City (pop., 2000: 8,130), capital of Belize.
It lies in the Belize River valley, 50 mi (80 km) inland from the former capital, Belize City . After a hurricane did extensive damage to low-lying Belize City, the new capital site was chosen far enough inland to avoid flooding. Construction began in 1966, and Belmopan became the capital in 1970.