When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. . 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. Your first clue of that will be the guards with pump-action shotguns outside every store, followed closely by the prodigious amounts of razor wire strewn over everything. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. Today tamales are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and vegetables. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round. Key Facts. Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. Join us as we share our experiences and the best attractions, animals, and foods from around the world. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. Guide to Skeleton, Teeth, Beak, 8 Safest Countries in Central America, Caribbean: Data Backed Travel Guide. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9. 19. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. 154. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Sun: 7 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.3 hrs per day (daylight) Rain: 7mm per month. 31. One of the most colorful facts about Guatemala! The Land of the Eternal Spring. 8. Humidity: 80%. Flag of Guatemala 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. However, Spanish is their official language. 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! The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. 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! Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. Flag. Economic Overview. Before the Spanish people arrived in Central America, Guatemala was inhabited by indigenous Mayan peoples. With a population of 18.4 million, (as of 2021) Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and the fifth-largest country of the North American continent. We have a special focus on travel in Ecuador, Africa, and Nova Scotia. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. 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. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. Your email address will not be published. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. 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". Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. 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. A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal option with smaller portions for children in the 1970s. 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). Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. 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. On a trip to the country, a traveler learns about the strong cultural heritage of Guatemalans which blends indigenous European, Mayan and Caribbean influences. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. 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. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. 23. Perhaps it should be. 12. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. (Source: Britannica), 4. 2. No#20: Biggest business. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. The Home of the Happy Meal. Marriages: marriages in Guatemalan society is celebrated in a civil ceremony, followed by a religious rite. 56.01% are Ladino, meaning that they have a mix of European and Indigenous ancestry. Do you like chocolate bars? The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. 39. It is also known as Guatemala City. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Coffee is the most-known export but bananas and sugar are also considered main products that are used both locally and exported to other countries. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. 8. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. Guatemala became independent in 1821. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Cool Facts about Guatemala. During that period between 1960 and 1996, over 200,000 people were killed, and over 600 massacre sites were uncovered. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). 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. It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. 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. Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. 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. 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. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. (Source: CNN), 24. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. 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. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist, due to the fact that they . At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Do Octopuses Have Bones? Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. 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. 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. The longest civil war in the history of Latin America, which was fought between military governments, right-wing vigilante groups and leftist rebels lasted a good 36 years. As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. It also caused the death of a man. Thats the county, not the city alone! 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. About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! Duolingo and The Wiz Tech. The quetzal is also the name of Guatemalas currency. 10. 1. Atitln. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The national beer is called Gallo. Open now. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. This makes it the second-highest peak in Central America. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. Guatemala is part of this area. The small Central American country of Guatemala spans the narrow strip of land between North and South America, touching both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. The rainy season (invierno or winter) usually lasts from May until November. 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. 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 known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. 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. He is usually depicted as a wood effigy, sitting in a chair. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. On May 30, 2010, an enormous hole, 60 feet wide and 30 stories deep, opened up in the middle of Guatemala City, swallowing a three-story building and a home. 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. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Congratulation! The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. No#11: Famous things. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. 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. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . 6. 25. It was sacred to the ancient Mayan and Aztec people and that is one of the reasons why the colorful Quetzal was chosen as the countrys national bird. 21. Have you been to Guatemala? The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, formed over 84,000 years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed into a caldera. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. 1. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Victory, freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. (Source:Encyclopedia.com), 7. Omissions? With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. It's an amazingly big city. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. The Country Has Had Two Nobel Prize Winners. 3. Guatemala is well-known for its awe-inspiring treasures. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. 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. Jade is a semiprecious stone that has been used for centuries to decorate tools, ornaments, and mosaics. Officially called the Republic of Guatemala, is the 67th most populous country. Cultural destinations. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. MAJESTIC TURKEY BY CULTURE TRIP. People also paint the gravestones of their relatives with bright colors. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. Itis a country inCentral America. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. 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. No#10: Guatemala city. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 49. Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. By myom624. This means that Guatemala has had the fastest population growth out of any country in the Western Hemisphere during the last 100 years. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. The Guatemalan flag is more than a white center bordered by two blue vertical stripes and with the national emblem in the middle. Guatemala for Kids. Religion: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Tikal, or Yax Mutal, was an important city in the empire of the Maya from 200 to 900 A.D. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. (Source: UNESCO), 3. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. Guatemala City Cathedral, also called Metropolitan Cathedral is the main cathedral in the city. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Meraki Boutique Hotel. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was . The People. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. 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. Are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety Beak, 8 countries... 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