If you are interested in seeing the lava flow, you may want to visit the Pacaya volcano. The active volcanoes in Guatemala include Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist, due to the fact that they . See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. 13. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. 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. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. Heres how to order food in Spanish. Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. 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. 36. Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. The primary language of Guatemala is Spanish. This is one of the most interesting Guatemala facts to learn. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Guatemala geographical features more than other city. Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. The Home of the Happy Meal. 31. In fact, few cities hold a measure to it in the region! It has an area of 108,889 sq km. View this post on Instagram. Guatemala, known as the "land of trees" in the Mayan tongue, is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. Essential Facts. The Guatemalan economy is robust, and is actually the largest economy in Central America. 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. Guatemala is not only bordered by the four countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Belize and Honduras; its also bordered by two of the worlds largest oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Located in the wilds of . (Source:Encyclopedia.com), 7. The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. 25. 38. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. The site of their first capital was called Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors (who spoke the Nahuatl language). Flag of Guatemala To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. Guatemala has two main seasons. One of the few buildings that survived the earthquakes in 1917 and 1918 in Guatemala City, it was restored in 1984 with its walls now reaching up to one meter thick on the outside and 0.60 meters in the interior. (Source: National Geographic), 13. 21. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. Archeological finds suggest that the region was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. By myom624. Meraki Boutique Hotel. Museo de Historia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 43. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. 41. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. Pop. 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. 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. This volcano had its last small eruption in 1863 and has been quiet ever since. 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. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Jade is a semiprecious stone that has been used for centuries to decorate tools, ornaments, and mosaics. 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! If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. Beer and rum are major industries, as is the production of paper goods. 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 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! Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. (Source: WWF), 9. Guatemala is a developing country characterized by wide income disparities. Your email address will not be published. With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. While Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, there are 24 other languages spoken in the country including 22 Mayan languages. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? 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. A post shared by ETHNY CORNER (@ethny_corner) 4. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. The capital city changed its location many times, 7. 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". With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. Hotel in Zona 10, Guatemala. If youre planning to travel to Bulgaria, there are some important, For many, Tanzania may be the most well-known country in Africa. 18. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Cultural destinations. Surrounded by volcanoes, it has been called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. View Trip. Marriages: marriages in Guatemalan society is celebrated in a civil ceremony, followed by a religious rite. Cuisine: Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. 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. 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. At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. Country Description. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. Share them in the comments below! Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody Know. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. 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. Key Facts. The food is excellent. It is also known as Xela (pronounced "sheh-lah") or Xelaj ("sheh-lah-hoo"), its original name in the k'iche' language, and which means "under the ten ideas or concepts". These ruins are in the jungles of Northern Guatemala. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). In the town of San Andres Itzapa, there is even a large temple dedicated to his worship. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). 2. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. 1. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. It's an amazingly big city. According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. It has four bordering countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Travel from the bazaars of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya. Guatemala City, Guatemala is located at Guatemala country in the Cities place category with the gps coordinates of 14 37' 42.3624'' N and 90 31' 21.7668'' W. Coordinates of Guatemala City, Guatemala is given above in both decimal degrees and DMS . At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Omissions? Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. During that period between 1960 and 1996, over 200,000 people were killed, and over 600 massacre sites were uncovered. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. A red bracelet is put on the babys right hand to protect her from bad spirited people. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. The national currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). Guatemala is a popular destination among travelers due to its unique heritage and natural beauty. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. It is a large baroque style church with a beautiful bright blue dome visible from the distance. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. Hilachas. 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. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for? Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. 33. One of Central America's most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. $86.0 billion. Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. 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. 3. Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and . Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. 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. 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. The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, formed over 84,000 years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed into a caldera. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! 24. 37. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. Population: 17.4 million people (2021) Capital: Guatemala City with 3 million people. 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. Although Monogamy is a rule, many men have a wife as well as a mistress. (Source: CNN), 24. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. Antigua Guatemala. Which one touch you most leave a comment below. (2002) 942,348. 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. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. 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 deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, 22. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. As is the case in many regions of Central and South America, the tap water is not safe to drink. Welcoming a new born: as soon as a baby is born, hot tortilla drink is given to the mother. If you are adventurous enough to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with awesome views of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. The exquisite taste and quality of Guatemalan coffee can be attributed to the regions microclimates, unique cultivation methods and altitude among other factors. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Plaza de la Constitucin. Photo credit. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Many of these arrive on cruise ships. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round. Tikal is one of world's great ancient wonders. (Source: Britannica, UNESCO), 23. Land of the Maya. 20 8189 7000. Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. 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