Belmopan, Capital city in central Belize.
Belmopan is the capital of Belize in Cayo District, located about 50 miles from the Caribbean coast in the interior of the country. The city spreads around a central ring road that connects several government districts, residential areas, and smaller commercial zones.
The government relocated here in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie destroyed much of Belize City in 1961. The new inland location was chosen to avoid future storm damage and create a better-protected administrative base.
The name combines Bel from Belize and Mopan after the river flowing through the region. Today you can see government buildings along the streets in a style unusual for the Caribbean, interspersed with smaller residential neighborhoods and local shops.
Several banks and government offices are located in the city center, offering basic services for travelers who need currency exchange or official documents. The compact size of the town makes orientation easy, with most facilities within walking distance or a short drive.
With fewer than 17,000 residents, the city is considered the smallest capital on the American mainland. Despite its administrative role, it remains smaller than other towns in Belize, giving it a quiet atmosphere unusual for a capital.
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