Matawai

Matawai is a small community located in the province of Orange Walk, Belize. The area is situated along the New River, and is part of the larger corridor that stretches from the north to the south of Belize. Geographically, Matawai is characterized by low-lying lands and river systems, typical of the Belizean Caribbean coastal plain.

Economically, Matawai is primarily an agricultural community, relying on sugar cane and citrus production to drive local economies. The community also engages in logging and livestock raising, although these sectors have seen significant decline in recent years. Despite these economic challenges, agriculture remains a vital aspect of Matawai's economy.

Matawai, as part of a larger rural setting, has a population comprised predominantly of rural residents, often forced to seek employment in surrounding areas or in cities beyond. However, a significant portion of the population also engages in subsistence farming or small-scale entrepreneurial activities, providing a degree of self-sufficiency.

The history of Matawai is marked by the presence of pre-Columbian Maya settlements along the river, as well as the routes of European colonizers. The warmer climate and productive soil of Matawai would have benefited both settlers. Today, archaeological sites and artifacts continue to be a testament to this rich cultural heritage.

While it has a total presence in national business and social occasion, very few documented details are available on Matawai, and its specific economic, social and cultural background. It spans largely a inhabitants shaped by its place in Belize's social landscape.