Sarteneja
Sarteneja | |
|---|---|
| Village of Sarteneja | |
| Coordinates: 18°21′12″N 88°8′46″W / 18.35333°N 88.14611°W | |
| Country | Belize |
| District | Corozal District |
| Constituency | Corozal South East |
| Established | 1847 |
| Government | |
| • Chairman | Paulino Lucio Guerrero (PUP) |
| Area | |
• Total | 90.33 km2 (34.88 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 2−4 m (−11 ft) |
| Population (2016) | |
• Total | 3,550 |
| Demonym | Sartenejeño(a) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central) |
| Climate | Aw |
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. 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.