Belize City is the largest city in the Central American nation of Belize. Belize City has an estimated population of 59,000 people. Belize City is the nation's primary port. It is the financial and industrial heart of the nation. Several cruise ships drop off anchor outside the port and are watched over by local citizens. The city was almost destroyed in 1961 when Hurricane Hattie came ashore on Halloween. It was the capital of British Honduras and Belize until the government was moved to the capital of Belmopan in 1970. It is also the district capital of Belize District. Belize City was founded in the mid 17th century by British farmers. Soaring over the harbor entrance at Fort George point is the Lighthouse monument, which was built from money donated to the country by Belize's greatest benefactor, Baron Bliss, the 5th baron of Portugal. At his request, he was buried in front of the lighthouse which he designed himself prior to his death.
You can take a trip to the Belize Zoo. This zoo
features an assortment of the animals native to Belize as well as over 500
species of birds like the Harpy Eagle and King Vulture both from Belize.
You can also visit the Museum of Belize. It was built as a colonial prison in
the mid 1800s, this two-story brick building has a permanent exhibit of ancient
Maya pottery and displays on the history of Belize City and Belize's rich Maya
history.