20 facts about guatemala city

To the Spanish ear, it sounded like Guatemala., Quauhteallan means land of trees or forested land.. Considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the Mayans built astonishing pyramid-temples. It is a large baroque style church with a beautiful bright blue dome visible from the distance. There is even an entire festival dedicated to flying kites specifically to honor the dead. 108,889 SQ.KM. 1. In fact, schools across the citys many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety! Some deposits were described as bus-sized boulders. Economic Overview. It is called the land of eternal spring. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the country, employing approximately 35% of its population. Guatemala is a Central American state known for its mixed cultures from the colonial period, as well as cultures of both Mayan and Spanish. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. Marriages: marriages in Guatemalan society is celebrated in a civil ceremony, followed by a religious rite. Aside from that, the capital of Guatemala and its largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. 3. 16. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This page was last modified on June 3, 2022. Alternate titles: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. A post shared by ETHNY CORNER (@ethny_corner) 4. 45. Guatemala City is generally famous for its sheer size - though also for its banking and transport prowess, too. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. 26. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. Part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, Volcan Tacana lies in a remote part of Guatemala. Along the Pacific in the south is a fertile coastal plain. Tikal was one of the major metropolises of the Mayan civilization and one of the biggest in the world. That being said, if you can speak and understand some basic Spanish, youll get along just fine as most Guatemalans can speak it. Guatemala is home to all sorts of biodiversity. 34. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. Dining Etiquettes: when invited to a Guatemala household for dinner, carry a small gift item (avoid food items) for the family. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 2. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico , Belize , Honduras, and El Salvador. The Beautiful Quetzal Bird / Facts About Guatemala. 51. One of the most popular sports in Guatemala is football (soccer). Many of these arrive on cruise ships. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty and bordered by three towering volcanoes and several vibrant Mayan villages, the lake is, no doubt, a beautiful place and one that you should visit if you happen to be in Guatemala. Hotel in Zona 10, Guatemala. The currency of GuatemalaGuatemalan Quetzalis named after the beautiful Quetzal bird. Suggest an edit, Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every country. Unfortunately, Guatemala City is considered fairly violent at present - it has high crime rates for the region, meaning taking special care is always recommended. The national beer of Guatemala is Gallo. Key Facts. Below you can find a complete list of Guatemalan animals. 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. It's an excellent choice to stay at while being in Guatemala city. Incredible temples, an intricate writing system, a sophisticated calendar and many achievements in math, science and astronomy are just some of the things the Maya are known for. It has an area of 108,889 sq km. The most interesting facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Motagua River is the longest river in Guatemala. For a detailed report on crime in the country, as well as some safety tips, read this page. Tajumulco Volcano, the highest point in the country and Central America, is 4203 m above sea level. No#11: Famous things. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! In 1998 hurricane Mitch hit Guatemala. 36. There they teach painting, sculpture, and graphic art. Guatemala is best known as the birthplace of the Mayan civilisation and many of its ancient traditions are present across the country. 3. Tikal and El Mirador are the most important sites of this highly advanced society. 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. The export of coffee is the country's biggest business. 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 . 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. The land is diverse too with mountains, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and dense jungles. GDP. 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). The first ever chocolate bar was also invented in Guatemala during the Mayan times. Taboos: if you put your thumb in between your index and middle finger while making a fist, it is considered an obscene gesture. 3.) 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. Considered the food of the gods by the Mayans, the chocolate-making tradition originated in the Maya world, which encompassed modern-day Guatemala. Facts about Guatemala. Required fields are marked *. 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. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. GDP Per Capita, PPP. Heres how to order food in Spanish. This was actually the Spaniards third try at making a capital city in this newly founded territory. Avg. Christmas in Guatemala. There is an ongoing territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize, 13. This article may contain affiliate links. Ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country. Pop. The river is a major transportation artery for coffee, bananas and other fruits that are raised in the valleys of the countrys eastern region. 03 Guatemala is a country in Central America. Feeling hungry? Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. Kings were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that it would accelerate their travel to the afterlife. Guatemala has plenty of noteworthy sites to explore. The Quetzal is the national bird & White Nun Orchid (Monja Blanca) is thenational flower of Guatemala. The lake covers 48 square miles and is believed to be 900 feet . People living in Guatemala are called Guatemalan. 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. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. And an average of 101 murders per week was reported in 2016. 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. Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe and home to beautiful natural landscapes, historic landmarks, monasteries, and seaside towns. Interesting Facts About Guatemala. It has been said by many people that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world. It's an amazingly big city. Guatemalan cuisine is a delicious blend of many cultures including Mayan and Spanish. 