Suchitan, Ixtepeque, Acatenango, Atitlan, Moyuta, Agua, Cerro Santiago, Tajumulco, Chingo, Quezaltepeque, Chiquimula, Cuilapa-Barbarena, Flores, Fuego, Ipala Volc Field, Santa Maria, Almolonga, Santo Tomas, Tahual, Pacaya, Tecuamburro and Toliman are the names of some of the volcanoes from the region. Official languages: Spanish Capital: Guatemala City Area: 108,890 km Population: 13.6 million residents Population density: 124.44 residents per km Currency: GTQ Internet TLD: .gt ISO codes: GT, GTM , 320 The prefix for Guatemala is +502. km (42,042 sq mi). To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. Quetzaltenango is a city located 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City, at 2,333 meters above sea level. 23. (Source: The Guardian), 17. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. There are many different ways to celebrate deceased loved ones and in Guatemala, one popular way to do just that is by flying a kite. . Updates? In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. Population. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! 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. 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. One of the most colorful facts about Guatemala! Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Your email address will not be published. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! 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. Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and also the most populous . Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist, due to the fact that they . Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Photo credit. Beer and rum are major industries, as is the production of paper goods. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. Guatemalans, in particular Mayan women, are skilled textile producers. The conflict saw an estimated 200,000 people killed with many of the casualties a result of human rights atrocities committed by the government. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. Today tamales are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and vegetables. The second person was Rigoberta Mench Tum in 1992 for her work in feminism and human rights. The Guatemala coat of arms features the national bird, a scroll containing the date of Central American independence, a wreath and crossed rifles and sabres. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Duolingo and The Wiz Tech. Cool Facts about Guatemala. 41. Quetzal (GTQ) is its currency. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. Similarly, speaking loudly in public is looked down upon. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. The Home of the Happy Meal. Changing climate is also its top topic. Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Tours. Are you know what is Guatemala famous for? This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. Feeling hungry? 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. A red bracelet is put on the babys right hand to protect her from bad spirited people. 1. Tikal was one of the major metropolises of the Mayan civilization and one of the biggest in the world. In fact, few cities hold a measure to it in the region! 22. Cultural destinations. 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). 27. 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). 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! Your email address will not be published. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. . The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Tikal is one of world's great ancient wonders. Whether it is or not, one thing is for certain and thats that the lake is the deepest in Central America. (Source: National Geographic), 13. 36. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. Did you know that Guatemala is home to the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines both natural and cultural wonders? Nearly half of its population is under the age of 19. 2. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. Atitln. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. 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. 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. 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. This makes it the second-highest peak in Central America. Guatemala flag. One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. National Colours: blue and white. (Source: UNESCO), 3. Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). 2. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. 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. Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. Have you been to Guatemala? The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. The Beautiful Quetzal Bird / Facts About Guatemala. All Saints Day Kite Festival, which takes place every November 1st, is a popular event in the country and kite-flying in honor of the dead has been part of local culture for over 3,000 years. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. Area. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. Guatemala is not only the largest country in Central America, but also an endlessly intriguing place with a tumultuous history. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. She called it something else but when the idea crossed the desk of a McDonalds executive in the United States, he liked the idea and added it to the menu after changing the name to the one we know today, the Happy Meal. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. Guatemala knew 36 years of civil war. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. 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. 38. Please add your thoughts to the comments below. The ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well. Its border also touches Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras.Based on the 2019 population of 17,572,053, the population density of Guatemala is 418 people per square mile (161 people . The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. However, most of their great stone cities were abandoned by the year 900. The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. 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". Guatemala City is surprisingly large. From 1960 to 1996 Guatemala suffered from a 36-year civil war between the US-backed government and leftist rebels supported mainly by indigenous people. (Source: OEC), 25. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. Home Facts 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal option with smaller portions for children in the 1970s. 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 indigenous Mayans and those of mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as mestizos. Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not Know. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. 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! Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. . 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. In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. 50. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. Guatemala City is said to suffer from poverty as a result of uneven income across the state - with 5% of the country controlling all but 15% of the wealth. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Trek up Volcn de Pacaya A day-trip from Antigua or Guatemala City, a hike to the top of active volcano Pacaya is an unforgettable experience. Lake Atitlan is famously deep at around 340 meters! The Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. Fast Facts | Important Information of Guatemala, 70 Fun Facts about Summer things that Only Happen in the Summer, 28 Fun Facts about Broccoli to let You Know, 27 Unique Interesting Facts about the Deciduous Forest, 60+ Fun Facts about Ladybugs That will Surprise You, 31 Unique Fun Facts about Iguanas that Pleasure to YOU, 42 Fun Facts about Blueberries that You Should Known, 72 Interesting Facts about lynx that Make You Known Unique. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. 2. Inhabited 13,000 Years. 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 Guatemalan flag is more than a white center bordered by two blue vertical stripes and with the national emblem in the middle. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. Guatemala City is home to 23 public markets selling produce from across the country. Guatemala City Cathedral, also called Metropolitan Cathedral is the main cathedral in the city. Your email address will not be published. 1. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. 9. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. This volcano had its last small eruption in 1863 and has been quiet ever since. 18. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. Hotel in Zona 10, Guatemala. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). 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! 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. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. 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. 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. Guatemala is home to the highest point in Central America, 21. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. 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