Orange Walk Town

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Main square

Clock tower

Orange Walk Town is the second largest town in the nation of Belize, with a population of about 18,000. It is the capital of the Orange Walk District. Orange Walk Town is located on the left bank of the New River, 66 miles (106 km) north of Belize City and 30 miles (50 km) south of Corozal Town.

[edit] History

In the days of the Mayas, the area was known as Holpatin. The district is home to the biggest Mayan temple of the pre-classic period. The Mayas of the area came in contact with the Europeans in the 1530s, after which the two groups fought over land. In 1848, there was a massive influx of Maya and Mestizos from Mexico, fleeing the Caste War of Yucatán (1847–1901). This caused a rapid growth of population.

With the mestizos came their many traditions that today abound in the region. One such thing that they brought was the sugar cane, which in the years to come became the basis of Belize's leading industry. Today, this industry continues to thrive in the region, and Orange Walk Town is nicknamed "Sugar City". The local Tower Hill Sugar Factory (Belize Sugar Industries) handles all of the country's sugar cane output. The farming of other crops, and tourism, also play a role in the economy.