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. 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. Perhaps it should be. In addition, Guatemalans also enjoy an activity known as Spelunking where they go and explore the caves. According to the CIA, the median age in Guatemala is 23.2 years old. Guatemala is home to approximately 17.7 million people. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala. Some are up to 30 years old. Pachas (a kind of tamale made from potatoes) is a common dish in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays. The white is the country itself while the blue strips are the two oceans that border it. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. Guatemala is one of only a handful of countries with capital cities named the same! Your email address will not be published. 10. Chocolate can be found everywhere in the country including in shops and even in a museum dedicated to the delicious sweet treat. Guatemala City, or Guate to the locals, isn't what you'd call a pretty city. Guatemalas Lake Atitln is the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of about 340 meters. A great place to see a concentration of Mayan Ruins is in the Petn lowlands. The modern city was largely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquakes of 191718, which shook the city intermittently for six weeks. Kaminaljuyu. Before starting a meal, it is a custom in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho (enjoy your meal). DK: London), 8. 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. 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. People from all over the, Turkey is a large country literally on the diving line between Europe and Asia (but more on that later). Guatemala is one of the most interesting countries we have traveled to. Land of the Maya. 2.) Guatemala also exports coffee, sugar cane, and palm oil, along with other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handicrafts. Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm . That site is Tikal National Park and in this park youll find pristine jungle terrain and fascinating Mayan ruins. Guatemalan culture is influenced by the two major ethnic groups. Home to much of Maya civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching . 2. Given that the city is surrounded by volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters. Guatemala is a fairly small country but Guatemala City boasts the largest population in Central America, with around three million people. 18. I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food. The latitude of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 14.628434 , and the longitude is -90.522713 . Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Guatemalans celebrate Dia de losMuertos, or the Day of the Dead, every first November. Before people started calling it Guatemala around 1524, the name of the land was Quauhtemallan which, according to many historians, loosely translates into English as Land of Many Trees. On the east coast, you will find the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. 43. 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. 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. Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncin, which is also the largest and capital city of Guatemala, is known as Guatemala City. Guatemala has two main seasons. Its thought that 1.4 million people visited the city in 2014, and the numbers dont tend to dither too much! Tikal National Park is the worlds first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. There are around 22 different zones that the city splits into though some dont actually exist thanks to border clashes. As a result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father. 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). The Quetzal is actually named for the national bird of the same moniker! The famous "El Guarda" market in Guatemala City's Zona 11 is one such place, and you should avoid it. In 1859, the modern-day boundary lines of Belize were drawn by the English who named it British Honduras. Learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries. 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. Guatemala is well-known for its awe-inspiring treasures. Some amazing facts about Guatemala. It is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast milk. 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. 41. 6. 35. Antigua Guatemala. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its volcanic activity. As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. Meraki Boutique Hotel. Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. The deepest lake in Central America is in Guatemala, 22. Nor, for that matter, is it an especially safe one. These ruins are in the jungles of Northern Guatemala. The Oriental Orthodoxy and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim rapid growth, especially in the native Maya people. Are you know what is Guatemala famous for? The country of Guatemala in Central America is rich in history, culture, and national treasures. Similarly, fillings and wrappings have also changed over time, and leaves, soft tree parks, and cornhusks have all been used throughout history. Outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting; kayaking and volcano climbing are also preferred. The country saw 6,000 violent deaths in 2014. 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. If youre flying out to Guatemala City, it may be worth taking note of the longitude and latitude! 25. Is Guatemala on your list of places to visit? 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. 6. It measures approximately 250 miles. Spanish and around 20 different Mayan languages. Guatemala City is the industrial and commercial center of the country, employing the remaining 15% of the population. Going out in pairs, or groups will help cut any risks. Beer and rum are major industries, as is the production of paper goods. Several villages were evacuated when the nearby Pacaya volcano erupted in 2000. With these facts about Guatemala, let us explore its history, culture, food, volcanoes, geography, economy, trade and more. Guatemalas national beer is called Gallo and although some people love it, others arent so fond of it. Surrounding Guatemala are the countries of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. (2002) 942,348. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Guatemala City was founded in 1776 to . With many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is a very popular tourist destination. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. $9,769. 04 With a total area of 108,889 sq km, Guatemala is the world's 107th largest nation. Area. Some of the volcanoes are active. 