For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Guatemala City is actually the biggest city in the whole of Central America making it something of a Goliath landmark across the region. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. 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. 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Other countries that became independent duringthe same year includeEl Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica. Instead of States or Provinces, Guatemala has Departments, 14. Quetzaltenango is a city located 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City, at 2,333 meters above sea level. The first one was Iximche (1524) near the Mayan tribe Kaqchiquel until they rebelled. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. Avg. By contrast, the median age in the United States is 38.5 years. Spanish is the official and most commonly spoken language. Tourism is very important to the Guatemalan economy, 16. Guatemala Facts - 10 Fun and Interesting Facts! Guatemala City has a population of 1.022 million (2001). Guatemala City is so large, its actually split into multiple different zones. Required fields are marked *. At its deepest, it is 1,120 feet (340 meters) deep. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. Despite being almost twice the size of Greater Manchester, Guatemala City has a population of around a similar total. Mats, baskets, hats, and baskets are also made by Highland Amerindians using different types of cane and fibers from maguey cactus. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. Guatemala is part of this area. The indigenous Mayans and those of mixed or non-indigenous heritage, known as mestizos. Most 21 Interesting & Funny Facts about Nevada that Nobody Know. On a trip to the country, a traveler learns about the strong cultural heritage of Guatemalans which blends indigenous European, Mayan and Caribbean influences. Guatemalan coins in circulation include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, and a 1 Quetzal coin. The GDP per capita was $5,300 and the inflation rate was about 4.4 percent for the same year. Economic Overview. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. 6. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Comparing this to a British locale, it's around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. (2002) 942,348. These Guatemala facts are a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful Central American country. In Guatemala, the gems are also used for ritualistic purposes. With its suburbs, Guatemala City holds more than 20% of the republic's population. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. It measures approximately 250 miles. 49. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. By myom624. More than 1.2 million people visit Guatemala every year. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Please read on for 24 facts that make Guatemala such a special place. 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. Along with the devastation it caused, the flooding and landslides uncovered a large vein of jade. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! However, it was composed by Rafael lvarez Ovalle. But remnants of other ancient sites have been unearthed and can be found all over the country. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. Religion: Most Guatemalans are Christians (88%) Currency: 1 quetzal = 100 centavos. Its even advised that tourists use bottled water when brushing their teeth. On this day, Guatemalans visit the local cemetery and fly kites in memory of their loved ones. It was sacred to the ancient Mayan and Aztec people and that is one of the reasons why the colorful Quetzal was chosen as the country's national bird. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves and Arawak Indians from the West Indies brought to Central . There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. 46. Thats the county, not the city alone! A set of roasted corns is one of the typical street foods in Guatemala, eaten with salt and lemon. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. Here are 9 Spanish phrases to know when you arrive at the airport. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. Apart from drinking fruit juices, Guatemalans also love drinking fruit shakes, commonly referred as licuados. Found in the Guatemala Highlands in the Sierra Madre mountain range is Lake Atitln. To date, two people from Guatemala have won the Nobel Prize. Thats the county, not the city alone! Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, 3. Pop. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. 44. On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala became independent of the Spanish empire. Museo de Historia. The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. The Guatemalan economy is robust, and is actually the largest economy in Central America. Considered the food of the gods by the Mayans, the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala. 1. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round. Your email address will not be published. The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. Guatemala City also dominates the cultural life of the country. Religion: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala followed by nearly 50% of the countrys population. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. At this time, their territory extended from Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. But, compared to its neighbors in Central America (we're looking at you, Costa Rica), this beautiful . Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Central American country of Guatemala comprises approximately 60,000 square miles of territory. About tuc tucs, collectivoes and chicken buses. Quauhteallan means "land of trees" or "forested land.". Here you can pick up souvenirs and see the huge piles of produce, flowers and other goods for sale. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Heres my collection of 24 things to know about the diverse country of Guatemala. Traditional Dance: Guatemala is famous for its traditional dances. The country has a long and rich history, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? Hilachas. Your email address will not be published. This volcano had its last small eruption in 1863 and has been quiet ever since. See Four Magnificent Volcanoes. Guatemala was conquered by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Do Octopuses Have Bones? These are called Chicken Buses and youll see them all over Guatemala. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. 3 out of 30 volcanoes are still active. 32 Fun Facts About Italy You Should Know. Beautiful Volcn Atitln is the tallest of the three impressive volcanoes on spectacular Lake Atitln, one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America. It is also known as Guatemala City. The food is excellent. The volcano Tajumulco, at 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), is the highest peak in Central America. 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. Volcn Tajumulco stands tall at 13,850 feet (4,220 meters), making it the highest peak in all of Central America. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. The country is also the worlds leading producer of Jade. It is also regarded as the most beautiful lake in the world, serving as the countrys most important national and international tourist attraction. What cool facts would you add to my list? This makes it incredibly densely packed! 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. 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. 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! Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Check out our language learning section. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. (Source: Britannica), 10. 10 Delightful Facts about Dublin, Ireland, 14 Wonderful Facts about Windsor Castle. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. 