Belize City

Former capital (until 1970) and chief port of Belize, situated at the mouth of the Belize River on the Caribbean coast; population (2000 est) 49,100. It is Belize's largest city and capital of Belize district. Exports include sugar, timber, citrus fruits, coconuts, and maize. The port also serves parts of Mexico. The city was severely damaged by hurricanes in September 1931 and in October 1961, after which it was decided to move the capital inland, to Belmopan.

Many of the houses in Belize City are built of wood, and stand on piles above the mangrove swamp on both banks of Haulover Creek. The harbour is shallow, and navigation is impaired by sand bars. The river, which divides the city, is spanned by a swing bridge, which is opened to allow the river traffic through.