You complete. While Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, there are 24 other languages spoken in the country including 22 Mayan languages. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. . 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). 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 a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. Guatemala, known as the "land of trees" in the Mayan tongue, is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). Imagine these ancient ruins set against the lush jungle canopy and youll understand why they call this site mixed and why its one of the most visited places in the country. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. One day in Guatemala City. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. 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. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. 35. Key Facts. It measures approximately 250 miles. Museo de Historia. Known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and archaeological wonders, Guatemala receives around two million tourists a year. 2. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. Fortunately, bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. 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. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. 32 Fun Facts About Italy You Should Know. The lake is the deepest lake in Central America and is believed to be 900 feet (300 meters) deep and covers 48 square miles (125 square kilometers). Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. 18. It is also known as Xela (pronounced "sheh-lah") or Xelaj ("sheh-lah-hoo"), its original name in the k'iche' language, and which means "under the ten ideas or concepts". Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. 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). The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. 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. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. 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. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. 33. 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. Please add your thoughts to the comments below. 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. Changing climate is also its top topic. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. Your email address will not be published. The indigenous Mayans and those of mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as mestizos. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. Visitors flock to this site to take glimpses of the red-hot lava. 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. 27. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. 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! Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. 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! (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. Guatemala City is home to 23 public markets selling produce from across the country. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. One important economic fact about Guatemala is that the agricultural sector generates about 25% of the country's GDP. Pop. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! 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. 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. If you are interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Pacaya volcano. Antigua Guatemala. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. Do you like chocolate bars? Thats the county, not the city alone! 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. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. 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. There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. Additionally, while twenty- one Mayan languages are widely spoken throughout the highlands, Xinca, Arawakan and two non-Mayan Amerindian languages are spoken on the Caribbean coast. People also paint the gravestones of their relatives with bright colors. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. The major cash crops in Guatemala include coffee, bananas, sugar, cotton hemp, and cacao. It is the focus of highway, rail, and air transport and is the commercial and banking centre of the country. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Most backpackers follow the same route. Expect rock bottom prices on the backpacker route, and you can find beautiful accommodation and meals if you spring for a bit higher budget. 1. It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. 6. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. (Source: UNESCO), 3. However, Spanish is their official language. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. In Guatemala, turtle conservation is taken seriously and visitors to the country have the chance to help release sea turtles into the ocean at Tortugario Monterrico. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. It's an amazingly big city. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. Volcanoes. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. 17,109,746. Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and . Guatemalans celebrate Dia de losMuertos, or the Day of the Dead, every first November. In 1900 the population of Guatemala was 885,000. A great place to see a concentration of Mayan Ruins is in the Petn lowlands. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. The long-tailed bird lives largely in cloud forest. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. By myom624. . There are 21 Mayan languages (a language family spoken in Mesoamerica and northern Central America by at least 6 million Maya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! That site is Tikal National Park and in this park youll find pristine jungle terrain and fascinating Mayan ruins. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. Flag. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. 11. During that period between 1960 and 1996, over 200,000 people were killed, and over 600 massacre sites were uncovered. Facts about Guatemala. The rainy season (invierno or winter) usually lasts from May until November. 1. No#20: Biggest business. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Today tamales are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and vegetables. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. 28. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Share them in the comments below! Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. 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. Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. 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 name fits well because Guatemala has plenty of trees in its vast wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. (Source: Britannica), 4. 00:59 - Source: CNN. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. About half the population lives in urban areas. According to the CIA, the median age in Guatemala is 23.2 years old. The organization has smaller branches in Antigua, Flores, Panajachel and Quetzaltenango, and at the airports in Flores and Guatemala City. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Several villages were evacuated when the nearby Pacaya volcano erupted in 2000. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. (Source: CNN), 24. (Source: National Geographic), 13. $9,769. Chocolate can be found everywhere in the country including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat. 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. And an average of 101 murders per week were reported in 2016. One of the most colorful facts about Guatemala! The Home of the Happy Meal. More interestingly, the agricultural sector employs about 50% of the country's labor force. 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. According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! Guatemala knew 36 years of civil war. By the end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. 40. (Source: WWF), 9. 24. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. Cool Facts about Guatemala. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for? No#11: Famous things. Its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, also known asGuatemala City. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. In addition to the government offices and services concentrated there, Guatemala City handles nearly half of the capital invested in the country and accounts for more than half of the industrial establishments and production of the republic. It is called the land of eternal spring. 26. 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!! 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). 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. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Guatemala is well-known for its awe-inspiring treasures. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Im a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel. Guatemala Area and Population Density. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, Guatemala belongs to the seven countries that conform Central America. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. Beer and rum are major industries, as is the production of paper goods. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. Maximn, also known as San Simn, is described as an idol formed by the fusion of traditional Mayan deities, Catholic saints, and conquistador legends.. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. Nearly half of its population is under the age of 19. 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. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. 38. (Source:Encyclopedia.com), 7. 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Omissions? Read More 19 Interesting & Fun Facts about Iowa State | What is Known for?Continue, Read More Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not KnowContinue, Read More 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for?Continue, Read More 50+ Interesting Facts About Austin TexasContinue, Read More Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody KnowContinue, Read More 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for?Continue, Your email address will not be published. It also caused the death of a man. 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. 1. Home Facts 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala. (Source: World Bank), 22. . 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! Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. 10. The country has a long and rich history, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? He is usually depicted as a wood effigy, sitting in a chair. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). (2014). 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. 42. In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. The Guatemalan economy is robust, and is actually the largest economy 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. Sun: 7 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.3 hrs per day (daylight) Rain: 7mm per month. Guatemala became independent in 1821. 4. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. 12. Some of the volcanoes are active. Interesting facts about Guatemala. Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. . Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. Kaminaljuyu. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. 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. Ten fun facts about Guatemala. 20:21 Guatemala City Travel Tips. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. 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! Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Since that day, the country has weathered two revolutions, a handful of dictatorships, an intervention backed by the United States, a civil war and several military coups. 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. 2. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. Flag of Guatemala The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. With average temperatures of 23C / 73.4F in December, Guatemala makes for a great escape from the harsh winters of the Northern hemisphere. It is the seat of the principal faculties of the San Carlos University of Guatemala (established 1676 in Antigua Guatemala); the major institutions for artistic, commercial, vocational, and military education; the Society of Geography and History; and several important museums. 17. The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. 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. 340 meters ), is the production of paper goods in 1776 and preserved ruins with bright colors 13,845 (. 30 volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito as a wood effigy, sitting a! 13, 1960, and White Nun Orchid ( Monja Blanca ) is a common dish Guatemala. Cia, the capital was moved to Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in stead. Part of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes are under threat potatoes ) is a custom in include. 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