town, northwestern Belize, situated on the left (west) bank of the New River. Established in early colonial times, it was pillaged by rebellious Maya in 1872. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it conducted a thriving trade in mahogany. The town declined after demand for mahogany lessened. Sugarcane and citrus fruit cultivation and rum distilling are the main economic activities. The area's inhabitants are primarily Spanish-speaking mestizos. Recently excavated Maya archaeological sites date from 600 BC to AD 50. Pop. (2005 est.) 15,300.