Belize City, city in eastern Belize, in Belize District, at the mouth of the Belize River, on the Caribbean Sea. It is the country's chief seaport, and timber, wood products, sugar, fish, citrus fruit, and bananas are exported here. Major industries are sawmilling, food processing, and fishing. Of note are Saint John's Anglican Cathedral and Government House (both early 19th century).
Located in an area where the Maya peoples once flourished, Belize City was settled in the early 17th century by British adventurers. In 1884 it became the capital of British Honduras (renamed Belize in 1973). The low-lying city, which is vulnerable to hurricanes, was officially replaced by Belmopan as the capital of Belize in 1972. Population (1997 estimate) 53,915.
