The Cayo District, situated in the western part of Belize, encompasses the capital city of Belmopan. It is the largest district by area, the second-most populous, and the third-most densely populated among Belize’s six districts. The district’s administrative center is the town of San Ignacio.
Geography: Cayo District shares borders with Guatemala to the west, Orange Walk district to the north, Belize district to the northeast, Stann Creek district to the southeast, and Toledo district to the south. Belmopan, the national capital, lies within this district. Major rivers in Cayo include the Macal River and the Mopan River.
Boundaries: Originally defined in 1960, Cayo District’s boundaries extend from the Belize River to the Maya Mountains, encompassing various natural landmarks and geographical features that mark its territorial limits.
Economy and Infrastructure: Cayo District is predominantly agricultural, focusing on citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines, alongside bananas. The discovery of oil in Spanish Lookout has also contributed to its economic activities. The district is traversed by two major highways: the George Price Highway, connecting Belize City to Guatemala, and the Hummingbird Highway, which links Belmopan to the Stann Creek District.
Political Divisions: Politically, Cayo is divided into six constituencies, each represented by elected officials who oversee legislative matters and local governance.
Archaeological Sites: Cayo District boasts several significant pre-Columbian Maya ruins and archaeological sites, including Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Baking Pot, Lower Dover, and El Pilar.
Demographics: According to the 2010 census, Cayo District has a diverse demographic profile, with Roman Catholicism being the predominant religion. The district’s population has shown growth, with a notable increase in urban development and infrastructure to support its expanding communities.
Rural and Urban Development: The southern region of Cayo District remains sparsely populated compared to its northern counterpart, which is characterized by more concentrated urban development and infrastructure projects.
