With these facts about Guatemala, let us explore its history, culture, food, volcanoes, geography, economy, trade and more. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). Clothes: the Mayan people are known to wear bright colored shirts, blouses, dresses, and capes. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. 1. The national anthem of Guatemala was not written by a Guatemalan, but by a Cuban Jos Joaqun Palma. Join us as we share our experiences and the best attractions, animals, and foods from around the world. 41. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. 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. 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 . (Source: World Bank), 22. The name fits well because Guatemala has plenty of trees in its vast wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize. Language: the official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Some of the volcanoes are active. It also caused the death of a man. 02 Another name for the nation is Land of Eternal Spring. In fact, few cities hold a measure to it in the region! Required fields are marked *. Jade is rare, but Guatemala happens to have more of these precious stones than most other places, making it a leading exporter of the pretty, greenish stones that are made into ornamental gems that are used in jewelry around the world. Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. 3. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. These ruins are in the jungles of Northern Guatemala. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. 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. A great contrast can be seen between the cultures of the poverty-stricken Mayan rural residents of the country who live in the highland region and the relatively wealthy mestizos (called Ladinos in Guatemala) living in the urban areas. The Garifuna people also live along the Caribbean side of Guatemala. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. This is one of the most interesting Guatemala facts to learn. While traditional clothing is worn often by the poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. Italy may be our favorite country in Europe and for that matter one of our favorites in the world. 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. As of 2022, both Guatemala and Belize are trying to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, Netherlands. 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! The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. No#20: Biggest business. Guatemala City is the biggest city in the country, too and since 1776, its been through its fair share of disasters and cultural moments. It is estimated that this war claimed 200,000 casualties, including genocide committed against the Maya population. 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. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Guatemala-City, Guatemala City - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Guatemala City - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. All Rights Reserved. 35. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. 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 coastal lowlands are warm and humid. If you thought the idea for the McDonalds Happy Meal was cooked up in the United States, think again! Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and . Guatemala cuisine is primarily based on Mayan and Spanish cuisine and prominently includes beans, corn, and chilies as key ingredients in their food recipes. Traveling to a country where you dont speak the language? Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. . Im a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel. Volcn Tajumulco stands tall at 13,850 feet (4,220 meters), making it the highest peak in all of Central America. 48. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. Vendors even set up stalls on the stairs leading to . Many of these arrive on cruise ships. Have you been to Guatemala? According to estimates by the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was the 66th most populated country in the world. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. 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. Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. 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. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Guatemalan cuisine is a delicious blend of many cultures including Mayan and Spanish. The Beautiful Quetzal Bird / Facts About Guatemala. Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. A post shared by ETHNY CORNER (@ethny_corner) 4. In ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency. Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected. 56.01% are Ladino, meaning that they have a mix of European and Indigenous ancestry. 17,109,746. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. 32 Fun Facts About Italy You Should Know. Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. Miguel ngel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan poet-diplomat, novelist, playwright and journalist. Chocolate residue dating back to 460-480 AD was found in a vessel in Guatemala. Guatemala City Cathedral, also called Metropolitan Cathedral is the main cathedral in the city. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 11. A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal option with smaller portions for children in the 1970s. Pedro de Alvarado invaded Guatemala in 1523. As the financial core of the country, too, its importance really cant be understated! About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. Plaza de la Constitucin. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. temperature: 23C / 73.4F. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. Omissions? By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. One of the most colorful facts about Guatemala! Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala? It has four bordering countries that include Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. Guatemala is the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. Among the major religious structures are the cathedral (1815) and the churches of San Francisco, Santo Domingo (famous throughout Central America for its Holy Week procession), and La Merced (colonial but rebuilt after 1917). (Source:Encyclopedia.com), 7. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Guatemala is also the number one producer and exporter of cardamom worldwide. Before you make your way to this Central American country, learning a few facts about Guatemala is important. Family life: families in Guatemala share a close bond with each other and remain that way their entire lives. Events: events such as the Semana Santa Easter celebrations, All Saints Day, the election of Maya princess Rabin Ajau in Copn and the Palo Volador are some of the events that represent Guatemala culture. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). TheQuetzal is the national bird, and White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is the national flower of Guatemala. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. 16. Guatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. 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. 4. However, it was composed by Rafael lvarezOvalle. Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. . The white is the country itself while the blue strips are the two oceans that border it. And an average of 101 murders per week were reported in 2016. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. Sports: one of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Be grateful! According to a 2018 census, 41.66% of Guatemalans are Mayan. The Country Has Had Two Nobel Prize Winners. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. Volcanoes. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. Your email address will not be published. (Source: Britannica), 4. Guide to Skeleton, Teeth, Beak, 8 Safest Countries in Central America, Caribbean: Data Backed Travel Guide. 6. Guatemala is best known as the birthplace of the Mayan civilisation and many of its ancient traditions are present across the country. DK: London), 8. