However, Spanish is their official language. 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. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. 2. Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. 00:59 - Source: CNN. 04 With a total area of 108,889 sq km, Guatemala is the world's 107th largest nation. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. (Source: World Bank), 22. Tikal is one of world's great ancient wonders. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. Facts about Guatemala. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. Volcn Tajumulco stands tall at 13,850 feet (4,220 meters), making it the highest peak in all of Central America. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. In the environs of Guatemala City are the villages of Chinautla, famous for hand-formed pottery, Mixco, which supplies the capital with fruits and vegetables, and the Indian towns of San Pedro and San Juan Sacatepquez, all of which suffered extensive damage in the earthquake of 1976. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. It's an amazingly big city. The 2010 sinkhole (Associated Press, via horslips5/Flickr) The fact more people were not consumed was miraculous for the size of the hole, but a bigger disaster was already forming beneath the . Photo credit. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. Economic Overview. Cool Facts about Guatemala. 3. Required fields are marked *. Beautiful Volcn Atitln is the tallest of the three impressive volcanoes on spectacular Lake Atitln, one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. 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. (2014). The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. As is the case in many regions of Central and South America, the tap water is not safe to drink. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. If youre a wildlife and nature lover, youll love exploring Guatemalas green spaces. Conferences, sightseeing films and concerts are organized here for the public to enjoy. 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). 21. Before the Spanish people arrived in Central America, Guatemala was inhabited by indigenous Mayan peoples. Antigua Guatemala. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. 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!! The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. National Colours: blue and white. 38. 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. 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. The food is excellent. 1. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. One of the most colorful facts about Guatemala! Guatemalans, in particular Mayan women, are skilled textile producers. The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, 22. Religion: Most Guatemalans are Christians (88%) Currency: 1 quetzal = 100 centavos. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. Travel from the bazaars of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya. 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. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. That's the county, not the city alone! There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). With average temperatures of 23C / 73.4F in December, Guatemala makes for a great escape from the harsh winters of the Northern hemisphere. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. That site is Tikal National Park and in this park youll find pristine jungle terrain and fascinating Mayan ruins. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. It measures approximately 250 miles. Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of the conditions youll find around the country. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, Guatemala belongs to the seven countries that conform Central America. 2. This is one of my favorite interesting facts about Guatemala! 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. 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. Some are up to 30 years old. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. Perhaps it should be. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. 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. By the end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. Do Octopuses Have Bones? Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Traditional Dance: Guatemala is famous for its traditional dances. Tikal was one of the major metropolises of the Mayan civilization and one of the biggest in the world. 6. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. Even though I spent just one day in Guatemala City Really enjoyed this . Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. Guatemala is part of this area. Congratulation! Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. Hilachas. More than 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home. 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! There is an ongoing territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize, 13. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, 3. 1. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. 30. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. 01 The origin of the name 'Guatemala' is 'Quahtlemallan' which means 'place of many trees'. 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. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. Considered the food of the gods by the Mayans, the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Many of these arrive on cruise ships. 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. Only slightly larger than the U.S. state of Tennessee, Guatemala is a mountainous country with one-third of the population living in cool highland villages. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. Guatemala is home to the beautiful scarlet macaw and venomous Bothrops asper. (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. The People. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. Hotel in Zona 10, Guatemala. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. Hilachas. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. km (42,042 sq mi). Facts about Guatemala. Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody Know. Maximn, also known as San Simn, is described as an idol formed by the fusion of traditional Mayan deities, Catholic saints, and conquistador legends.. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. Required fields are marked *. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. View Trip. 48. Home / Caribbean / Fun Facts about Guatemala. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala. After gaining independence from Spain in the 1820s, Guatemala had a long history of government by authoritarian rule and military regimes until it came under democratic rule in 1985. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 49. Dining Etiquettes: when invited to a Guatemala household for dinner, carry a small gift item (avoid food items) for the family. (Source: WWF), 9. 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. Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, 4. 