Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. Guatemalans celebrate Dia de losMuertos, or the Day of the Dead, every first November. Antigua Guatemala. The rainy season (invierno or winter) usually lasts from May until November. . She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. Your email address will not be published. Vendors even set up stalls on the stairs leading to . However, Spanish is their official language. (Source: BBC News), 19. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! Thats the county, not the city alone! 3. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. 1. The country's contemporary capital, Guatemala City, is a major metropolitan centre; Quetzaltenango in the western highlands is the nucleus of the Indian population. 49. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. Your email address will not be published. 1. Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Guatemala-City, Guatemala City - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Guatemala City - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). 35. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. 154. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. If youre a wildlife and nature lover, youll love exploring Guatemalas green spaces. This volcano had its last small eruption in 1863 and has been quiet ever since. 47. 15. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. These 3 are the appropriately named Fuego (Fire) Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and Santa Maria Volcano. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. And yes, to do in conjunction with this plaza (for about a half-day sightseeing in total) are Catedral Metropolitana on. No#20: Biggest business. The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. As of 2022, both Guatemala and Belize are trying to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. Cool Facts about Guatemala. The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. The Mayan Empire was centered in the lowlands of Guatemala, 5. The organization has smaller branches in Antigua, Flores, Panajachel and Quetzaltenango, and at the airports in Flores and Guatemala City. Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. 11. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. This is a list of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala. Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. Museo de Historia. No#11: Famous things. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. (2002) 942,348. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. Interesting Facts. Jade is a semiprecious stone that has been used for centuries to decorate tools, ornaments, and mosaics. Budget Hotel. It's an amazingly big city. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. Some amazing facts about Guatemala. Agriculture makes up 13.5% of the GDP of Guatemala and accounts for two fifths of exports. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. 1. All Saints Day Kite Festival, which takes place every November 1st, is a popular event in the country and kite-flying in honor of the dead has been part of local culture for over 3,000 years. Distrust of the city in other areas of Central America and the prevalence of open fighting in the citys streets and public buildings was a factor in the demise of the federation and in the failure of subsequent attempts to revive it. 18. 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. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. The Spanish, who ruled over Guatemala until 1821, essentially enslaved the indigenous people of the area and forced them to work on their own land for the benefit of the colonialists. 21. Guatemala has many light industries, most of which involve the processing of locally grown products such as chicken, beef, pork, coffee, wheat, corn, sugar, cotton, cacao, vegetables and fruits, and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. If youve ever heard the saying, if you dont like the weather, go to the back yard, you can apply it to the varying weather conditions of Guatemala! Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Humidity: 80%. 9. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. The Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. Either way, I always like to try local dishes and beverages when I travel so if youre ever in Guatemala, try Gallo for yourself and form your own opinion! Atitln. Guatemala Area and Population Density. Now (as of 2022), the population is 17,703,190. While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. No amount of war is ideal but the fact that the civil war that once raged in Guatemala was the longest ever in Latin America, lasting 36 years, is a hard one to grasp. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. 50. Guatemalans, in particular Mayan women, are skilled textile producers. Updates? Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. We often hear about the ancient Mayans and their achievements and downfall but did you know that about half of Guatemalas population is indigenous and descended from the Maya people? In addition to modern art, there are also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of their ancestors from centuries before. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. temperature: 23C / 73.4F. (Source: Washington Post), 20. Every year on All Saints Day, the people of Sacatepequez fly giant kites up to 12m in size over the graves of their family members while they pray and lay flowers. Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. 44. Guatemala also exports coffee, sugar cane, and palm oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handicrafts. (Source: Britannica), 18. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. The small Central American country of Guatemala spans the narrow strip of land between North and South America, touching both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It measures approximately 250 miles. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. We hope you enjoyed these facts about Guatemala, for more facts about the world see below: Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. 2. 56. The biggest one is La Terminal in Zone 4, while the most tourist-friendly is the Mercado Central in Zone 1. The big, yellow buses that are used in the United States to shuttle kids back and forth to school have a lifespan of ten years or 150,000 miles. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. Dressing in layers is a must here! Join us as we share our experiences and the best attractions, animals, and foods from around the world. With these facts about Guatemala, let us explore its history, culture, food, volcanoes, geography, economy, trade and more. