Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. These 3 are the appropriately named Fuego (Fire) Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and Santa Maria Volcano. 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. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. Archeological finds suggest that the region was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago. 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. 39. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. 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). The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The biggest one is La Terminal in Zone 4, while the most tourist-friendly is the Mercado Central in Zone 1. A lot of Guatemalans live in poverty. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. There is an ongoing territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize, 13. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! 37. Guatemala is home to a population of around 16,581,273 people. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Congratulation! (Source: BBC News), 5. 4. (Source: OEC), 25. 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. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. (Source: Britannica, UNESCO), 23. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. 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. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. 38. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. I guess its an acquired taste or perhaps some people just dont know good beer. Guatemala has a rainy season and a dry season, 23. 20 8189 7000. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. 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More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Antigua Guatemala. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. The country's contemporary capital, Guatemala City, is a major metropolitan centre; Quetzaltenango in the western highlands is the nucleus of the Indian population. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Flag. Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer. 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. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. By the end of civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, 4. Budget Hotel. These are called Chicken Buses and youll see them all over Guatemala. 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. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. Guatemala also has numerous mountains and volcanoes. Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. 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. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. In fact, few cities hold a measure to it in the region! 154. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. 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. You complete. 3. 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. 33. The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. We have a special focus on travel in Ecuador, Africa, and Nova Scotia. Share them in the comments below! Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. A great place to see a concentration of Mayan Ruins is in the Petn lowlands. Avoid giving easily breakable gifts. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. This article may contain affiliate links. Open now. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. It is the country that has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. 42. It is called the land of eternal spring. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. It's an amazingly big city. 29. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. The primary language of Guatemala is Spanish. 108,889 SQ.KM. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. Tikal, or Yax Mutal, was an important city in the empire of the Maya from 200 to 900 A.D. 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. Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for? However, it was composed by Rafael lvarez Ovalle. 2. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. 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 volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Pop. 56.01% are Ladino, meaning that they have a mix of European and Indigenous ancestry. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! 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. 3.) Victory, freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. 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