Sarteneja

Sarteneja
Village of Sarteneja
Flag of Sarteneja
Sarteneja is located in Belize
Sarteneja
Sarteneja
Location of Sarteneja in Corozal District, Belize
Coordinates: 18°21′12″N 88°8′46″W / 18.35333°N 88.14611°W / 18.35333; -88.14611
CountryBelize
DistrictCorozal District
ConstituencyCorozal South East
Established1847
Government
 • ChairmanPaulino Lucio Guerrero (PUP)
Area
 • Total
90.33 km2 (34.88 sq mi)
Elevation
2−4 m (−11 ft)
Population
 (2016)
 • Total
3,550
DemonymSartenejeño(a)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central)
ClimateAw

Sarteneja is the largest fishing community and the second largest village in Belize. It recorded a population of 3,500 according to a 2016 estimate.[1] The name Sarteneja is a Castilian distortion of its original Mayan name Tza-ten-a-ha, which means 'water between the rocks'.

Sarteneja is on the Sarteneja Peninsula, approximately forty miles by road from Orange Walk Town and is near the privately owned Shipstern Conservation & Management Area. The village's economy is based primarily on fishing for lobster, conch, and finfish. There are many farmers, particularly retired fishermen who farm. Tourism is becoming increasingly significant as a source of income or at least as another alternative livelihood for those who no longer fish.

  1. ^ Belize Population and Housing Census 2010 (PDF) (Report). Statistical Institute of Belize. 2013. p. 64. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.