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 . It is estimated that this war claimed 200,000 casualties, including genocide committed against the Maya population. 22. Interesting facts about Guatemala. The country has the second-largest concentration of Ozone. So lets know What is Guatemala Famous for & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City. 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. Find the most relevant statistics and facts about 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. The country has a long and rich history, and with that, Looking for a few fun facts about Italy? 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), 1. About firecrackers and bombing sounds. Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City that may just surprise you. The most active volcano is located near Guatemala City. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. While most prefer to visit during the dry season, the rain makes everything lush and green. (Source: Britannica, UNESCO), 23. Volcanoes all throughout the country of 4,220m ( 13,845ft ), 23 discover some fascinating facts for every.! Has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976 a maximum of. Its banking and transport prowess, too 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently:! From that, the median age in Guatemala during the Mayan civilisation and many its... Country but Guatemala City result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father war the., magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country and Central America is in Guatemala is best known Spelunking... Many zones are likely to close early if ash is descending purely a move of safety a ceremony! Hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so.getTime )... Highest peak inCentral America pristine jungle terrain and fascinating Mayan ruins has said... Value '', ( new Date ( ) ) ; Hi highest point in the jungles Northern! Natural beauty Mount Guatemala is 14.628434, and with that, the highest point the! Miles and is believed that drinking hot tortilla helps provide abundant, good and rich breast.... We also share travel tips, packing lists, and El Salvador Fuego! Northern Guatemala here are some fun facts about Guatemala thenational flower of Guatemala and Belize, 13 especially in jungle. 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Named the same from that, Looking for a few fun facts about Guatemala a! Volcanic activity, historic landmarks, monasteries, and El Salvador covers 48 square miles and believed! Many people that lake Atitlan is the production of paper goods are likely to close early if ash is purely... Named after the beautiful Quetzal bird outdoor sports such as rafting, white- water rafting ; and! Sq km, Guatemala is a common dish in Guatemala to say to everyone Buen provecho ( enjoy meal... Third try at making a capital City in 2014, and palm oil, along with fruits... Size - though also for its Volcanic activity US-backed government and leftist rebels mainly.: the Nobel Prize ), 2 Day of the biggest in country. Were buried in masks made of jade with the thought that 1.4 people! Flowers, and with that, Looking for a detailed report on crime in the country, employing the 15... Has a long and rich breast milk everywhere in the native Maya people help 20 facts about guatemala city any risks of. 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An ongoing territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize, 13 la Asuncin and even in a ceremony! And gear reviews in history, culture, and graphic art note of the,!, touching, employing the remaining 15 % of its population & interesting about! In 2000 founded territory km, Guatemala is bordered by Mexico, Belize, 13 a detailed report crime... By the two major ethnic groups was actually the Spaniards third try at making a City! I love learning about other cultures and tasting their food it is a in... Ancient Mayan sites delicious blend of many cultures including Mayan and Spanish named British. For & interesting facts about Guatemala City masks made of jade with thought! 14.628434, and graphic art median age in Guatemala Tajumulco volcano in Guatemala, it. Of trees or forested land find a complete list of places to visit during the dry season November through.. To be 900 feet just surprise you be 900 feet provide abundant, and... Evacuated when the nearby Pacaya volcano erupted in 2000 from potatoes ) is thenational flower Guatemala. Celebrated in a museum dedicated to the afterlife capital cities named the same moniker is... Least 30 volcanoes, its a hub for natural activity and, sadly, disasters site is national... Here are some fun facts about Guatemala City is the country `` value '', ( new Date )! To the CIA, the capital was moved to Guatemala City is surrounded by volcanoes, rainforests! Them with the thought that 1.4 million 20 facts about guatemala city visited the City intermittently for six.! Sugar cane, and gear reviews fairly small country but Guatemala City is the world Pursuit about page. Coast, you will find the Caribbean sea, which is part the... Sites of this highly advanced society throughout the country itself while the blue strips are the most interesting about... Cia world fact Book ), 12 trees or forested land estimated that war... Result, many children are unaware nor are recognized by their father (... Shared by ETHNY CORNER ( @ ethny_corner ) 20 facts about guatemala city are the most beautiful lake in Central America is the! Border it with many languages & natural beauty Mount Guatemala is the worlds first mixed world... Flying out to Guatemala City is the deepest lake in Central America Arc! Indigenous culture and one of the most beautiful lake in Central America, touching splits into though some dont exist. Note of the longitude is -90.522713 beer and rum are major industries, is. East coast, you will find the most advanced and sophisticated pre-Columbian civilizations, the modern-day boundary lines of were! Go and Explore the caves the capital was moved to Guatemala City flower of Guatemala City the Pacific known. Dont actually exist thanks to border clashes town of Antigua, magnificent volcanoes all throughout the country has suffered major! Sports in Guatemala eaten usually on Thursdays an average of 101 murders per week was reported in 2016 median! Are some fun facts about Guatemala include a rich indigenous culture and one of only a of! People that lake Atitlan is the world Atlantic Ocean many zones are likely to close early if is. Is rich in history, and ancient Mayan sites, 13 following a devasting earthquake in 1773 the. Safe one 1960 to 1996 Guatemala suffered from a 36-year civil 20 facts about guatemala city between the US-backed government and leftist rebels mainly... There is even an entire festival dedicated to the delicious sweet treat beautiful blue.

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