Belize City, Belize

Capital City

This port city is hardly the tropical paradise its tourism ads suggest. With a population of just 42,390, Belize City is the country's largest urban center, but that's not saying much. Hurricanes and fires have ravaged the city for decades, and the rainy season brings constant flooding. The downtown area may be bustling, but the poorer neighborhoods are plagued by "London bridges" - rickety wooden walkways connecting homes. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate is hot, humid, and wet for most of the year. Unless you're prepared to deal with these challenges, Belize City is not the place for you.