City | 2024 Pop. |
---|---|
Belize City | 61,461 |
San Ignacio | 16,812 |
Orange Walk | 15,298 |
Belmopan | 13,381 |
Dangriga | 10,750 |
Corozal | 9,871 |
San Pedro | 8,418 |
Benque Viejo el Carmen | 7,092 |
Punta Gorda | 5,205 |
The Central American nation of Belize is an independent Commonwealth formerly known as British Honduras, and still retains King Charles III as its Head of State. Belize has the lowest population and population density in Central America, with just under 400,000 residents. Of these, around 60,000 people live in Belize City, the largest of the country's two cities, and its economic center. Belize City is also home to the country's main port, and is a popular destination for cruise ships sailing around the Caribbean. Culturally, Belize City has much to offer, including museums, galleries and festivals.
Until 1970, Belize City also served as the country's capital city. However, after the destruction caused by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the decision was made to move the capital city inland, to what is now the city of Belmopan. Today, Belmopan has around 20,000 residents, making it the smallest capital city in the continental Americas. However, it should be noted that more than sixty percent of Belize is covered in forest, and human cities and towns make up just twenty percent of the country's land. The majority of the remaining population live in towns and villages – of the towns, Saint Nacho and Santa Elena (which together make up the San Ignacio Municipal Group) has the largest population with just over 21,000 residents, making it more populous than the capital city.
Belize has 0 cities with more than a million people, 0 cities with between 100,000 and 1 million people, and 5 cities with between 10,000 and 100,000 people. The largest city in Belize is Belize City, with a population of 61,461 people.