Belize City

Belize City on the map of Belize

Belize City is the largest city and main port of Belize (formerly British Honduras ). It has around 70,000 inhabitants and is the provincial capital of the Belize District area.

Belize City is the seat of the Diocese of Belize City - Belmopan.

Geography

The city consists of the districts:

  • Fort George,
  • King's Park,
  • Newtown Barracks,
  • Port Loyola,
  • West Canal.

The Haulover Creek, a tributary of the Belize River, divides the city into two halves, Northside and Southside.

History

The city was founded as " Belize Town" in the mid-17th century by British workers as a logging town. Belize City was until 1970 the capital of the former British Honduras. After the city, which is located on the coast of the country, in 1961 almost completely destroyed by Hurricane Hattie, the government decided to re move the seat of government, and began the construction of a new inland capital. In 1975, the seat of government was moved to Belmopan. Belize City is the capital of the province of Belize District. As the largest and most populous city in the country of Belize City today is still the economic and cultural center of the Central American state.

Attractions

  • The Belize Swing Bridge in the city center was built in 1923 and is one of the few swing bridges in the world that is still adjusted daily by human hands. It connects the two halves of the city Northside and Southside.
  • Not far from the Maritime Museum is located on the North Front Street, the Art Museum Image Factory with work by local artists.
  • The Fort George neighborhood has some popular attractions in Belize City's, for example, the colonial Town Hall, Queen Street Baptist Church, the old U.S. Embassy as well as the lighthouse at Fort George Harbour.
  • Located on the corner of Albert Street and Regent Street, built in 1847 St. John 's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican Church in Central America.
  • Opposite St John's Cathedral is the government building, a 1814 built colonial buildings.
  • The Belize Zoo is located halfway between Belize City and Belmopan and is the largest zoo in the country.

Policy

Since March 1, 2006 governs the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Belize City. Mayor 's Darrell Bradley, who was elected on March 7, 2012.

Population

The Haulover Creek, a tributary of the Belize River, divides the city into two halves, which are called Northside and Southside. In the Southside part, the commercial and economic center of Belize City's is ( bounded by the streets of Albert, Regent - King and Orange Street ) and residential area with poorer population and high crime. On the northern half are the more exclusive residential and hotel district Fort George and King's Park.

Traffic

Belize City is the most important transport hub in the country. In the Southside of the city, near the city center, is the largest bus station is located in the country. Virtually every major town in the country can be reached from Belize City from. Buses to neighboring Guatemala also start in Belize City. The Philip SW Goldson International Airport ( BZE, MZBZ ) is located near Belize City, in neighboring Lady Ville. The islands in the Belize Barrier Reef, which are very important for the tourism in the country, can be achieved by so-called Water Taxis from Belize City from. The Western Highway connects Belize City, with the capital Belmopan. The Northern Highway connects Belize City to the Mexican border ( Corozal ).

Sport and Leisure

Belize City provides two football clubs in the Belize Premier Football League, the top division of the country: the Belizean champion of 2005 and 2006, the FC Belize, and the club Belize Defence Force, both of which deliver their home games at the MCC Grounds stadium in the north of the city.

The Belize Zoo is located halfway between Belize City and Belmopan and is the largest zoo in Belize. Here you can see about 125 species from the region.

Twinning

Sister Cities of Belize City are

  • United States McAllen, Texas ( USA)
  • United States Prairie View, Texas (USA)
  • Canada Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan ( Canada )
  • United States New Orleans, Louisiana ( USA, trade relations )
  • United States Ann Arbor, Michigan ( USA)
  • United States Evanston, Illinois ( USA)
  • United States Riviera Beach, Florida ( USA)
  • Mexico Chetumal, Quintana Roo ( Mexico)
  • Cuba Havana ( Cuba)
  • Flag of South Korea Yeosu (South Korea)

Personalities

Sons and daughters

  • Manuel Esquivel ( born 1940 ), former Prime Minister of Belize
  • Edward Arthur Laing (1942-2001), lawyer, 1996-2001 Judge of the International Tribunal
  • George Cadle Price (1919-2011), former Prime Minister of Belize
Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City-Belmopan History of Belize United Democratic Party (Belize) Ladyville MCC Grounds (stadium) Evanston (Illinois) Riviera Beach (Florida) International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
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