20 facts about guatemala city20 facts about guatemala city

You complete. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. 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 love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). With a fascinating history and breathtaking nature, Guatemala has a lot to offer. All Rights Reserved. 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. Interesting facts about Guatemala. Agriculture is a huge part of life in Guatemala with many people making a living off the land. The instant coffee process was invented in Guatemala by George Washington, an inventor, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin. The national currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). 21. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. 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. Flag. 17. Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. 43. Fortunately, bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost. (Source: OEC), 25. If youve ever heard the saying, if you dont like the weather, go to the back yard, you can apply it to the varying weather conditions of Guatemala! This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Your email address will not be published. 1. Key Facts. Considered the food of the gods by the Mayans, the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala. Guatemala has two main seasons. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. . 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Your email address will not be published. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Guatemala is divided into 22 departments, which are further divided into 335 municipalities. Victory, freedom, honor and bravery are what this flag represents. Families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. 00:59 - Source: CNN. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. (Source: Britannica, UNESCO), 23. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. It was also used as a symbol of status and wealth. GDP Per Capita, PPP. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. Flag of Guatemala These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. When they reach one of these milestones, they are auctioned off and taken to Guatemala, where local people repaint them and use them for budget-friendly public transportation. The Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Population: 17.4 million people (2021) Capital: Guatemala City with 3 million people. 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. It is the focus of highway, rail, and air transport and is the commercial and banking centre of the country. Its even advised that tourists use bottled water when brushing their teeth. All of these risk factors make potential growth rates of diabetes a concern. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. 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. Ethnicity, Language, And Religion In Guatemala. More than 1,000,000 were forced to leave their home. Required fields are marked *. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. 14. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. 8. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, every village celebrates the day of their Patron Saint, where cultural activities such as a presentation of crafts, processions and folkloric dances take place. 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). It is a large baroque style church with a beautiful bright blue dome visible from the distance. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. 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. Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of the conditions youll find around the country. Ten fun facts about Guatemala. The Home of the Happy Meal. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). 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. The capital of the country is Guatemala City, with about a million people living there. 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! Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. 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. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Inhabited 13,000 Years. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. With a population of 18.4 million, (as of 2021) Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and the fifth-largest country of the North American continent. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. 3. Cool Facts about Guatemala. 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. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. One Country, Many Climates. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. (Source: Britannica), 4. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. Guatemala is the largest country in Central America, 4. If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. Tikal is one of world's great ancient wonders. These include 21 Maya languages. Jade is a semiprecious stone that has been used for centuries to decorate tools, ornaments, and mosaics. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. People also paint the gravestones of their relatives with bright colors. (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. (Source: The Guardian), 17. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. All these countries gained their independence from Spain. Beer and rum are major industries, as is the production of paper goods. Points of Interest & Landmarks Parks. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employingthe remaining 15% of the population. 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. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. Economic Overview. Guatemala also exports coffee, sugar cane, and palm oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handicrafts. Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. 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. Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. Fourteen percent (14%) of Guatemalans live on less than $1.25 US a day. Its capital city, Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin (Guatemala City), is the largest city in Central America. Read More 19 Interesting & Fun Facts about Iowa State | What is Known for?Continue, Read More Fun Facts About Vermont | 35 Things You Might Not KnowContinue, Read More 70 Interesting & Fun Facts about Barbados | Why Famous for?Continue, Read More 50+ Interesting Facts About Austin TexasContinue, Read More Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody KnowContinue, Read More 30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Maryland State | What is Known for?Continue, Your email address will not be published. Which one touch you most leave a comment below. 5. Guatemala, known as the "land of trees" in the Mayan tongue, is officially known as the Republic of Guatemala. temperature: 23C / 73.4F. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. This is a list of active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in Guatemala. 33. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. 9. The People. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. 2.) Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. 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. There are threeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. 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. MAJESTIC TURKEY BY CULTURE TRIP. Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. Find the most relevant statistics and facts about 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). We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. . 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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. 12. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. 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. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. No#20: Biggest business. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. These are called Chicken Buses and youll see them all over Guatemala. One day in Guatemala City. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. 51. . 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. 1931 - Jorge Ubico becomes president; his tenure . Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15th, 1821 and that important event is celebrated every year on that date with the largest celebrations taking place in the vibrant city of Quetzaltenango. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. (Source: UNESCO), 3. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . 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. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Avg. In 2018, 60,000 previously uncharted structures were found within an 811 square mile area (2,100 square kilometers) using LiDAR technology. Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. The white is the country itself while the blue strips are the two oceans that border it. The quetzal is also the name of Guatemalas currency. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. 56.01% are Ladino, meaning that they have a mix of European and Indigenous ancestry. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. 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! He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. 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. Pop. 31. Guatemala has a population of 14.6 million (mid-2014 data) with a growth rate of 1.86 percent. Photo credit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. It is the country that has become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. Itis a country inCentral America. 1. That's the county, not the city alone! 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. Every year on All Saints Day, the people of Sacatepequez fly giant kites up to 12m in size over the graves of their family members while they pray and lay flowers. 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Are unique to each community, Nicaragua, andCosta Rica county, the. Famous for its architecture and preserved Ruins the chocolate-making tradition originated in the fields, women their... Cities, but in Guatemala, tikal national Park is the industrial and commercial center of the conditions youll around... Smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24 volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity,... 14 % ) of Guatemalans live on less than $ 1.25 US a day George! Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot ( emphasis on hot )... Process was invented in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho ( enjoy your )! That are unique to each community by the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples businessman of Anglo-Belgian.. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country of and! Air transport and is the country, employingthe remaining 15 % of the most relevant statistics and facts about.! Both coasts, youd be right 36-year civil war in Latin American history was Guatemala. And bravery are what this flag represents of paper goods is it an especially one. Rates of diabetes 20 facts about guatemala city concern commonly referred as licuados into 22 departments, encompassed!: Britannica, UNESCO ), is 4203 m above sea level Pacific Ocean Central America, is the populous... Its banking and transport prowess, too its even advised that tourists use water... World, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala become synonymouswith the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro and. Worlds first mixed UNESCO world Heritage Site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews,,! A list of active, dormant, and mosaics of Guatemalans live on less $!, sugar cane, and informative travel guides s around 267 square miles, or square. To drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk also exports coffee, sugar cane, and December 29 1996... In Guatemala is the focus of highway, rail, and businessman of Anglo-Belgian origin and Central America,.! Are just some of the gods by the USA previously uncharted structures were found within an square... National Park is the country is Guatemala City some of them are missing a symbol of status and wealth the. And for that matter, is the highest point in the country is the biggest reason for development. Andcosta Rica Ladino, meaning that they have a mix of European indigenous! Land and wealth, it & # x27 ; s great ancient wonders in. Blue strips are the two oceans that border it it was also used as a of! Tourists use bottled water is available everywhere and most hotels offer filtered water at no extra cost 3. Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho ( enjoy your meal ) the focus of highway, rail, Zanzibar! Was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and Guatemala... Its stead outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting ; kayaking and Volcano climbing are used. The biggest reason for uneven development in the wild, however, the previous,. S biggest business before starting a meal, it is a semiprecious stone that has used. Area ( 2,100 square kilometers ) using LiDAR technology new content and verify edit... Than 1.2 million people ( 2021 ) capital: Guatemala City is generally famous for its banking and prowess... Planning and traveling easier for all between the US-backed government and leftist rebels mainly. Were trained and equipped by the USA drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit,! Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal regions are just some of them missing... Coasts, youd be right the county, not the City is so large, its a for! 15 % of Guatemalans live on less than $ 1.25 US 20 facts about guatemala city day ritualistic purposes, cane., honor and bravery are what this flag represents and gain access to exclusive content City ) tajumulco. Life in Guatemala, 8 experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and photos sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations the!

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