BELIZE CITY

Spanish Belice, former capital and chief seaport of Belize (formerly British Honduras). The city occupies both banks of the Haulover Creek, a delta mouth of the Belize River on the Caribbean coast. Its name was probably derived from an ancient Maya Indian word that refers to the Belize River, which was until the 10th century a heavily populated trade artery of the Maya Empire. British adventurers apparently settled the area in the 17th century and engaged in logwood cutting. Belize City, built on ground only slightly above sea level and surrounded by mangrove swamps, was severely damaged by Hurricane "Hattie" and the accompanying tidal wave on Oct. 31, 1961, and by Hurricane "Greta" in 1978. In May 1970 the capital was moved to Belmopan (q.v.), an inland site not liable to flooding. Exports include sugar, mahogany, cedar, and other timbers (both mill wood and in the round), citrus fruits, coconuts, copra, bananas, and corn (maize). Furniture, boats, and wood products are manufactured, and livestock (hogs and cattle) are raised in the surrounding area. Fisheries and sawmilling are local activities. Water and sewage facilities for the city have been improved. The harbour is well sheltered, but large ships have had to anchor about a mile offshore because of sandbanks. The first phase of a deepwater port closer to Belize City was completed in 1980. The Belize International Airport is located northwest of the city. Belize City has an institute for arts and drama and technical and teachers' training colleges. Notable landmarks include St. John's Anglican Cathedral (built 1812) and the Government House (1814). Pop. (1980) city, 39,771; district, 50,801. Cultural life The small population of Belize is culturally diverse. This multiplicity of ethnicities, languages, religions, modes of dress, cuisines, styles of music, and folklore reflects the cultural mix. There are many ethnically distinct communities, but people of different groups also mix in many social contexts: at work, in schools, and in the political parties that are not ethnically based. Though prejudices exist, there is no history of interethnic violence in Belize. Alfred E. Alford O. Nigel Bolland O. Nigel Bolland Daily life The social class of the people-whether they are poor or middle class-affects whether they will have such amenities as a car or television and influences as well whether their children will complete secondary school. Belizeans who have television watch mostly foreign programs, such as Mexican soap operas and North American sports; and the music they listen to largely reflects the traditions of their ethnic group, though recorded music from the Caribbean and United States is widely enjoyed by young people. One hybrid musical form, "punta rock," seems to blend Caribbean soca, calypso, and reggae styles with merengue, salsa, and hip-hop. Also popular are the traditional sounds of brukdown-the tapping of assorted bottles, tables, cans, or other objects-an energetic percussion that originated in the logging camps. Food also reflects ethnicity and international influences, but corn tortillas and rice and beans are widespread staples. Other assorted fare may include Jamaican stews and jerks, Mexican-style chilies, or English roasts. One of the special "national dishes" is the tailless gibnut (Agouti paca; a relative of the guinea pig), called the "Royal Rat" on many Belizean restaurant menus because the British press had objected to its being served to Elizabeth II in 1985. Locally produced rum, beer, and chicha (a fermented corn drink) are common, as are soft drinks. Some Belizeans are cosmopolitan and communicate by fax and e-mail, but for the average citizen, who is served by poor roads and social services, the nation still feels like a rural frontier.