One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! 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). The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). . In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. Museo de Historia. . The national currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). 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. 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. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. Guatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. (Source: National Geographic), 13. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. 37. 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. 6. 1. 108,889 SQ.KM. This is one of my favorite interesting facts about Guatemala! Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 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. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. Do you like chocolate bars? There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. A post shared by ETHNY CORNER (@ethny_corner) 4. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. 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. 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). Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. After gaining independence from Spain in the 1820s, Guatemala had a long history of government by authoritarian rule and military regimes until it came under democratic rule in 1985. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. That's the county, not the city alone! (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. Key Facts. After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize. 1. There are 21 Mayan languages(alanguage familyspoken inMesoamericaand northernCentral America by at least 6 millionMaya peoples) spoken in Guatemala. Guatemala became independent in 1821. And an average of 101 murders per week was reported in 2016. This is a list of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala. Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. Some of the volcanoes are active. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. It also caused the death of a man. Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of the conditions youll find around the country. The primary language of Guatemala is Spanish. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. The name fits well because Guatemala has plenty of trees in its vast wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. In 1900 the population of Guatemala was 885,000. 18. The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. Population. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). 28. Guatemala is the worlds largest exporter of cardamom, 15. The national beer of Guatemala is Gallo. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. 1. 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. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. 8. Inhabited 13,000 Years. It was also used as a symbol of status and wealth. 2023 TheFactFile.Org. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. Guatemala has two main seasons. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. Archeological finds suggest that the region was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans, 9. 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. Even though I spent just one day in Guatemala City Really enjoyed this . It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. 20:21 Guatemala City Travel Tips. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. Many of these arrive on cruise ships. 1. Changing climate is also its top topic. Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. 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. Facts about Guatemala. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for? 34. 21. The population of Guatemala was 17,263,239 based on 2018 estimates. While Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, there are 24 other languages spoken in the country including 22 Mayan languages. Home / Caribbean / Fun Facts about Guatemala. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. 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. 11. The characteristic appearance created by low massive structures has been modified somewhat by the erection of steel and concrete multistoried hotels and office and apartment buildings of modern design. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. No#10: Guatemala city. However, most of their great stone cities were abandoned by the year 900. He was accompanied by Tlaxcaltecan warriors from what is now Mexico. Meraki Boutique Hotel. 04 With a total area of 108,889 sq km, Guatemala is the world's 107th largest nation. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! 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. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. By the end of civil war, 200,000 citizens were dead. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. It's an amazingly big city. This article may contain affiliate links. 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). Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. Religion: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. The emblem is the countrys Coat of Arms which features crossed rifles and swords, a laurel wreath, a quetzal and the date that Central America became independent from Spain. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. Guatemala is best known as the birthplace of the Mayan civilisation and many of its ancient traditions are present across the country. In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. 23. Your email address will not be published. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal option with smaller portions for children in the 1970s. A Rich Multilingual Country. The ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well. 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. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Overlooked by most visitors, Guatemala City is . That site is Tikal National Park and in this park youll find pristine jungle terrain and fascinating Mayan ruins. These ruins are in the jungles of Northern Guatemala. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. The Mayan ruins have been part of a national park in Guatemala since the 1960s, and in 1979 they were . Share them in the comments below! Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Country Description. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. 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. It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. 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. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. 27. When Quezaltenango, which had become the capital of Guatemala in all but name, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1902, many of the leading families moved to Guatemala City. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. 24. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. (2014). 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. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. 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. 14. The country's paper currency includes a 50 centavos bill, plus bills worth 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Quetzals. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. 50. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. View Trip. 20 8189 7000. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. 42. 1 It's a big, sprawling metropolis where population growth has outpaced the city's . 33. $86.0 billion. The Quetzal is the national bird & White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is thenational flower of Guatemala. 51. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. 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. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. 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