Belmopan
Belmopan (/ˌbɛlmoʊˈpɑːn/) is the capital city of Belize. Its population in 2010 was 16,451. In addition to being the smallest capital city in the continental Americas by population, Belmopan is the third-largest settlement in Belize, behind Belize City and San Ignacio. Founded as a planned community in 1970, Belmopan is one of the newest national capital cities in the world. Since 2000, Belmopan has been one of two settlements in Belize to hold official city status, along with Belize City.
Belmopan | |
|---|---|
City | |
| City of Belmopan | |
Top: Belize National Assembly; Middle: Traditional houses in Belmopan, Independence Plaza; Holy Redeemer Cathedral, Belmopan market | |
|
Flag | |
| Nicknames: The Garden City, 'Pan | |
| Motto: City of Promise | |
Belmopan Location of Belmopan in Belize | |
| Coordinates: 17°15′5″N 88°46′1″W | |
| Country | Belize |
| District | Cayo |
| Constituency | Belmopan |
| Foundation | 1 August 1970 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Khalid Belisle (UDP) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 32.78 km2 (12.66 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 76 m (250 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 13,381 |
| • Density | 408/km2 (1,056/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central) |
| Area code | 501 +8 |
| Climate | Am |
Belmopan is located in Cayo District at an altitude of 76 metres (249 feet) above sea level. Belmopan was constructed just to the east of the Belize River, 80 km (50 mi) inland from the former capital, the port of Belize City, after that city's near destruction by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The government was moved to Belmopan in 1970. Its National Assembly Building is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple.