Belize’s capital city of Belmopan has experienced a history unlike the capital cities of other countries in Latin America. The Category 5 hurricane decimated Belize City, destroying approximately 75% of the buildings in the city. Belize City was especially vulnerable because it is situated in a low-lying area along the coast. In response to this tragedy, a movement was formed to establish a new capital city farther inland. Belmopan is a unique capital city in that it does not have a long history.