San Ignacio (town)
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San Ignacio is a town in western Belize that serves as the capital of Cayo District. It is located on the banks of the Macal River, a branch of the Belize River, about 72 miles (115 kilometres) west of Belize City and 22 miles (35 km) west of Belmopan.
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[edit] Santa Elena
In recent years San Ignacio has absorbed the formerly separate village of Santa Elena. Santa Elena stands on the other side of the Macal, which is spanned here by the Hawkesworth Suspension Bridge. According to the 2000 census, the combined population was 13,545 people. The two are collectively referred to as the "Twin Towns" although San Ignacio is bigger.
[edit] Ethnic and religious makeup
The population is largely Maya Indian and Mestizo, with some Lebanese. San Ignacio also boasts a fairly large Chinese population, most of whom emigrated from Guangzhou in waves in the mid-20th century. A sizable Beachy Amish community resides near San Ignacio.
[edit] City government
San Ignacio is currently governed by a Town Council affiliated with the United Democratic Party (UDP). The mayor is John Francis August, Jr.
[edit] Colleges
San Ignacio has one junior college, Sacred Heart Junior College.
[edit] Attractions
The area around San Ignacio is one of the most popular parts of the country for tourism. Nearby attractions include the ancient Maya ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Tikal (Guatemala) and the cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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