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 Home of the Happy Meal. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. It is estimated that this war claimed 200,000 casualties, including genocide committed against the Maya population. The Mayan civilization was one of the most progressive civilizations in the pre-Columbian age and they built a huge part of their empire in what is now present-day Guatemala. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. Guatemala is probably an indigenous name originating either from the words Quauhtemallan meaning land of trees or Guhatezmalha meaning mountain of vomiting water, referring to its volcanic eruptions. A Rich Multilingual Country. Guatemala knew 36 years of civil war. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Aside from that, the capital of Guatemala and its largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin. 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. It was also used as a symbol of status and wealth. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. Now here going to know about guatemala food facts. With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer. 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. Guatemala has two main seasons. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Please add your thoughts to the comments below. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. Located in Guatemala, 1.2 miles from Popol Vuh Museum, Meraki Boutique Hotel provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. It covers an area of 108,889 sq km. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. And an average of 101 murders per week was reported in 2016. Thats the county, not the city alone! Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. 24. Climate. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. In the 1600s and 1700s, a number of treaties were signed between Britain and Spain saying that Belize fell under Spanish sovereignty, but could be used by the English. Be grateful! (Source: Britannica, UNESCO), 23. (Source: CNN), 24. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. 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. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. Join us as we share our experiences and the best attractions, animals, and foods from around the world. Open now. Beer and rum are major industries, as is the production of paper goods. 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. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Your email address will not be published. . (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). 1. 27. Guide to Skeleton, Teeth, Beak, 8 Safest Countries in Central America, Caribbean: Data Backed Travel Guide. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. 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. Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. (Source: Britannica), 18. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. Check out our language learning section. . This makes it incredibly densely packed! Avg. The conflict saw an estimated 200,000 people killed with many of the casualties a result of human rights atrocities committed by the government. It also caused the death of a man. 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. Did you know that Guatemala is home to the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines both natural and cultural wonders? However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. It is called the land of eternal spring. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. A post shared by ETHNY CORNER (@ethny_corner) 4. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. . 14. 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Home / Central America / Fun Facts about Guatemala City. Guatemala is home to at least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021. In the town of San Andres Itzapa, there is even a large temple dedicated to his worship. 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. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. The capital of the country is Guatemala City, with about a million people living there. GDP Per Capita, PPP. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Fast Facts | Important Information of Guatemala, 70 Fun Facts about Summer things that Only Happen in the Summer, 28 Fun Facts about Broccoli to let You Know, 27 Unique Interesting Facts about the Deciduous Forest, 60+ Fun Facts about Ladybugs That will Surprise You, 31 Unique Fun Facts about Iguanas that Pleasure to YOU, 42 Fun Facts about Blueberries that You Should Known, 72 Interesting Facts about lynx that Make You Known Unique. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! On a trip to the country, a traveler learns about the strong cultural heritage of Guatemalans which blends indigenous European, Mayan and Caribbean influences. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. Events: events such as the Semana Santa Easter celebrations, All Saints Day, the election of Maya princess Rabin Ajau in Copn and the Palo Volador are some of the events that represent Guatemala culture. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thats the county, not the city alone! Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. 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! Each village has its own individualist pattern, making it easy to identify the village of the person by the design of his or her clothes. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. Incredible temples, an intricate writing system, a sophisticated calendar and many achievements in math, science and astronomy are just some of the things the Maya are known for. The country of Guatemala in Central America is rich in history, culture, and national treasures. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was . Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. Do you like chocolate bars? MAJESTIC TURKEY BY CULTURE TRIP. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. With these facts about Guatemala, let us explore its history, culture, food, volcanoes, geography, economy, trade and more. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. 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. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. 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. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. Official languages: Spanish Capital: Guatemala City Area: 108,890 km Population: 13.6 million residents Population density: 124.44 residents per km Currency: GTQ Internet TLD: .gt ISO codes: GT, GTM , 320 The prefix for Guatemala is +502. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. La muy Noble y muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala (Antigua) was founded on March 10, 1543. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. 29. Traveling to a country where you dont speak the language? Im a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. I guess its an acquired taste or perhaps some people just dont know good beer. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too.

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