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. Guatemala City is not only the biggest of its kind in Central America, its also home to the deepest lake in the region, too. Beverages: locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. Ozone is a gas which is available both in the Earths upper atmosphere (stratosphere) and at ground level (troposphere). Home / Central America / 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. View this post on Instagram. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 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 . (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. After the fall of the Spanish Empire, Guatemala assumed the claim of Belize. Tikal was one of the major metropolises of the Mayan civilization and one of the biggest in the world. (2014). The population of Guatemala was 17,263,239 based on 2018 estimates. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya believed that jade had a spiritual significance. Country Description. Cultural destinations. 20. Antigua Guatemala, the previous capital, had been devastated completely by an earthquake. As is the case in many regions of Central and South America, the tap water is not safe to drink. Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. A Central American country, Guatemala covers an area of 108,889 sq. If you guessed that the country is home to many fabulous beaches on both coasts, youd be right! 2. 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 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. $86.0 billion. From Guatemala City, you can see four majestic volcanoes, the closest and most active of which is the Pacaya Volcano. Therefore, Guatemala City was completely rebuilt in its stead. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. 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. Guatemala geographical features more than other city. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. 7. Conferences, sightseeing films and concerts are organized here for the public to enjoy. Guatemala is situated on the Ring of Fire, so its known for its seismic activity which includes active volcanoes. Ten fun facts about Guatemala. 1. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala. 19. Jade is a semiprecious stone that has been used for centuries to decorate tools, ornaments, and mosaics. 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. It's an amazingly big city. This forest avian is sadly fairly rare to spot in the wild, however, youll see them every day on the national currency. Guatemala City is surprisingly large. 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. Antigua Guatemala. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). The unequal distribution of land and wealth in the country is the biggest reason for uneven development in the region. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. 12. Please add your thoughts to the comments below. The 2010 sinkhole (Associated Press, via horslips5/Flickr) The fact more people were not consumed was miraculous for the size of the hole, but a bigger disaster was already forming beneath the . . 154. About half the population lives in urban areas. While the dance of conquest evokes the victory of Spanish over the Amerindians, the deer dance represents the struggle between humans and animals. Almost 50% of Guatemalans are employed in agricultural activities. So lets know What is Guatemala Famous for & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City. People also paint the gravestones of their relatives with bright colors. Locals in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee weak and sweet with little milk. It might seem like a familiar system in cities, but in Guatemala City some of them are missing. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Similarly, before getting from the table after having the meal, you must say Con permiso, ya vengo(with your permission, Ill be right back). Remember these details: 14.6349 N, 90.5069 W. Guatemala City remains something of a tourist hotspot (emphasis on hot!). April 22, 2020. National Colours: blue and white. 3. 42. 1. 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. 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. (2014). 25. In fact, its around 267 square miles, or 692 square km, end to end. 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). 56. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. Comparing this to a British locale, its around 1.5x bigger than Greater Manchester. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. 28. While men work in the fields, women raise their children and weave beautiful textiles with motifs that are unique to each community. If you want to spend money while visiting Guatemala City, youre going to need to change your dollars for the Guatemalan Quetzal. 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. 4. 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. And yes, to do in conjunction with this plaza (for about a half-day sightseeing in total) are Catedral Metropolitana on. Im a travel and nature enthusiast. Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. The primary language of Guatemala is Spanish. Located in the wilds of . One of the top textiles produced in the country is blue denim. Travel from the bazaars of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya. . 13. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. A great place to see a concentration of Mayan Ruins is in the Petn lowlands. This is one of the most interesting Guatemala facts to learn. Guatemala City, Guatemala is located at Guatemala country in the Cities place category with the gps coordinates of 14 37' 42.3624'' N and 90 31' 21.7668'' W. Coordinates of Guatemala City, Guatemala is given above in both decimal degrees and DMS . Music: the music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. The countries of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica all use permutations of the design in their flags. Some Guatemalans venerate a saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, 24. Do you know any fun facts about Guatemala City? Photo credit. The export of coffee is the countrys biggest business. A red bracelet is put on the babys right hand to protect her from bad spirited people. (Source: OEC), 25. The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. The square, located in Ciudad de Guatemala's Zone 1, is the very heart of the historical district. Changing climate is also its top topic. 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. Among the poor classes of both the Ladino and Mayan, unions are free and ties are brittle. This makes it incredibly densely packed! Guatemala is divided into 3 Geographic Regions, 11. The Home of the Happy Meal. Vendors even set up stalls on the stairs leading to . It also caused the death of a man. With these facts about Guatemala, let us explore its history, culture, food, volcanoes, geography, economy, trade and more. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. The music of Guatemala is diverse and includes several styles and expressions. 45. Here are some intriguing facts you should know about Guatemala City. Guatemala is the third-largest country in Central America and the 105th largest country in the world. 3. Ten fun facts about Guatemala City. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . Guatemala has a rainy season and a dry season, 23. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! Over one-third of Guatemala is covered by forests. Now here going to know about guatemala food facts. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. 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). 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 the top remittance recipient in Central America as a result of Guatemalas large expatriate community in the US. Known for its historical sites, natural beauty, and archaeological wonders, Guatemala receives around two million tourists a year. A Rich Multilingual Country. 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