But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 17,109,746. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. Photo credit. By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. Elegant residential districts have grown up on the borders of the old city, particularly toward the south, and low-cost housing units have been constructed in various parts of the urban area. 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. 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, known as the "land of trees" in the Mayan tongue, is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. 2. 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! The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. 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. Inhabited 13,000 Years. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. 31. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. 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. 20:21 Guatemala City Travel Tips. 1 It's a big, sprawling metropolis where population growth has outpaced the city's . The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. 04 With a total area of 108,889 sq km, Guatemala is the world's 107th largest nation. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. 15. In addition to the government offices and services concentrated there, Guatemala City handles nearly half of the capital invested in the country and accounts for more than half of the industrial establishments and production of the republic. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! Suchitan, Ixtepeque, Acatenango, Atitlan, Moyuta, Agua, Cerro Santiago, Tajumulco, Chingo, Quezaltepeque, Chiquimula, Cuilapa-Barbarena, Flores, Fuego, IpalaVolc Field, Santa Maria, Almolonga, Santo Tomas, Tahual, Pacaya, Tecuamburro and Toliman are the names of some of the volcanoes from the region. At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Its even advised that tourists use bottled water when brushing their teeth. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! (Source: CNN), 24. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 6. 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: OEC), 25. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . 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. . One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. As of 2022, both Guatemala and Belize are trying to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands. Join us as we share our experiences and the best attractions, animals, and foods from around the world. 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. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. Pop. Climate. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. Dressing in layers is a must here! Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to replace Antigua Guatemala, which had been virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, as the capital of the captaincy general of Guatemala. 00:59 - Source: CNN. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. These are called Chicken Buses and youll see them all over Guatemala. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. The site of their first capital was called Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors (who spoke the Nahuatl language). It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. We have a special focus on travel in Ecuador, Africa, and Nova Scotia. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. 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. 7. Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. 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. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. 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. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Guatemala City is home to both the Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno (National Museam of Modern Art) and the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plsticas Rafael Rodrguez Padilla (Guatemalas leading art school). Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. Christmas in Guatemala. 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. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. . One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. Today tamales are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and vegetables. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. 154. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. 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). Avg. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. 14. While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody Know. Expect rock bottom prices on the backpacker route, and you can find beautiful accommodation and meals if you spring for a bit higher budget. https://www.britannica.com/place/Guatemala-City, https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g292006-Guatemala_City_Guatemala_Department-Vacations.html, Your email address will not be published. Some of the volcanoes are active. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. It was first introduced in the 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys most significant export. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Name Elevation (m) Elevation (ft) Coordinates Last eruption Acatenango: 3976: 13,044 1972 Agua: 3760: 12,336: Holocene . With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. 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. And an average of 101 murders per week were reported in 2016. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. Before the Spanish people arrived in Central America, Guatemala was inhabited by indigenous Mayan peoples. In the 1600s and 1700s, a number of treaties were signed between Britain and Spain saying that Belize fell under Spanish sovereignty, but could be used by the English. Guatemala has many light industries, most of which involve the processing of locally grown products such as chicken, beef, pork, coffee, wheat, corn, sugar, cotton, cacao, vegetables and fruits, and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. Additionally, while twenty- one Mayan languages are widely spoken throughout the highlands, Xinca, Arawakan and two non-Mayan Amerindian languages are spoken on the Caribbean coast. Hilachas. If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! (2014). The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. Guatemala City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the nation's political, cultural, and commercial hub. Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. (Source: Britannica, UNESCO), 23. Required fields are marked *. 3. It's an amazingly big city. 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. 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! Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. 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. 41. The name fits well because Guatemala has plenty of trees in its vast wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. What cool facts would you add to my list? Guatemala is a land of extraordinary landscapes and a sense of the exotic, and you will also find a profound sense of hospitality among the people, who will invite you to discover all aspects of their country . As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. 2023 TheFactFile.Org. Im a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. Located just 25 miles south of the city, the Pacaya Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, having erupted over 25 times since 1965. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 28. 38. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. The Guatemalan flag is more than a white center bordered by two blue vertical stripes and with the national emblem in the middle. 20 Awesome Tips for Planning Your Patagonia Trip. Tours. A great contrast can be seen between the cultures of the poverty-stricken Mayan rural residents of the country who live in the highland region and the relatively wealthy mestizos (called Ladinos in Guatemala) living in the urban areas. That's the county, not the city alone! Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. According to the CIA, the median age in Guatemala is 23.2 years old. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. 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). In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. It's an amazingly big city. 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