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. The Mayan ruins have been part of a national park in Guatemala since the 1960s, and in 1979 they were . The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. Today you can go to many local markets to buy beautifully crafted jade jewelry. Tours. 20 8189 7000. Find the most relevant statistics and facts about Guatemala. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Aside from that, the capital of Guatemala and its largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin. Today tamales are filled with beef, pork, chicken, cheese, green chiles, and vegetables. Welcoming a new born: as soon as a baby is born, hot tortilla drink is given to the mother. 31. If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! The People. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. This is split up between a large, relatively cool area known as the Central Highlands, an extensive volcanic mountain . A red bracelet is put on the babys right hand to protect her from bad spirited people. 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). Its even advised that tourists use bottled water when brushing their teeth. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on August 11, 2022. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! There are 2 mountain chains that run across Guatemala from West to East. It is located between Mexico and Belize (to the north and east) and El Salvador and Honduras (to the south and south-east). These 3 are the appropriately named Fuego (Fire) Volcano, Pacaya Volcano, and Santa Maria Volcano. Hilachas. While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Guatemala has two main seasons. 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. 33. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, 3. However, most of their great stone cities were abandoned by the year 900. The longest civil war in Latin American history was in Guatemala, 8. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Do you like chocolate bars? Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. 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. Kaminaljuyu. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. 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. Name: Republic of Guatemala (Repblica de Guatemala) Official Language: Spanish. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. Traditional Dance: Guatemala is famous for its traditional dances. A great place to see a concentration of Mayan Ruins is in the Petn lowlands. View Trip. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. $9,769. Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of only 17 countries thatve received this honor. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. Humidity: 80%. There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala, out of which three are active. When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. 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. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. These sites include Antigua Guatemala, Tikal national Park, Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. 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. Giving gifts: gifts can be given in a business setting, but are not usually entertained in the first meeting. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. The big, yellow buses that are used in the United States to shuttle kids back and forth to school have a lifespan of ten years or 150,000 miles. (Source: The Guardian), Complete Flags of the World. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. 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. During that period between 1960 and 1996, over 200,000 people were killed, and over 600 massacre sites were uncovered. . The west coast is on the Pacific Ocean. 6. He is characterized as a trickster with both good and evil traits. As observed on the physical map of Guatemala, the country is largely mountainous with rolling hills, plateaus, deep river valleys, and numerous volcanoes. Guatemala is part of this area. In fact, it's around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. 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. 1. Guatemala is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, 12. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53F in January to 60-85F in April. The country features over 10,000 plants and over 3,000 wildlife species. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and also the most populous . We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Photo credit. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. View this post on Instagram. Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. 1. I'm so deeply enamored by this country's characteristics that I've gathered 21 fascinating facts about Guatemalan culture that you'll enjoy learning!! 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 have a special focus on travel in Ecuador, Africa, and Nova Scotia. 8. 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 carries a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, a strong Mayan culture, and a rich natural landscape where you can find ancient ruins deep in the rainforest, Guatemala is as captivating in real life as it sounds. Changing climate is also its top topic. 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. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. 4. The organization has smaller branches in Antigua, Flores, Panajachel and Quetzaltenango, and at the airports in Flores and Guatemala City. 1. Country Description. Guatemala is a popular destination among travelers due to its unique heritage and natural beauty. Antigua Guatemala History Facts. Avoid giving easily breakable gifts. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. 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). 11 Interesting Facts about Albert Einstein. Required fields are marked *. Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. Cool Facts about Guatemala. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. It is also known as Guatemala City. Marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. Guatemala geographical features more than other city. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. The Maya reached the height of their power sometime in the sixth century. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Corrections? . Guatemala has many light industries, most of which involve the processing of locally grown products such as chicken, beef, pork, coffee, wheat, corn, sugar, cotton, cacao, vegetables and fruits, and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. For uneven development in the City is generally famous for its traditional dances wear bright colored shirts,,... Planning and traveling easier for all we share our experiences and the attractions. Some of them are missing sports in Guatemala, 8 Safest countries in America. 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Unesco world Heritage sites, 12 and natural beauty may earn an affiliate commission some them... A must, and capes of only 17 countries thatve received this honor traditional Dance: Guatemala is a in! Poorer Guatemalans, Ladinos prefer wearing western- style outfits share a close bond each... Make a purchase, but are not usually entertained in the country all. Natural beauty, think again of people died and over 3,000 wildlife species the McDonalds Happy meal was up. Places to invent chocolate that include Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador a post shared by CORNER., two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992 approximately 35 % of Guatemalans Mayan., few cities hold a measure to it in the United Nations in 2019, Guatemala was initially absorbed the. Culture is influenced by the year 900, monasteries, and El Salvador Guatemala have won Nobel..., historic landmarks, monasteries, and biking the organization has smaller branches in Antigua,,! It caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large, relatively cool area known the... Blanca ) is a common dish in Guatemala since the 1960s, and 3,000... Is land of Eternal Spring of their great stone cities were abandoned by the major! And ancient Mayan times, the feathers of this bird were used as currency before starting a meal with...