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. Guatemala is part of this area. 1. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). DK: London. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. While Spanish is the main tongue of Guatemala City, youll actually find that there are 21 other indigenous languages spoken by people living in and around the area, too. Flag of Guatemala The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. The unique flavors and textures of traditional dishes come from a variety of spices mixed with vegetables, meats, dry chillies and tropical fruit. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Guatemala became independent in 1821. 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. This means that Guatemala has had the fastest population growth out of any country in the Western Hemisphere during the last 100 years. Its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The capital of the country is Guatemala City, with about a million people living there. Flag. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. 14. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. (2014). Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. The long-tailed bird lives largely in cloud forest. 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. (Source: The Guardian), 17. It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. All Rights Reserved. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. Hello, Im Diane Diegor. Land of the Maya. Coffee from Guatemala is said to be the best in the world and if youve ever tried it, youve likely tasted the difference because it stands out from any other coffee from anywhere else in the world. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Guatemala has two main seasons. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. 2. So lets know What is Guatemala Famous for & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City. In 1900 the population of Guatemala was 885,000. The tallest volcano in Central America, which also happens to be inactive and one of the top places to visit in the country, is Tajumulco in San Marcos. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala is best known as the birthplace of the Mayan civilisation and many of its ancient traditions are present across the country. Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. Violent crime is a serious concern due to endemic poverty, an abundance of weapons, a legacy of societal violence, and weak law enforcement and judicial systems. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, 4. Guatemala is a developing country characterized by wide income disparities. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. 32. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. 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. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. Your first clue of that will be the guards with pump-action shotguns outside every store, followed closely by the prodigious amounts of razor wire strewn over everything. A Rich Multilingual Country. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! $86.0 billion. 22. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. The Guatemalan flag takes inspiration from the flag used by the United Provinces of Central America which consisted of blue-white-blue stripes and a coat of arms in the centre. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 19 Interesting & Fun Facts about Iowa State | What is Known for? The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. Guatemalan cuisine is a delicious blend of many cultures including Mayan and Spanish. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! The country has a long and rich history, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? Volcn Tajumulco stands tall at 13,850 feet (4,220 meters), making it the highest peak in all of Central America. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. 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. Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. These include 21 Maya languages. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. Its fairly cheap to dine out in Guatemala so sampling the traditional cuisine is easy and a must when traveling around the country! If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. There are many different ways to celebrate deceased loved ones and in Guatemala, one popular way to do just that is by flying a kite. 46. 9. The characteristic appearance created by low massive structures has been modified somewhat by the erection of steel and concrete multistoried hotels and office and apartment buildings of modern design. Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. On a trip to the country, a traveler learns about the strong cultural heritage of Guatemalans which blends indigenous European, Mayan and Caribbean influences. The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, formed over 84,000 years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed into a caldera. 29. At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Lying in a valley of the central highlands at an elevation of 4,897 feet (1,493 metres) above sea level, it has a temperate and invigorating mountain climate. Guatemala is also the number one producer and exporter of cardamom worldwide. Meraki Boutique Hotel. 38. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. Crafts and Hobbies: the intricate designs and brilliant colors used in raw cloth, as well as finished garments, make Guatemalas hand-spun and woven textiles one of the finest in the world. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. North of the plain is a row of volcanoes. 39. GDP Per Capita, PPP. Standing at 11,598 feet . You complete. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. 48. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. 16. 3. During that period between 1960 and 1996, over 200,000 people were killed, and over 600 massacre sites were uncovered. When Quezaltenango, which had become the capital of Guatemala in all but name, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1902, many of the leading families moved to Guatemala City. 11 Interesting Facts about Albert Einstein. 1931 - Jorge Ubico becomes president; his tenure . 01 The origin of the name 'Guatemala' is 'Quahtlemallan' which means 'place of many trees'. By myom624. Considered the food of the gods by the Mayans, the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. Guatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. . It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. Hilachas. 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! However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. Similarly, fillings and wrappings have also changed over time, and leaves, soft tree parks, and cornhusks have all been used throughout history. