Welcome to Belize, a StoryMap in Imagining Central America: Short Histories (published by the University of Cincinnati Press).
In this StoryMap, you will find maps, images, videos, and descriptions to enhance your reading of the Belize chapter in Imagining Central America, which can be found here . This StoryMap offers an interactive, immersive experience -- feel free to scroll through the tabs or click on a point on the maps to access the images and descriptions. Videos begin playing automatically, and you can enter full-screen to view them more closely. Enjoy your exploration of Belize!
In this map, you can see the country of Belize highlighted in red. Use the arrows in the top right corner to enter full-screen, click and hold to move the map, and zoom in and out to explore Belize and the rest of Central America. The home button will re-center the map.
Belmopan
Belmopan. Click to expand.
Belmopan is the third-largest city in Belize and, as of 1970, the country's capital. It is located in the Cayo district in the center of the country. The name Belmopan comes from a combination of "Belize" and "Mopan," both of which are names of rivers in the area.
Belmopan
Belmopan. Click to expand.
A shot of the city of Belmopan.
Parliament Building
Parliament Building. Click to expand.
The seat of the Belizean government in Belmopan.
Road Tour in Belmopan
Road Tour in Belmopan. Click to expand.
Belize City
Belize City. Click to expand.
Belize City is the largest city in the country, and once served as Belize's capital. In 1961, Hurricane Hattie swept Belize's coast and all but destroyed Belize City, which lies on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. For that reason, in 1970, the capital was moved inland to Belmopan.
Belize City
Belize City. Click to expand.
An aerial view of Belize City.
Queen Street
Queen Street. Click to expand.
A street in Belize City's Northside business district.
Street Walk in Belize City
Street Walk in Belize City. Click to expand.
Aerial View of Belize City
Aerial View of Belize City. Click to expand.
Dangriga
Dangriga. Click to expand.
Dangriga, formerly known as Stann Creek Town, is a town on Belize's southern Caribbean coast. Dangriga was settled by the Garinagu in the 1800's, and remains the largest Garifuna settlement in the country. Dangriga is known as Belize's "cultural capital" thanks to an emphasis on Garifuna cultural expressions, particularly punta music. "Dangriga" is a Garifuna word that means "standing waters."
Dangriga Town
Dangriga Town. Click to expand.
A view of Dangriga on a sunny day.
Dangriga Street
Dangriga Street. Click to expand.
The main street in Dangriga.
Tour of Dangriga
Tour of Dangriga. Click to expand.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda. Click to expand.
Punta Gorda, often referred to locally as P.G., is the largest town in southern Belize. It was settled in 1823 by Garinagu migrating north from Honduras, who also call the town by its Garifuna name, "Peini."
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda. Click to expand.
A view of Punta Gorda from Fisherman's Pier.
Town Square
Town Square. Click to expand.
Punta Gorda's town square.
Road Tour in Punta Gorda
Road Tour in Punta Gorda. Click to expand.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker. Click to expand.
Caye Caulker is one of the largest cayes, or small islands, off the coast of Belize, and one of themost popular tourist destinations. Caye Caulker has a population of about 2,000. One of its major draws is its proximity to the Great Blue Hole, a giant sinkhole in the sea that is a popular scuba diving destination.
The Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole. Click to expand.
Aerial shot of the Great Blue Hole, a popular tourist destination.
The Split
The Split. Click to expand.
Aerial shot of the Split, which divides Caye Caulker in two segments.
Aerial View of Caye Caulker
Aerial View of Caye Caulker. Click to expand.
Tour of Caye Caulker
Tour of Caye Caulker. Click to expand.
Thank you for visiting the Belize StoryMap in Imagining Central America: Short Histories! As you continue through the book, check out the other StoryMaps supplementing each chapter to enjoy an immersive experience of each country. If you have questions or comments for the authors or other readers, you can leave a message on the Belize StoryMap resource page, found here . Enjoy your interactive tours through the rest of Central America!
