39. The first person was writer and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. 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. Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, which are further divided into 335 municipalities. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. It is called the land of eternal spring. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. Then in 1823, Guatemala joined the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras andEl Salvador. 32 Fun Facts About Italy You Should Know. Guatemala for Kids. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. There are still many descendants of the Maya in Guatemala, 6. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! In 1900 the population of Guatemala was 885,000. What cool facts would you add to my list? The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. Guatemala City (Spanish: Ciudad de Guatemala), officially New Guatemala of Assumption (Spanish: Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin), known locally as Guate, is the capital and largest city of Guatemala, and the most populous urban area in Central America.The city is located in the south-central part of the country, nestled in a mountain valley called Valle de la Ermita (English: Hermitage Valley). As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. 42. 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 City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Volcanoes. By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. 24. 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. Archeological finds suggest that the region was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago. 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. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. 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. View Trip. 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. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. Guatemala City is home to 23 public markets selling produce from across the country. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. 22. This means that Guatemala has had the fastest population growth out of any country in the Western Hemisphere during the last 100 years. Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. The Mayan Empire was centered in the lowlands of Guatemala, 5. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Required fields are marked *. 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. Staff at Inguat, at 7 Av 1-17, Zona 4, Guatemala City (t 2421 2800, w visitguatemala.com), are always helpful and English-speakers are available. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. Now here going to know about guatemala food facts. Distrust of the city in other areas of Central America and the prevalence of open fighting in the citys streets and public buildings was a factor in the demise of the federation and in the failure of subsequent attempts to revive it. With a rich history and culture, there are plenty of fun facts about Guatemala to learn. Cultural destinations. (Source: BBC News), 19. Guatemala is well-known for its awe-inspiring treasures. Jade is a semiprecious stone that has been used for centuries to decorate tools, ornaments, and mosaics. 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. According to the CIA, the median age in Guatemala is 23.2 years old. 45. It covers an area of 108,889 sq km. 46. 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. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. 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 . Kaminaljuyu. 20. 12 facts you probably don't know about Guatemala. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. Share them in the comments below! Several villages were evacuated when the nearby Pacaya volcano erupted in 2000. The typical rural family of Guatemala is hard working. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. Thats the county, not the city alone! There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. Violent crime is a serious concern due to endemic poverty, an abundance of weapons, a legacy of societal violence, and weak law enforcement and judicial systems. No amount of war is ideal but the fact that the civil war that once raged in Guatemala was the longest ever in Latin America, lasting 36 years, is a hard one to grasp. 1 It's a big, sprawling metropolis where population growth has outpaced the city's . (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. Plaza de la Constitucin. Avg. One of the most colorful facts about Guatemala! Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. Victory, freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. While U.S. dollars are accepted in Guatemala, it's a good idea keep smaller Quetzal bills on hand. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! Only slightly larger than the U.S. state of Tennessee, Guatemala is a mountainous country with one-third of the population living in cool highland villages. Dining Etiquettes: when invited to a Guatemala household for dinner, carry a small gift item (avoid food items) for the family. Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Guatemala also has numerous mountains and volcanoes. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. 44. The capital of the country is Guatemala City, with about a million people living there. DK: London), 8. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Some of the volcanoes are active. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. If you are adventurous enough to climb to the top, you will be rewarded with awesome views of Guatemala, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. Before the turtles hatch and are released, their eggs are protected in nesting areas that are set up just for them. Inhabited 13,000 Years. . Guatemala is probably an indigenous name originating either from the words Quauhtemallan meaning land of trees or Guhatezmalha meaning mountain of vomiting water, referring to its volcanic eruptions. There are measures you can practice to avoid getting sick such as avoiding drinks with ice cubes and not eating fruit and vegetables that are washed in tap water. 1. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Guatemala City -known to residents simply as Guatemala- is the nation's political, cultural, and commercial hub. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. Imagine these ancient ruins set against the lush jungle canopy and youll understand why they call this site mixed and why its one of the most visited places in the country. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. 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. Watch the eruptions at night, when brilliant orange lava lights up the sky. However, Evangelical Protestantism and later Orthodoxy have become popular in the recent decade. Similarly, fillings and wrappings have also changed over time, and leaves, soft tree parks, and cornhusks have all been used throughout history. 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! It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of the labor force works in the agricultural sector and the main crops are coffee, sugar, and bananas. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. North of the plain is a row of volcanoes. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. 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. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. 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. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. There are eight coffee regions in the country and the coffee grown in each one is unique from all the others. It was first introduced in the 1700s and soon after, it became the countrys most significant export. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. If youre planning to travel to Bulgaria, there are some important, For many, Tanzania may be the most well-known country in Africa. 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. Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. 18. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. Considered the food of the gods by the Mayans, the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala. Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. Economic Overview. 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 has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. With these facts about Guatemala, let us explore its history, culture, food, volcanoes, geography, economy, trade and more. At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. Welcoming a new born: as soon as a baby is born, hot tortilla drink is given to the mother. Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. 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). The Guatemalan flag takes inspiration from the flag used by the United Provinces of Central America which consisted of blue-white-blue stripes and a coat of arms in the centre. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Guatemala is one of the safest countries in Central America. Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, Guatemala belongs to the seven countries that conform Central America. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. Feeling hungry? Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . It measures approximately 250 miles. Although cotton, silk, and wool are traditional fibers for clothing, they are also used to make rugs and blankets. Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Do you like chocolate bars? We have a special focus on travel in Ecuador, Africa, and Nova Scotia. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. 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. These include 21 Maya languages. 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for? The tallest volcano in Central America, which also happens to be inactive and one of the top places to visit in the country, is Tajumulco in San Marcos. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. It contains 14 eco-regions including mangroves, littorals, scrublands, dry forests, cloud forests, and subtropical and tropical rainforests. 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