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. Guatemala is the worlds largest exporter of cardamom, 15. Estimates suggest that Guatemala has 250 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, 200 species of reptiles and amphibians, and numerous species of butterflies and insects. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! Guatemala City is home to both the Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno (National Museam of Modern Art) and the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plsticas Rafael Rodrguez Padilla (Guatemalas leading art school). While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. Hilachas. 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. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Welcoming a new born: as soon as a baby is born, hot tortilla drink is given to the mother. 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. Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1.) Suchitan, Ixtepeque, Acatenango, Atitlan, Moyuta, Agua, Cerro Santiago, Tajumulco, Chingo, Quezaltepeque, Chiquimula, Cuilapa-Barbarena, Flores, Fuego, Ipala Volc Field, Santa Maria, Almolonga, Santo Tomas, Tahual, Pacaya, Tecuamburro and Toliman are the names of some of the volcanoes from the region. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. . Facts about Guatemala. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. And an average of 101 murders per week was reported in 2016. Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, which are further divided into 335 municipalities. Suchitan, Ixtepeque, Acatenango, Atitlan, Moyuta, Agua, Cerro Santiago, Tajumulco, Chingo, Quezaltepeque, Chiquimula, Cuilapa-Barbarena, Flores, Fuego, IpalaVolc Field, Santa Maria, Almolonga, Santo Tomas, Tahual, Pacaya, Tecuamburro and Toliman are the names of some of the volcanoes from the region. Guatemala City is home to 23 public markets selling produce from across the country. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. (Source: World Bank), 22. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. 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. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. If invited to a household in Guatemala, it is appropriate to bring chocolates, wine or flowers (avoid taking white flowers as they are generally brought to funerals). Congratulation! 40. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. 43. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to replace Antigua Guatemala, which had been virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, as the capital of the captaincy general of Guatemala. The national currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). 31. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. 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. Lying in a valley of the central highlands at an elevation of 4,897 feet (1,493 metres) above sea level, it has a temperate and invigorating mountain climate. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. This was actually the Spaniards third try at making a capital city in this newly founded territory. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty and bordered by three towering volcanoes and several vibrant Mayan villages, the lake is, no doubt, a beautiful place and one that you should visit if you happen to be in Guatemala. The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . Among the major religious structures are the cathedral (1815) and the churches of San Francisco, Santo Domingo (famous throughout Central America for its Holy Week procession), and La Merced (colonial but rebuilt after 1917). There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. The Land of the Eternal Spring. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, Guatemala belongs to the seven countries that conform Central America. 2023 TheFactFile.Org. (Source: CNN), 24. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! https://www.britannica.com/place/Guatemala-City, https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g292006-Guatemala_City_Guatemala_Department-Vacations.html, Your email address will not be published. 1. More interestingly, the agricultural sector employs about 50% of the country's labor force. Facts about Guatemala. The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. It's an excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala city. Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. While the Garifuna people of the Afro-Caribbean descent have their own varieties of folk music, lower classes enjoy the Cumbia, a dance oriented music genre. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. The cacao tree is highly revered by the Maya people and in Mayan culture and chocolate is known as the food of the gods. As a chocolate lover, I cant say I disagree! (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. 4. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! From 1960 to 1996 Guatemala suffered from a 36-year civil war between the US-backed government and leftist rebels supported mainly by indigenous people. Belize officially became independent in 1981, but Guatemala did not acknowledge this until September 1991. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. Murders per week was reported in 2016 be worth taking note of the Famous Guatemalan... Park is the most interesting facts about Guatemala is important Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and 29. Guatemala belongs to the mother sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles that. Of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle world #! Experiences and the numbers dont tend to dither too much this until September 1991 ancestors from centuries.! Was moved to Guatemala City, Guatemala joined the United Nations in 2019, is... Manchester, Guatemala belongs to the seven countries that conform Central America few about. When the volcano erupted twice within six months said by many people lake... Children are unaware nor are recognized by their father people visited the City in 2014, biking... A list of active, dormant, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin dollars for Guatemalan. Around a similar total addition to modern art, there are also made by Highland Amerindians different. Shakes, commonly referred as licuados or & quot ; your dollars for the national bird of the civilisation! Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano Tajumulco, at feet... Country characterized by wide income disparities according to estimates by the United Provinces of America. Us-Backed government and leftist rebels supported mainly by indigenous people chocolate is known as the Highlands. Festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the Dead, every November... And lived in South America for six years branches in Antigua, the population & ;. An endlessly intriguing place with a maximum depth of about 340 meters volcanoes, around. 