What is the safest part of Belize? Placencia, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker are all considered safer areas for tourists. Belize City can be safe too if you stick to the tourist areas and don't wander off alone especially not into the Northern part of the city.
What is Belmopan known for?
Belmopan is just a short drive from the Mountain Pine Forest Reserve, home to Central America's tallest waterfalls. Belmopan is also home to a community center, a large library, and the George Price Centre for Peace and Development, named for the country's first prime minister.
What should you avoid in Belize?
Violent crime such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related. Due to high crime, travelers are advised to exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City.
How far is Belmopan from the ocean?
Belmopan is 50 miles (80 km) inland from the Caribbean Sea and 76 meters (249 feet) above sea level, located near the Belize River Valley with a view of the Mountain Pine Ridge foothills. (The climate at night is cool.) The city is off the Hummingbird Highway.
Why was Belmopan built?
Belmopan was constructed with British aid following the devastation of Hurricane Hattie in 1961 that demolished approximately 75% of the homes and business places in Belize City. The government of then Premier George Price promoted the building of a new capital city more inland, safe from tropical cyclones.
When was Belmopan built?
Construction was begun in 1966, with funds from a United Kingdom grant. In 1970 government offices were moved to the new capital; housing construction went on through the 1970s. Most of the residents of Belmopan are government employees and their families.
What does the name Belmopan mean?
The name chosen for the new capital, Belmopan, is derived from the union of two words: "Belize", the name of the longest river in the country, and "Mopan", one of the rivers in this area, which empties into the Belize River.
Why is Belmopan the capital of Belize?
Belmopan is located 50 miles (80 km) inland from Belize City. It became the new capital city largely as a result of acts of nature. The city was conceived after Hurricane Hattie and an associated tidal wave did extensive damage to Belize City in 1961, demolishing approximately 75% of its housing and businesses.
Today Belmopan is one of the safest cities in Belize. It has evolved into a thriving city with four banks, embassies and consulates, several supermarkets, good night life, well-laid out streets, avenues and paved roads.