23. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. 36. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. (2014). 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. 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. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala. One day in Guatemala City. The white is the country itself while the blue strips are the two oceans that border it. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". 20 8189 7000. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. 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. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 22. 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 19 Interesting & Fun Facts about Iowa State | What is Known for? With a total of 42,042 square miles (108,889 square kilometers), Guatemala is slightly smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, but the largest country in Central America. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. According to the Cardamom Association, Guatemala is the largest exporter of cardamom in the world. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Guatemala City is home to 23 public markets selling produce from across the country. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. 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), 1. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. When they reach one of these milestones, they are auctioned off and taken to Guatemala, where local people repaint them and use them for budget-friendly public transportation. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. Guatemala carries a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, a strong Mayan culture, and a rich natural landscape where you can find ancient ruins deep in the rainforest, Guatemala is as captivating in real life as it sounds. The long-tailed bird lives largely in cloud forest. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. On a trip to the country, a traveler learns about the strong cultural heritage of Guatemalans which blends indigenous European, Mayan and Caribbean influences. (2002) 942,348. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. Guatemalan coins in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin. 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. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was . Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. By the end of civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. Home / Central America / Fun Facts about Guatemala City. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico. Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala is well-known for its awe-inspiring treasures. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. Beautiful Volcn Atitln is the tallest of the three impressive volcanoes on spectacular Lake Atitln, one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. Climate. Population. 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. Chocolate can be found everywhere in the country including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat. Do Octopuses Have Bones? I guess its an acquired taste or perhaps some people just dont know good beer. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. Guatemala's GDP in 2013 was $81.5 billion, up from $78.9 in the previous year. Home Facts 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. 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. 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 part of the ring of fire, 20. The rainy season (invierno or winter) usually lasts from May until November. View this post on Instagram. 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). Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Have you been to Guatemala? (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. 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 is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. The dry season (verano or summer) begins in November and lasts until May. Some are up to 30 years old. 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. Tikal was one of the major metropolises of the Mayan civilization and one of the biggest in the world. Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. (Source: World Bank), 22. She called it something else but when the idea crossed the desk of a McDonalds executive in the United States, he liked the idea and added it to the menu after changing the name to the one we know today, the Happy Meal. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on August 11, 2022. Guatemala, known as the "land of trees" in the Mayan tongue, is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. April 22, 2020. 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. 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. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Guatemala is part of this area. 56. Hilacha is one of the famous traditional Guatemalan dishes. Your email address will not be published. Most backpackers follow the same route. He is usually depicted as a wood effigy, sitting in a chair. All Rights Reserved. 9. That's the county, not the city alone! If invited to a household in Guatemala, it is appropriate to bring chocolates, wine or flowers (avoid taking white flowers as they are generally brought to funerals). The country of Guatemala in Central America is rich in history, culture, and national treasures. Traveling to a country where you dont speak the language? About half the population lives in urban areas. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Interesting facts about Guatemala. Ten fun facts about Guatemala. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. The country is also the world's leading producer of Jade. And an average of 101 murders per week was reported in 2016. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2022. 1. Religion: Most Guatemalans are Christians (88%) Currency: 1 quetzal = 100 centavos. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. 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. It measures approximately 250 miles. Name Elevation (m) Elevation (ft) Coordinates Last eruption Acatenango: 3976: 13,044 1972 Agua: 3760: 12,336: Holocene . (Source: Britannica), 10. As of 2022, both Guatemala and Belize are trying to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands. The major cash crops in Guatemala include coffee, bananas, sugar, cotton hemp, and cacao. Traditional Dance: Guatemala is famous for its traditional dances. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. Many of these arrive on cruise ships. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. 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). 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. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Interesting Facts. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. Hilachas. About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. Humidity: 80%. The ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. 154. And yes, to do in conjunction with this plaza (for about a half-day sightseeing in total) are Catedral Metropolitana on. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! Although Monogamy is a rule, many men have a wife as well as a mistress. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. (Source: Britannica), 18. 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. Population: 17.4 million people (2021) Capital: Guatemala City with 3 million people. Country Description. 49. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. 25. The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. Essential Facts. Guatemala became independent in 1821. 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Congratulation! It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. $86.0 billion. La muy Noble y muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala (Antigua) was founded on March 10, 1543. Open now. With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to modern art, there are also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of their ancestors from centuries before. Guatemala also has numerous mountains and volcanoes. North of the plain is a row of volcanoes. 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. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. Omissions? About firecrackers and bombing sounds. No#20: Biggest business. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. No#10: Guatemala city. Key Facts. 28. temperature: 23C / 73.4F. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. 47. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. 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