Belize

Belmopan is the capital of Belize. After Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961, the government decided to move the capital inland to a safer, centrally located site. Built as a planned city, Belmopan became the official capital in 1970 and hosts the National Assembly and government ministries. Belize City remains the largest city, while Corozal and San Ignacio are regional towns. Remember it this way: Belmopan = “Bel” (Belize River) + “Mopan” (Mopan River/people), a capital placed inland between rivers to avoid coastal hurricanes. It’s one of the world’s smallest capitals by population, and its National Assembly Building is styled after a Maya temple—linking modern governance with Belize’s ancient heritage.