Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 14. The primary language of Guatemala is Spanish. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . Elegant residential districts have grown up on the borders of the old city, particularly toward the south, and low-cost housing units have been constructed in various parts of the urban area. 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for? Guatemala is a developing country characterized by wide income disparities. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. MAJESTIC TURKEY BY CULTURE TRIP. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. 21. Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. The climate in Guatemala City is pretty fantastic youll generally experience savannah weather here from around 70 degrees F up to 82 degrees F. Better pack some sunscreen and keep hydrated on the move, then! Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! If you want to make sure you speak the local lingo before you visit, be sure to brush up on your Spanish, as its the official language of the city. Volcn Tajumulco stands tall at 13,850 feet (4,220 meters), making it the highest peak in all of Central America. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. It is the seat of the principal faculties of the San Carlos University of Guatemala (established 1676 in Antigua Guatemala); the major institutions for artistic, commercial, vocational, and military education; the Society of Geography and History; and several important museums. Other points of interest include the remarkable concrete relief map of the country in Minerva Park, the archaeological and historical museums, the colonial aqueduct, the central market, and Olympic City, built for the Central American Olympic Games of 1950. Itis a country inCentral America. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. 28. Guatemala is well-known for its awe-inspiring treasures. Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. The Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. Tours. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. About half the population lives in urban areas. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. (Source: Britannica), 18. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. . Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. Guatemala Area and Population Density. As is the case in many regions of Central and South America, the tap water is not safe to drink. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 24. Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. (Source: Britannica, UNESCO), 23. There is an ongoing territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize, 13. One Country, Many Climates. The country has a long and rich history, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. Its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarez Ovalle. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. Volcanoes. The ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal in Guatemala is one of the major sites of Mayan civilization and was inhabited for 16 centuries from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD. Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. One of the few buildings that survived the earthquakes in 1917 and 1918 in Guatemala City, it was restored in 1984 with its walls now reaching up to one meter thick on the outside and 0.60 meters in the interior. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . The emblem is the countrys Coat of Arms which features crossed rifles and swords, a laurel wreath, a quetzal and the date that Central America became independent from Spain. The beauty of the lake was praised by two prominent people in history: one being the German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and the other being Aldous Huxley. 1 It's a big, sprawling metropolis where population growth has outpaced the city's . Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. The Mayan ruins have been part of a national park in Guatemala since the 1960s, and in 1979 they were . Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. The climate in Guatemala City is pretty fantastic youll generally experience savannah weather here from around 70 degrees F up to 82 degrees F. Better pack some sunscreen and keep hydrated on the move, then! 4. The country's contemporary capital, Guatemala City, is a major metropolitan centre; Quetzaltenango in the western highlands is the nucleus of the Indian population. Official name: Republic of GuatemalaCapital city: Guatemala CityPopulation: 17,153,288Area: 108,889 sq kmMajor languages: Spanish, Maya languagesTime zone: UTC-6 (Central Time Zone)(Source: CIA World Fact Book), 1. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Located just 25 miles south of the city, the Pacaya Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, having erupted over 25 times since 1965. Your email address will not be published. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. After independence from Spain was declared in 1821, Guatemala City served successively as the capital of the province of Central America under the Mexican Empire of Agustn de Iturbide (182223), the Central American Federation (182333), the state, and, finally, the independent Republic of Guatemala. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. DK: London), 8. If you are interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Pacaya volcano. Surrounded by volcanoes, it has been called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The Home of the Happy Meal. Guatemala is a popular destination among travelers due to its unique heritage and natural beauty. Guatemala has a rainy season and a dry season, 23. Congratulation! In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! A great contrast can be seen between the cultures of the poverty-stricken Mayan rural residents of the country who live in the highland region and the relatively wealthy mestizos (called Ladinos in Guatemala) living in the urban areas. He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. Guatemala City is said to suffer from poverty as a result of uneven income across the state - with 5% of the country controlling all but 15% of the wealth. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. It also caused the death of a man. (Source: World Bank), 22. It covers an area of 108,889 sq km. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. 2. She called it something else but when the idea crossed the desk of a McDonalds executive in the United States, he liked the idea and added it to the menu after changing the name to the one we know today, the Happy Meal. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. (Source: Washington Post), 20. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 20:21 Guatemala City Travel Tips. Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of the conditions youll find around the country. Guatemala for Kids. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. Do Octopuses Have Bones? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is sided by important buildings and parks, such as the "Palacio Nacional de la Cultura" (the former presidential palace), the "Catedral Metropolitana", the "Biblioteca Nacional de Guatemala", the "Portal del Comrcio" and the "Parque Centenrio". We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. Guatemala City, while technically the main hub of the country since the late 1700s, is actually the fourth capital city Guatemalas ever laid claim to. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. Guatemala is not only bordered by the four countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Belize and Honduras; its also bordered by two of the worlds largest oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. Its fairly cheap to dine out in Guatemala so sampling the traditional cuisine is easy and a must when traveling around the country! The longest civil war in the history of Latin America, which was fought between military governments, right-wing vigilante groups and leftist rebels lasted a good 36 years. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. It measures approximately 250 miles. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Guatemalan coins in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin. Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and also the most populous . One day in Guatemala City. Although Monogamy is a rule, many men have a wife as well as a mistress. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. That's the county, not the city alone! Hilachas. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. 6. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. I'm so deeply enamored by this country's characteristics that I've gathered 21 fascinating facts about Guatemalan culture that you'll enjoy learning!! Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9. Guatemala carries a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, a strong Mayan culture, and a rich natural landscape where you can find ancient ruins deep in the rainforest, Guatemala is as captivating in real life as it sounds. View this post on Instagram. 23. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. In addition to the government offices and services concentrated there, Guatemala City handles nearly half of the capital invested in the country and accounts for more than half of the industrial establishments and production of the republic. Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . About firecrackers and bombing sounds. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. Cultural destinations. Some of the volcanoes are active. Check out our language learning section. The long-tailed bird lives largely in cloud forest. Your email address will not be published. It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. Heres how to order food in Spanish. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. Guatemala City, while technically the main hub of the country since the late 1700s, is actually the fourth capital city Guatemalas ever laid claim to. Pop. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. Staff at Inguat, at 7 Av 1-17, Zona 4, Guatemala City (t 2421 2800, w visitguatemala.com), are always helpful and English-speakers are available. A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal option with smaller portions for children in the 1970s. Conferences, sightseeing films and concerts are organized here for the public to enjoy. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. Open now. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer. Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, Guatemala belongs to the seven countries that conform Central America. The national currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. The square, located in Ciudad de Guatemala's Zone 1, is the very heart of the historical district. It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. Locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. In circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and gear reviews clothing, are. 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Sadly fairly rare to spot in the country tajumulco Volcano, the modern-day lines... From maguey cactus writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967 however, see! Rugs and blankets most beautiful lakes in the country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade major ethnic...., Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every.... Few Fun facts about Maryland State | what is known for Guatemala so sampling the cuisine... Damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of the top produced... Idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand of Jade with the thought that it would accelerate travel! About other cultures and tasting their food season ( verano or summer ) in!

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