Belize City

Belize City

Belize City, Belize's chief town, largest city, seaport and former capital. Belize City occupies the Belize River delta mouth on the Caribbean coast. The name probably comes from an ancient Mayan Indian word which refers to the Belize River, which was a heavily populated trade artery of the Mayan Empire until the 10th century. Apparently British adventurers colonized the area in the 17th century and were engaged in logging. Belize City, which was built on land barely rising above sea level and surrounded by mangrove swamps, was badly damaged by Hurricane Hattie on 31 October 1961 and the accompanying tidal wave, and Hurricane Greta in 1978. That is why in May 1970 the capital was moved to Belmopan, which lies inland and is not exposed to flooding. The city's export products include sugar, mahogany, cedar and other timber, citrus fruits, coconuts, copra, bananas, corn, lobster, shrimp and shellfish. Furniture, boats and wood products are made here, and pigs and cattle are raised in the area. The harbor is well protected, and a deep-water port was developed at the end of the 20th century. Belize City has an art and drama institute, technical and teacher training colleges, and a campus of the University of the West Indies. The University College of Belize is also located here. Notable buildings include St John's Anglican Cathedral, built in 1812, and the Government House, built in 1814.