Corrections? These Guatemala facts are a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful Central American country. Are you know what is Guatemala famous for? The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). 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. 2. Guatemala City also dominates the cultural life of the country. 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. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 19 Interesting & Fun Facts about Iowa State | What is Known for? 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. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, 4. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. Do you like chocolate bars? Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. 14. The indigenous Mayans and those of mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as mestizos. Avg. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Its border also touches Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras.Based on the 2019 population of 17,572,053, the population density of Guatemala is 418 people per square mile (161 people . Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. 17,109,746. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Travel from the bazaars of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. 2. The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. This makes it incredibly densely packed! Inhabited 13,000 Years. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. (Source: WWF), 9. It measures approximately 250 miles. Guatemala is part of this area. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. Humidity: 80%. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Budget Hotel. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. The white is the country itself while the blue strips are the two oceans that border it. Share them in the comments below! It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. 35. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. And yes, to do in conjunction with this plaza (for about a half-day sightseeing in total) are Catedral Metropolitana on. 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. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. 26. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. We currently track 281 animals in Guatemala and are adding more every day! 1931 - Jorge Ubico becomes president; his tenure . Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, Guatemala belongs to the seven countries that conform Central America. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. Hello, Im Diane Diegor. The square, located in Ciudad de Guatemala's Zone 1, is the very heart of the historical district. It was first introduced in the 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys most significant export. 3. 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. It is the focus of highway, rail, and air transport and is the commercial and banking centre of the country. Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. No#10: Guatemala city. Have you been to Guatemala? Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 6. 2. Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. 45. (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. 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. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. Share them in the comments below! It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. (Source: OEC), 25. 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. 15. The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, 22. However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. Omissions? One Country, Many Climates. Located in the wilds of . Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1.) Guatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! 4. 25. The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. Facts about Guatemala. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. Several villages were evacuated when the nearby Pacaya volcano erupted in 2000. The rainy season (invierno or winter) usually lasts from May until November. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. During that period between 1960 and 1996, over 200,000 people were killed, and over 600 massacre sites were uncovered. 1. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. Be grateful! In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. More interestingly, the agricultural sector employs about 50% of the country's labor force. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. Cultural destinations. Check out our language learning section. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. 2.) 16. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. Most backpackers follow the same route. Agriculture makes up 13.5% of the GDP of Guatemala and accounts for two fifths of exports. La muy Noble y muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala (Antigua) was founded on March 10, 1543. Even though I spent just one day in Guatemala City Really enjoyed this . With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. 2. 39. 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. 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. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Beer and rum are major industries, as is the production of paper goods. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 1. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. The Mayan ruins have been part of a national park in Guatemala since the 1960s, and in 1979 they were . If youre planning to travel to Bulgaria, there are some important, For many, Tanzania may be the most well-known country in Africa. 1. 8. 6. 1. 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 country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. 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! Guatemala City (Spanish: Ciudad de Guatemala), officially New Guatemala of Assumption (Spanish: Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin), known locally as Guate, is the capital and largest city of Guatemala, and the most populous urban area in Central America.The city is located in the south-central part of the country, nestled in a mountain valley called Valle de la Ermita (English: Hermitage Valley). Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. 2. temperature: 23C / 73.4F. It's an amazingly big city. Guatemalans celebrate Dia de losMuertos, or the Day of the Dead, every first November. Dressing in layers is a must here! There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. 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. At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . Fortunately for visitors and locals alike, only three of the countrys 37 volcanoes are active so its safe to think that you will visit most of them without the worry of an eruption happening while youre there. Standing at 11,598 feet . Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. Required fields are marked *. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. Guide to Skeleton, Teeth, Beak, 8 Safest Countries in Central America, Caribbean: Data Backed Travel Guide. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. 11. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. 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). Updates? Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. Guatemalans, in particular Mayan women, are skilled textile producers. Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. (Source: BBC News), 5. No#20: Biggest business. Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. Plaza de la Constitucin. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! 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. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. 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. It is estimated that this war claimed 200,000 casualties, including genocide committed against the Maya population. The Quetzal is the national bird & White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is thenational flower of Guatemala. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. . 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. 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. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. 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