Benque Viejo del Carmen
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Benque Viejo del Carmen is a town in the Cayo District of the nation of Belize, with a population of about 8,000 people, mostly of Maya descent (Mestizos). It is the furthest west sizable settlement in Belize, located about 130 km (81 miles) west of Belize City, near the border with Guatemala. The town was established in the 19th century, mostly by immigrants from Guatemala. The ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich are nearby. The town lies alongside the Mopan River.
During the first years of the 21st century, the town experienced a rapid boom in population. Benque is mainly a suburban settlement with schools, supermarkets and other facilities. As of 2007 the mayor is Marconi Sosa, a UDP member.
[edit] Nearby towns
- San Ignacio Cayo 13 km (8 miles) to the east.
- Melchor de Mencos 2 km (1 mile) to the west in Petén, Guatemala.
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