This makes it incredibly densely packed! That's the county, not the city alone! Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, which are further divided into 335 municipalities. Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. 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! Atitln. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. Check out our language learning section. Updates? 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. Guide to Skeleton, Teeth, Beak, 8 Safest Countries in Central America, Caribbean: Data Backed Travel Guide. 2. Now, thats a lot to handle in such a short time but I dare say, the country has weathered the bad quite well! Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. . 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. Your email address will not be published. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. 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. Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. 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. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. Feeling hungry? In addition to modern art, there are also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of their ancestors from centuries before. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. The reason for the formation of the sinkhole is thought to be the weak material the city is built on - volcano . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Antigua Guatemala History Facts. (Source: The Guardian), 17. 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. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. Area. Guatemalans, in particular Mayan women, are skilled textile producers. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. With average temperatures of 23C / 73.4F in December, Guatemala makes for a great escape from the harsh winters of the Northern hemisphere. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. If you are interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Pacaya volcano. Required fields are marked *. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. 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 Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. 8. The name fits well because Guatemala has plenty of trees in its vast wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. 27. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. Photo credit. It is the country that has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. 38. 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!! She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. It is the focus of highway, rail, and air transport and is the commercial and banking centre of the country. 48. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. Interesting Facts. Coffee from Guatemala is said to be the best in the world and if youve ever tried it, youve likely tasted the difference because it stands out from any other coffee from anywhere else in the world. It's an amazingly big city. There are many different ways to celebrate deceased loved ones and in Guatemala, one popular way to do just that is by flying a kite. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. 28. (2014). Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. 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. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). (Source: UNESCO), 3. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). All these countries gained their independence from Spain. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. 1. 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. 21. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. 1931 - Jorge Ubico becomes president; his tenure . Watch the eruptions at night, when brilliant orange lava lights up the sky. Guatemala flag. 9. And an average of 101 murders per week were reported in 2016. By the end of civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. 1. 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). 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. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. This was actually the Spaniards third try at making a capital city in this newly founded territory. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. The Guatemalan flag is more than a white center bordered by two blue vertical stripes and with the national emblem in the middle. Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. It measures approximately 250 miles. Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . The major cash crops in Guatemala include coffee, bananas, sugar, cotton hemp, and cacao. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Travel from the bazaars of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya. Required fields are marked *. 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. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. (Source: WWF), 9. Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. View this post on Instagram. It's an amazingly big city. A lot of Guatemalans live in poverty. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! Avg. Guatemala is the worlds largest exporter of cardamom, 15. Straddling Guatemala's border with Mexico, Volcan Tacana towers above its surroundings, dwarfing everything with its colossal 4,060-metre summit. Guatemala is home to at least 37 volcanoes, 3 of which have erupted since 2021. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. 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. Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. The country's contemporary capital, Guatemala City, is a major metropolitan centre; Quetzaltenango in the western highlands is the nucleus of the Indian population. Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal: 1.) Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. 56. 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. 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. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. 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! 34. 20. The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. Your email address will not be published. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for? Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. 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. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. 1. This makes it incredibly densely packed! There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. 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. It is sided by important buildings and parks, such as the "Palacio Nacional de la Cultura" (the former presidential palace), the "Catedral Metropolitana", the "Biblioteca Nacional de Guatemala", the "Portal del Comrcio" and the "Parque Centenrio". Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. Find the most relevant statistics and facts about Guatemala. 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. Links, we may earn an affiliate commission, it may be worth taking note of the Safest Countries Central... 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