Orange Walk Town
| Orange Walk Town | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
| Orange Walk Town | |
|
Orange Walk Town | |
| Nickname(s): Sugar City | |
  Orange Walk Town Map of Orange Walk metropolitan area | |
| Coordinates: 18°4′30″N 88°33′30″W / 18.07500°N 88.55833°W | |
| Country |
 Belize |
| District | Orange Walk |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Kevin Bernard (PUP) |
| Elevation | 33 m (108 ft) |
| Population (2010)[1] | |
| • Total | 13,708 |
| • Estimate (2015)[2] | 13,687 |
| Demonym(s) | Orange Walkeño(a) |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6) |
| Climate | Aw |
Orange Walk Town is the fourth largest town in the nation of Belize, with a population of about 13,400 (Official Release of the Main Findings of the 2010 Population and Housing Census). It is the capital of the Orange Walk District. Orange Walk Town is located on the left bank of the New River, 53 miles (85 km) north of Belize City and 30 miles (48 km) south of Corozal Town.
History
In the days of the Maya civilization, the area was known as Holpatin. The district is home to the biggest Maya temple of the pre-classic period. The Maya 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 Maya 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.
Ethnicities
The region is highly populated by Mestizos, Yucatec Mayas, Kriols, Mennonites, Chinese, Taiwanese, Indians, and other people from Central America. It is also heavily influenced with Catholics
Population and Housing
2010 Population and Housing Census has Orange Walk town's total population as 13,400 residents,of this 6,642 are males and 6,758 are females. The total number of households is 3,361 and the average household size is 4.0.
Transportation
The locality is served by the Orange Walk Airport (IATA: ORZ). Local bus service to and from Belize City to the south and Corozal City to the north operates approximately every half-hour.
References
- ↑ "Belize Population and Housing Census 2010" (PDF). Statistical Institute of Belize. 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
- ↑ "Mid-Year Population Estimates by Area and Sex 2008 - 2015". Statistical Institute of Belize. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Orange Walk Town. |
Orange Walk Town travel guide from Wikivoyage
Coordinates: 18°04′30″N 88°33′30″W / 18.07500°N 88.55833°W