She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. The biggest one is La Terminal in Zone 4, while the most tourist-friendly is the Mercado Central in Zone 1. The long-tailed bird lives largely in cloud forest. Archeological finds suggest that the region was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! 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. Feeling hungry? There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. 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. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . GDP. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. 46. Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on August 11, 2022. 7. 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. These include 21 Maya languages. Thats the county, not the city alone! Cuisine: Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Most backpackers follow the same route. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. The square, located in Ciudad de Guatemala's Zone 1, is the very heart of the historical district. The capital city changed its location many times, 7. As is the case in many regions of Central and South America, the tap water is not safe to drink. By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. 2. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of the labor force works in the agricultural sector and the main crops are coffee, sugar, and bananas. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. The name Tikal may be derived from ti ak'al in the Yucatec Maya language; and it is said to be a relatively modern name meaning "at the waterhole". Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! 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. We have a special focus on travel in Ecuador, Africa, and Nova Scotia. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. (Source:Encyclopedia.com), 7. 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. The country features over 10,000 plants and over 3,000 wildlife species. Itis a country inCentral America. Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. I guess its an acquired taste or perhaps some people just dont know good beer. 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! (Source: WWF), 9. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. 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. 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. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Guatemala Area and Population Density. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. The national beer is called Gallo. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Located in the wilds of . (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. Name Elevation (m) Elevation (ft) Coordinates Last eruption Acatenango: 3976: 13,044 1972 Agua: 3760: 12,336: Holocene . The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. 56.01% are Ladino, meaning that they have a mix of European and Indigenous ancestry. The ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! 41. In addition, every village celebrates the day of their Patron Saint, where cultural activities such as a presentation of crafts, processions and folkloric dances take place. Required fields are marked *. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). Visitors flock to this site to take glimpses of the red-hot lava. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. View Trip. (Source: Britannica), 10. Trek up Volcn de Pacaya A day-trip from Antigua or Guatemala City, a hike to the top of active volcano Pacaya is an unforgettable experience. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. Do you like chocolate bars? Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). 13. 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. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . It was first introduced in the 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys most significant export. Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. It is also referred to as the "land of the eternal spring" due to its warm tropical climate, which is more temperate in the highlands and drier in the easternmost areas. Hilachas. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! 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). 2.) 12. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. 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. There are around 10,929 Guatemalans for every square mile in this city hardly space to escape for peace and quiet, but thats how they like it! Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. 3. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. 44. The reason for the formation of the sinkhole is thought to be the weak material the city is built on - volcano . The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. Budget Hotel. 4. At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of the conditions youll find around the country. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. April 22, 2020. These Guatemala facts are a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful Central American country. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. Plus, in the heart of the dry season . About 60 percent of people are of European or mixed heritage, known as ladino (what is often called mestizo in English), with nearly all the remainder of Mayan ancestry. Communication: while the Maya adults greet each other verbally, asking about ones health and family, Latino adults greeting and farewells call for embraces, handshakes, arm or shoulder patting and even cheek kissing almost from the first acquaintance. The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. 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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. 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. However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. 21. Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. 20 Awesome Tips for Planning Your Patagonia Trip. The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, 22. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. . 3.) Perhaps it should be. This article may contain affiliate links. 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. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. Country Description. 20. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and . The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. DK: London. Essential Facts. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarez Ovalle. 1. Guatemalan clothing facts: The Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Italy has amazing, 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala, 34 FUN and Interesting Facts About Bulgaria To Know, 30 FUN Tanzania Facts That Will Blow Your Mind, 33 FUN Facts About Turkey You Should Know. 1. Fortunately, bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. Tikal was one of the major metropolises of the Mayan civilization and one of the biggest in the world. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. It measures approximately 250 miles. A post shared by ETHNY CORNER (@ethny_corner) 4. The country has a long and rich history, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. Area. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. This makes it the second-highest peak in Central America. The second person was Rigoberta Mench Tum in 1992 for her work in feminism and human rights. Traditional Dance: Guatemala is famous for its traditional dances. The country's contemporary capital, Guatemala City, is a major metropolitan centre; Quetzaltenango in the western highlands is the nucleus of the Indian population. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. 11. According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. Some amazing facts about Guatemala. (Source: CNN), 24. Families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. 20 8189 7000. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. Do you like chocolate bars? According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. 47. 31. Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. North of the plain is a row of volcanoes. Beer and rum are major industries, as is the production of paper goods. The Quetzal is the national bird & White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is thenational flower of Guatemala. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. Performed at fiestas in honor of the local saint, these dances are musical dramas which recall historical events through the use of masks and costumes. On May 30, 2010, an enormous hole, 60 feet wide and 30 stories deep, opened up in the middle of Guatemala City, swallowing a three-story building and a home. Watch the eruptions at night, when brilliant orange lava lights up the sky. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. 4. . Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. 1. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. 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. The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. (2014). Volcanoes. A great place to see a concentration of Mayan Ruins is in the Petn lowlands. (2002) 942,348. Omissions? Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Taste or perhaps some people just dont know good beer to this site 20 facts about guatemala city take glimpses of the is!, employing approximately 35 % of Guatemalans live on less than $ 1.25 us a day peak in Central volcanic... Area known as the Central America in Central America, touching a huge part of the historical district in! 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