Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. 40. Travel from the bazaars of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. The Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. One important economic fact about Guatemala is that the agricultural sector generates about 25% of the country's GDP. Guatemala, officially theRepublic of Guatemala, is the67th most populouscountry in the world. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. Other points of interest include the remarkable concrete relief map of the country in Minerva Park, the archaeological and historical museums, the colonial aqueduct, the central market, and Olympic City, built for the Central American Olympic Games of 1950. 2. Land of the Maya. 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. Join us as we share our experiences and the best attractions, animals, and foods from around the world. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. 2. (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. 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. Required fields are marked *. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. After independence from Spain was declared in 1821, Guatemala City served successively as the capital of the province of Central America under the Mexican Empire of Agustn de Iturbide (182223), the Central American Federation (182333), the state, and, finally, the independent Republic of Guatemala. 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. 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. 28. 2. 4. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. 49. At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. In the environs of Guatemala City are the villages of Chinautla, famous for hand-formed pottery, Mixco, which supplies the capital with fruits and vegetables, and the Indian towns of San Pedro and San Juan Sacatepquez, all of which suffered extensive damage in the earthquake of 1976. 27. While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. 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 . The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. The name fits well because Guatemala has plenty of trees in its vast wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities. Hilachas. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. 3. 16. 32. 2. (Source: BBC News), 19. 34. However, Spanish is their official language. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. In addition to modern art, there are also many indigenous artists who reflect the styles of their ancestors from centuries before. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". Perhaps it should be. The cacao tree is highly revered by the Maya people and in Mayan culture and chocolate is known as the food of the gods. As a chocolate lover, I cant say I disagree! Guatemalans, in particular Mayan women, are skilled textile producers. Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and . Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, 22. Located in the wilds of . The site of their first capital was called Quauhtemallan by the Mexican warriors (who spoke the Nahuatl language). 44. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. 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. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala. 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). Guatemala is home to a population of around 16,581,273 people. Additionally, the contrast between the poor Mayan villagers living in the rural highlands and the modern and wealthy mestizos population (known as ladinos in Guatemala) living in surrounding agricultural plains and cities is what defines the culture of Guatemala. In fact, it is known as the Green Gold of Guatemala.. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. 29. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. Guatemala, known as the "land of trees" in the Mayan tongue, is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. Which one touch you most leave a comment below. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. 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. Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not Know. Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. 1. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 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. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. On a trip to the country, a traveler learns about the strong cultural heritage of Guatemalans which blends indigenous European, Mayan and Caribbean influences. But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. Key Facts. 27. 36. Guatemala has two main seasons. Since that day, the country has weathered two revolutions, a handful of dictatorships, an intervention backed by the United States, a civil war and several military coups. As of 2022, both Guatemala and Belize are trying to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands. . Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. Guatemala geographical features more than other city. Omissions? One Country, Many Climates. 20 Awesome Tips for Planning Your Patagonia Trip. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. . Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! View Trip. As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. (Source: National Geographic), 13. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was . 25. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. 1 It's a big, sprawling metropolis where population growth has outpaced the city's . Guatemala is part of this area. Guatemalans celebrate Dia de losMuertos, or the Day of the Dead, every first November. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Your email address will not be published. Facts about Guatemala. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. 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. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. 51. 04 With a total area of 108,889 sq km, Guatemala is the world's 107th largest nation. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). 43. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. 2.) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is one of my favorite interesting facts about Guatemala! Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. Ten fun facts about Guatemala. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Avoid giving easily breakable gifts. 1. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! Watch the eruptions at night, when brilliant orange lava lights up the sky. 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. 6. Avg. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). Some amazing facts about Guatemala. Is Guatemala on your list of places to visit? It has an area of 108,889 sq km. 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