A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist, due to the fact that they . temperature: 23C / 73.4F. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. 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. 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. 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. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. Duolingo and The Wiz Tech. The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! Inhabited 13,000 Years. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are adventurous enough to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with awesome views of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. 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. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. 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. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. 15. 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. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. Kaminaljuyu. By the end of civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. If youre a wildlife and nature lover, youll love exploring Guatemalas green spaces. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Guatemala, officially theRepublic of Guatemala, is the67th most populouscountry in the world. Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. 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. Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. It was sacred to the ancient Mayan and Aztec people and that is one of the reasons why the colorful Quetzal was chosen as the country's national bird. Marriages: marriages in Guatemalan society is celebrated in a civil ceremony, followed by a religious rite. Guatemala has the youngest population in Latin America, 19. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. 16. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . Guatemala has two main seasons. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. Guatemalans, in particular Mayan women, are skilled textile producers. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. 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 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. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Humidity: 80%. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? There are measures you can practice to avoid getting sick such as avoiding drinks with ice cubes and not eating fruit and vegetables that are washed in tap water. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. The food is excellent. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. . Pop. Avoid giving easily breakable gifts. 28. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. 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. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. (Source: The Guardian), 17. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Avg. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on August 11, 2022. 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. Known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and archaeological wonders, Guatemala receives around two million tourists a year. 2. Home / Caribbean / Fun Facts about Guatemala. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. Several villages were evacuated when the nearby Pacaya volcano erupted in 2000. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. 39. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). Guatemala has plenty of noteworthy sites to explore. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. It is believed that Guatemala invented the first chocolate bar and its one of its biggest exports so we can thank the country for getting it out to the rest of us. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. 40. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. Most backpackers follow the same route. 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! Ten fun facts about Guatemala. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. 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. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. Guatemala City, Spanish Guatemala or in full Ciudad de Guatemala, capital of Guatemala, the largest city in Central America, and the political, social, cultural, and economic centre of Guatemala. Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visitors flock to this site to take glimpses of the red-hot lava. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. 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. 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 civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. Quetzaltenango is a city located 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City, at 2,333 meters above sea level. 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. Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. With a population of 18.4 million, (as of 2021) Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and the fifth-largest country of the North American continent. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. Guatemala flag. If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! Guatemala City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the nation's political, cultural, and commercial hub. The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. 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. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. The Guatemala coat of arms features the national bird, a scroll containing the date of Central American independence, a wreath and crossed rifles and sabres. The Guatemalan population has grown significantly, 17. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. Guide to Skeleton, Teeth, Beak, 8 Safest Countries in Central America, Caribbean: Data Backed Travel Guide. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. 11 Interesting Facts about Albert Einstein. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. Land of the Maya. 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. With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Plus, in the heart of the dry season . 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! Guatemala City also dominates the cultural life of the country. Cool Facts about Guatemala. 7. 20. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. 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. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. (2014). Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Beautiful Volcn Atitln is the tallest of the three impressive volcanoes on spectacular Lake Atitln, one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. 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! Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. GDP. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! Guatemala is well-known for its awe-inspiring treasures. Do Octopuses Have Bones? It's an excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala city. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. 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. Traveling to a country where you dont speak the language? All of these risk factors make potential growth rates of diabetes a concern. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. Your email address will not be published. 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. (Source: BBC News), 19. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Chocolate can be found everywhere in the country including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat. 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. 1. Hilachas. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. Required fields are marked *. 56.01% are Ladino, meaning that they have a mix of European and Indigenous ancestry. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. Guatemala for Kids. Hilachas. 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! 56. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. The population of Guatemala was 17,263,239 based on 2018 estimates. But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. A lot of Guatemalans live in poverty. 108,889 SQ.KM. Tikal, or Yax Mutal, was an important city in the empire of the Maya from 200 to 900 A.D. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. 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. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. Guatemala is part of the ring of fire, 20. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. 8. Guatemala is also the number one producer and exporter of cardamom worldwide. 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. This is one of the most interesting Guatemala facts to learn. Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15th, 1821 and that important event is celebrated every year on that date with the largest celebrations taking place in the vibrant city of Quetzaltenango. No#11: Famous things. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. 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. 27. The Beautiful Quetzal Bird / Facts About Guatemala. km (42,042 sq mi). In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. Itis a country inCentral America. 4. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. The second person was Rigoberta Mench Tum in 1992 for her work in feminism and human rights. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. 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. 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. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. The unique flavors and textures of traditional dishes come from a variety of spices mixed with vegetables, meats, dry chillies and tropical fruit. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. 30. It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. 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. Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. One day in Guatemala City. The Country Has Had Two Nobel Prize Winners. National Colours: blue and white. (Source: Washington Post), 20. 44. 23. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. Volcanoes. 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. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. Maximn, also known as San Simn, is described as an idol formed by the fusion of traditional Mayan deities, Catholic saints, and conquistador legends.. The beauty of the lake was praised by two prominent people in history: one being the German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, and the other being Aldous Huxley. Guatemala is home to at least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. Budget Hotel. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. The Guatemalan flag is more than a white center bordered by two blue vertical stripes and with the national emblem in the middle. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Have you been to Guatemala? About firecrackers and bombing sounds. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. Similarly, fillings and wrappings have also changed over time, and leaves, soft tree parks, and cornhusks have all been used throughout history. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of the conditions youll find around the country. Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. . Hello, Im Diane Diegor. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. One of the few buildings that survived the earthquakes in 1917 and 1918 in Guatemala City, it was restored in 1984 with its walls now reaching up to one meter thick on the outside and 0.60 meters in the interior. 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. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". 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! You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. (2014). Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . 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! Guatemala City, Guatemala is located at Guatemala country in the Cities place category with the gps coordinates of 14 37' 42.3624'' N and 90 31' 21.7668'' W. Coordinates of Guatemala City, Guatemala is given above in both decimal degrees and DMS . There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. Area. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. Population: 17.4 million people (2021) Capital: Guatemala City with 3 million people. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The national emblem in the country is blue denim comes from the west Indies brought Central... Detailed report on crime in the world, serving as the food the... 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