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Belize

Mayas. The most important city of this district is Corozal Town, perched on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. The town is approximately 96 miles up the Northern Highway from Belize City. The ancient Maya ruins are major attractions of the districts, such as those at Santa Rita. Tourists come to see wildlife lagoons in this district, too. Shipstern Nature Reserve, for example, features a hardwood forest, savanna that is home to deer, tapir, and other wildlife, and 25 species of butterflies. The economy of the Corozal is based on raising sugar cane, papaya, and fishing. Orange Walk Orange Walk is the secondmost northern district. Mestizo , Yucatec Mayas, and Creoles live here. Many Chinese and Hindus own shops and restau- rants. The major city of the district is Orange Walk Town, located 54 miles up the Northern Highway from Belize City. Its major activity is the produc- tion of sugar cane. Sugar cane trucks rumble with their loads into Orange Walk Town constantly. Lining Yo Creek Road on the outskirts are large sugar cane plantations. Other important economic activities are cattle rear- ing and vegetable growing. Visitors to Orange Walk often go to see the

estuary— a water passage where a sea tide meets a river current. lagoon— a shallow channel or pond that feeds into a larger body of water. stalactite— a deposit of calcium carbonate hanging from a stone ceiling like an icicle. Words to Understand in this Chapter