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. Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. The emblem is the countrys Coat of Arms which features crossed rifles and swords, a laurel wreath, a quetzal and the date that Central America became independent from Spain. In the town of San Andres Itzapa, there is even a large temple dedicated to his worship. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). Population: 17.4 million people (2021) Capital: Guatemala City with 3 million people. 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. The national beer is called Gallo. The country of Guatemala in Central America is rich in history, culture, and national treasures. (Source: Britannica), 10. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Budget Hotel. 6. (Source:Encyclopedia.com), 7. He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. Located in the wilds of . Religion: Most Guatemalans are Christians (88%) Currency: 1 quetzal = 100 centavos. By the end of the civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. There is an ongoing territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize, 13. Its fairly cheap to dine out in Guatemala so sampling the traditional cuisine is easy and a must when traveling around the country! Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). 22. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Omissions? This makes it incredibly densely packed! Locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. 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. 5. Cool Facts about Guatemala. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. 38. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. Guatemala is home to at least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021. (Source: BBC News), 5. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. 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. 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. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. 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Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. 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). The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. Plaza de la Constitucin. The white is the country itself while the blue strips are the two oceans that border it. Even though I spent just one day in Guatemala City Really enjoyed this . And an average of 101 murders per week were reported in 2016. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. 42. This is a list of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala. 2. The major cash crops in Guatemala include coffee, bananas, sugar, cotton hemp, and cacao. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. 3. That's the county, not the city alone! The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. Corrections? Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. 46. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. You complete. The site of their first capital was called Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors (who spoke the Nahuatl language). They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. It covers an area of 108,889 sq km. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. Guatemalan coins in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin. Public buildings of note include the National Palace, the post office, police headquarters, the National Archives, the National Archaeological Museum (with its collection of Mayan artifacts), the National Library, and the modern cluster of buildings around the city hall. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. Guatemala flag. Guatemala, known as the "land of trees" in the Mayan tongue, is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, which are further divided into 335 municipalities. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Tours. 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. Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. Interesting facts about Guatemala. 10. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. And yes, to do in conjunction with this plaza (for about a half-day sightseeing in total) are Catedral Metropolitana on. No#10: Guatemala city. Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. Photo credit. Most backpackers follow the same route. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. The Guatemalan economy is robust, and is actually the largest economy in Central America. 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. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not Know. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. 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 Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. At seven and a half percent, the diabetes rate in Guatemala is not beyond help, but 47.7 percent of the population is overweight, 16.4 percent of the population is obese and 12.4 percent of the population is considered physically inactive. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was . Tikal was one of the major metropolises of the Mayan civilization and one of the biggest in the world. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. 154. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. 3.) The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. Guatemala is part of the ring of fire, 20. 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. (Source: UNESCO), 3. . 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". Avoid getting scammed at the market in Guatemala. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. The picturesque town of Antigua, the ancient Maya city of Quirigua and Tikal National Park all have something very important in common; they are the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be found in Guatemala. 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! 17. View this post on Instagram. 33. 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. Guatemala is the worlds largest exporter of cardamom, 15. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. In fact, few cities hold a measure to it in the region! Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. (Source: OEC), 25. No#11: Famous things. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. 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. 6. 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. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. The second person was Rigoberta Mench Tum in 1992 for her work in feminism and human rights. 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. Old American school buses are often refurbished with chrome and an elaborate custom paint job and repurposed as intercity buses in Guatemala. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. 1. 8. Nearly half of its population is under the age of 19. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Itis a country inCentral America. The ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well. It's an excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala city. 26. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. 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. 8. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. 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. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. The quetzal is also the name of Guatemalas currency. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Pop. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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). Families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody Know. . Travel from the bazaars of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya. The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. 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. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. 27. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. Is characterized as a trickster with both good and rich breast milk City is by... America - 68th overall explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya turned... 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