George's Caye Day, a multiday cultural event celebrated each September to commemorate the 1798 victory of the British and slaves over Spanish invaders; Baron Bliss Day, held on March 9 in honor of an early twentieth century British benefactor who willed a large portion of his estate to the country; and National Independence Day on September 21, when Belize gained independence from Great Britain. Carnival (Fiesta de Carnaval) is celebrated a week before Lent. Musical celebrations often include reggae, marimba, calypso, soca, and/or "punta rock," an updated version of traditional Garifuna music.

Economy

Belize has experienced continued growth in the last several years, attributed in part to the rise in tourism, the recent discovery of oil, and an emphasis on manufacturing. However, the country continues to be plagued with a trade deficit, foreign debt, poverty, and a high unemployment rate.

Belize has implemented several initiatives to expand their manufacturing industries. The recent discovery of oil has allowed Belize to compete in the petroleum world market as well as to supply some of the country's energy needs. According to the CIA World Factbook, Belize exported an estimated US$1.044 billion in total goods in 2021, but the country continues to run a trade deficit.

The federal government, which is based in Belmopan, is the city's largest employer. So far, Belmopan has played a small role in the economic arena, especially when compared to Belize City, a vibrant port with well-established industries and tourist attractions. The development of Belmopan did boost the construction industry, and the city is beginning to expand on the services it now offers (banking, hotels, retail stores, restaurants). City officials are also working to encourage industry by providing space for an industrial park.

Landmarks

Nicknamed the "Garden City" for its planned green spaces, the gardens and other natural attractions in and around Belmopan help define the city's identity, as opposed to the historical landmarks typically found in other capital cities.

Independence Plaza marks the central area of the city, where government buildings, including the National Assembly Building, the Prime Minister's Building, and the Belize Archives, are located. The National Assembly Building is notable for its architectural design, which suggests a Maya temple. The Museum of Belize features a collection of Maya artifacts. The US Embassy opened nearby in 2006. A public market offers fresh foods, crafts, and souvenirs.

The University of Belize moved several academic and administrative divisions from Belize City to form the central campus at Belmopan. A new hospital and several schools provide important services for the growing residential areas.

Outside the city, Blue Hole and Guanacaste National Parks are preserved rainforests where hikers may see the keel billed toucan, the national bird, or the black orchid, the national flower. The Community Baboon Sanctuary preserves the habitat necessary for the survival of the black howler monkey.

Many Maya ruins and other archeological sites are located in the Cayo District. These include Caracol, one of the largest ancient Maya settlements; Xunantunich, which features the pyramid; and El Castillo.

History

The first inhabitants of Belize were the Mayas. Historians divide this advanced culture into two major periods, the Preclassic Period (ca. 2000 BCE to 250 CE) and the Classic Period (250 to 900 CE). The Postclassic Period covers the decline of the Maya civilization that had mostly occurred by 1200 CE. Scholars are still trying to piece together the reasons for their demise, but it is suspected that drought, overpopulation, or unsustainable agricultural practices may be the culprits. The population during the Classic Period was considerably greater than the entire population of Belize in the early twenty-first century.

Although the Spanish conquered Mexico and other countries in Central America, they seemed disinterested in Belize. Historians assume it was the barrier reef that prevented their ships from landing, in addition to the swampy terrain, which may have deterred exploration. Apparently these challenges did not keep out pirates, however, who found the challenging landscape conducive for hiding after pillaging ships.

In 1638, the English settled near the coast and set up logging operations in the interior. Mahogany was plentiful and was shipped back to Europe where it became a valued wood for furniture. The English brought in African slaves to help with logging and also depended heavily on the native population.

The Spaniards later attempted to take over the country, but failed in the last battle of 1798. However, Spain continued to dispute ownership for many years.

Slavery was abolished in 1838, and a year later, the country was officially declared the Colony of British Honduras. The country was known as British Honduras until 1973, when it was renamed Belize after gaining independence from Great Britain. However, an ongoing dispute with the neighboring nation Guatemala delayed full independence until 1981.

Belize City operated as the capital and chief shipping port for many years and continues to be the most important port. In 1961, Hurricane Hattie destroyed much of the city. In response, the government declared it time to move the capital inland where it would be protected from the devastating ocean waves that often accompanied destructive storms. Construction on government buildings began a few years later in Belmopan. In 1970, most government officials were relocated in their new facilities, and in 1972, Belmopan was officially inaugurated as the capital.

Bibliography

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"Belize Country Profile." BBC News, BBC, 10 Apr. 2023, www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18724590. Accessed 26 Feb. 2024.

Cybriwsky, Roman Adrian. Capital Cities around the World: An Encyclopedia of Geography, History, and Culture. ABC-CLIO, 2013.

Europa Publications, ed. South America, Central America, and the Caribbean 2022. 30th ed., Routledge, 2021.

"Table 2.1: Belize Postcensal Population Estimates, 2010 to 2018 - Major Administrative Areas." Statistical Institute of Belize, 2019. Statistical Institute of Belize: Statistics: Population, sib.org.bz/statistics/population/. Accessed 4 Mar. 2019.