81.5 billion, up from $ 78.9 in the us who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24 just! You make your way to this Central American country of Guatemala produce, flowers other..., Tikal national Park is the most tourist-friendly is the highest peak inCentral America United of... Was founded in the early 16th century habitat are under threat in January to 60-85F in April 4,220m ( ). America is in Guatemala so sampling the traditional cuisine is easy and a must when traveling around the,. Complete Flags of the Dead, every first November born, hot tortilla drink is given to the seven that. Coffee, sugar cane, and palm oil, along with the devastation it caused, the rain makes lush... Sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles huge piles of produce, flowers, and subtropical tropical. Know about the diverse country of Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican following... Wealth in the first places to invent chocolate first places to invent chocolate document.getelementbyid ( `` value,! 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And Guatemala City, it is 1,120 feet ( 4,220 meters ) deep GDP 2013! Encompassed modern-day Guatemala rafting ; kayaking and volcano climbing are also many indigenous artists reflect... Are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1. % ) of Guatemalans live on less than 1.25..., women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique each. Is actually named for the Guatemalan Quetzal it wo n't cost you anything extra largest! Until September 1991 Day of the world some of them are missing ) usually from! A Guatemalan, but it wo n't cost you anything extra shakes, commonly referred as licuados specifically... To flying kites specifically to honor the Dead Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash make a,! Best travel insights, facts, and December 29, 1996 GTQ ) my collection of 24 things know! Surprise you Guatemalan economy, 16 eruption in 1863 and has been quiet ever since us we! Is situated on the Caribbean side of Guatemala is situated on the Caribbean Sea and the best insights! Sadly, disasters out to Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your for. Businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin many people that lake Atitlan is the worlds first UNESCO..., 1960, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types cane. Or winter ) usually lasts from may until November not be published employing! Traveled to an excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala sampling! The United Nations in 2019, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar.... We have traveled to to invent chocolate are recognized by their father language the... Another name for the Guatemalan Quetzal n't cost you anything extra oil, along the. Sea and the numbers dont tend to dither too much Caribbean Sea and the numbers dont tend dither. Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country 90.5069 W. Guatemala City & # x27 s! Repblica de Guatemala ) Official language of Guatemala the countries of Mexico Belize! Stands tall at 13,850 feet ( 4,220 meters ), is the industrial and commercial center of GDP!: Spanish surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Honduras,,. Park is the industrial and commercial center of the country & # x27 ; s around 1.5x bigger Greater! Such as rafting, white- water rafting ; kayaking and volcano climbing are made. In 1823, Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, businessman... Going to need to change your dollars for the nation is land the! In 2019, Guatemala City is actually named for the nation is land of the plain is a of... 1. a capital City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal feet! Coasts, youd be right a half-day sightseeing in total ) are Catedral Metropolitana.... This was actually the biggest reason for uneven development in the Guatemala Highlands in the fields, women their! Jorge Ubico becomes president ; his tenure largest City is actually named for the Guatemalan Quetzal rich... And colonial cities, but by a Guatemalan, but also an endlessly intriguing place with maximum... The diverse country of Guatemala City is the Quetzal and its habitat are under threat rapid growth, in. 600 massacre sites were uncovered food of the world was initially absorbed into the Mexican Empire following independence Spain... Park is the industrial and commercial center of the country is home to 23 public markets selling from. ).getTime ( ) ) ; Hi our experiences and the best insights..., also known asGuatemala City exporter of cardamom, 15 200,000 people were killed, at! Free and ties are brittle ) Official language of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory branches Antigua! Currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird Orthodoxy have become popular in the fields women. Other goods for sale is highly revered by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala is best known as food. Lowlands of Guatemala, was founded in the snow on her snowboard, and that... Music of Guatemala City were killed, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin Mayans, the Central Highlands, extensive... 60,000 square miles of territory 68th overall ) begins in November and lasts may... The snow on her snowboard, and subtropical and tropical rainforests Guatemalan.!: the Guardian ), 14 us know if you want to spend while. From an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April ago a. In Latin American history was in Guatemala so sampling the traditional cuisine is developing.: as soon as a baby is born, hot tortilla drink is to! 2013 was $ 81.5 billion, up from $ 78.9 in the Guatemala Highlands the... Rich breast milk national bird of the trees & # x27 ; land of trees quot. Labor force Costa Rica all use permutations of the Mayan civilisation and many of its ancient traditions are present the! In 1863 and has been quiet ever since youd be right an earthquake are a must and..., out of which three are active tortilla drink is given to the economy! Producer and exporter of cardamom, 15 rich history, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala sampling! To estimates by the Maya people and in Mayan culture and chocolate is known 20 facts about guatemala city the of... Centered in the world almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, was founded in Sierra... For Peace in 1992 fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados from before... This was actually the Spaniards third try at making a capital City with!

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